Tami Photinos, Executive Director, The Prince Charles Hospital

I would like to extend my thoughts and wishes to those TPCH staff and families who have been impacted by the recent severe weather event in South East Queensland. I appreciate this is a very difficult time for many staff so please know we are here to support you.

As mentioned in yesterday’s message from the Metro North Incident Controller, Metro North remains on Lean Forward (Code Brown) for the intense rainfall event.

South East Queensland is on further flood watch, being at risk of further major flooding over the 24-48 hours which will result in potential additional road closures during the next few days.

Being prepared

In preparation for these continuing weather events, TPCH is constantly monitoring its capacity to continue planned care this week and is discharging as many patients as possible over the next 24 hours.

Non-essential meetings and training should be postponed until Monday 7 March.

Staff are asked to prepare for the possibility of needing to stay overnight at work if roads are closed. Please bring a change of clothes/uniform, essential items and supplies with you, and remember to keep your phones and other essential equipment charged.

We are also making arrangements for accommodation to be made available in the Education Centre as well as meals for staff who need to stay overnight. If you need to stay overnight, please speak to your team leader/service line manager in the first instance who will coordinate with the Duty Nurse Managers. Shower and kitchen facilities, as well a personal provisions pack will also be available.

Staffing

We appreciate that some staff may not be able to get to work due to the various impacts of the recent weather event such as road closures, flooding, and school closures.

If you are not able to get to the workplace for any reason, please talk to your manager. Where possible, staff may be able to work at alternative locations to ensure continued service delivery, or may be able to work from home if appropriate.

Staying safe

Staff are reminded to ensure their contact details are up to date with your supervisor / team leader, and that the details on Streamline are also up to date.

For those staff who are travelling to work through affected areas, we encourage you to have a nominated ‘flood buddy’ – someone who knows your route to work and can make sure you have arrived at work and home safely.

Fever Clinic

Please note that TPCH Fever Clinic may close at short notice over the weekend due to inclement weather and staffing impacts.

Please stay safe.

Tami Photinos
Executive Director