Message from TPCH Executive Director

We will schedule more visits and walkarounds once we move out of the current tier. If your service or area would like to arrange a visit, or would like me to attend one of your team meetings, please email my office: ExecDir-TPCH@health.qld.gov.au

Performance update

This week, TPCH had its monthly performance meeting with Metro North. These meetings are designed to showcase TPCH’s current performances and activity, as well highlight improvements and challenge areas. I would like to thank the hospital program teams for providing the necessary information in the lead up to these meetings, so we can convey a comprehensive and accurate picture to Metro North of how TPCH is performing across key service and priority areas.

Here is a snapshot from this week’s performance meeting:

• Total of 24 long waits across categories 1 to 3
• Reduction of Workplace Health and Safety open incidents from 165 in October 2021 to just 19 in March 2022
• Multi-storey car park – plans and consultation progressing
• Functional brief for the Gastroenterology and Ambulatory Centre underway
• Bed-stock review to improve patient placement and outcomes – early consultation has commenced
• Implementation of all recommendations made in response to internal audit of medication record keeping.

Governance implementation change plan

Many of you would have read, that we had planned to announce TPCH’s Governance Implementation Change Plan yesterday. Due to the change in tier and number of staff currently away from work, we will postpone the announcement until next week. Meeting details will be provided in due course.

Staff profile

This week is Dietitians Week, and in recognition, today we will profile Dietitian, Sarah Mackay.

Having worked as a dietitian at TPCH for nine years, Sarah provides patients with specialised nutritional support and advice across a number of areas including children’s services where she supports babies, children and teenagers. She also coordinates nutrition products for patients in the community to help improve their nutrition status, and works with TPCH’s food services team to ensure inpatients receive the most appropriate food possible.

In her work, Sarah feels fortunate to be able help patients improve their nutritional status, always applying the value of treating others how she would like to be treated.

When not at work, Sarah remains a food enthusiast, enjoying cooking and trying new recipes. She also likes running and spending time with family and friends.

Mandatory March

This month has made a fantastic difference to our mandatory training results. A big thanks to everyone for your efforts. To finish the month on a positive note, let’s continue to concentrate our efforts in the following areas:

• Cyber Security Essentials
• Recognise, Respond, Refer
• PDPs
• General Evacuation.

Thank you for your support during Mandatory March!

COVID-19 update

Metro North remains in the high risk category of the PPE guidelines. This means that staff in clinical areas must wear a P2/N95 mask and protective eyewear, and staff in non-clinical areas must wear a surgical mask at minimum.

A reminder that staff need to wear masks to and from their vehicles, and should not gather in large groups without wearing a mask.

When taking meal breaks, please make the necessary arrangements in your local work area to ensure that staff are socially distanced (1.5m). This may mean staggering staff meal breaks, or eating meals in a different location. Thank you for your support.

Tour De Brisbane

The Australian Unity Tour de Brisbane is just two weeks away. There is still time to support your TPCH colleagues who are undertaking this incredible ride, whilst fundraising medical research hours for The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

Cathy Saxon (Study Coordinator), Lesleigh Winks (Transplant Coordinator) and Sjane Timmins (Study Coordinator and RIU – Respiratory Scientist) from the Queensland Lung Transplant Service (QLTS) have joined forces as Team Sugar Pop Crew. You can show your support for the QLTS riders by making a donation here.

Today’s quote:
Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.” – Gever Tulley

Tami Photinos
Executive Director