Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), a time for all of us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme of the week is ‘Be Brave, Make Change,’ challenging us all to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the benefit of all Australians.

As a hospital that engages with many First Nations people, both patients and staff, this week is an opportunity to think about reconciliation and how we can each contribute to health equity and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at TPCH.

Winter planning

With winter officially here next week, the hospital is experiencing increasing demands across all of our services, and we are seeing more reported flu cases in the community alongside continued COVID-19 transmission. Today, I am meeting with staff from TPCH and across Metro North to finalise our planning
for an increase in acute respiratory cases in the coming weeks and months, to ensure we can effectively manage the demands on our services during this period.

The change of season is a good reminder for staff to stay on top of their health, by getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible, if they haven’t already. TPCH’s staff influenza vaccination program is running until 3 July 2022, so please make the time to visit the Infection Control office on Level
3 of the Clinical Sciences Building, Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm. Alternatively, clinical areas can call the Infection Management Service team on ext. 4894 to arrange a mobile trolley for a specific date and time.

COVID-19 update – masks

The PPE guide has been refreshed, in line with advice from Queensland Health. The main difference is that P2/N95 masks are required in emergency departments, fever clinics and COVID wards. In other
clinical areas, staff need to wear a flat surgical mask. Eyewear requirements remain the same.

Staff can still choose to wear a P2/N95 if they prefer. You can choose to go up a level in the PPE guideline, but you cannot choose a lower level of PPE than required. Staff in non-clinical areas are required to wear a flat surgical mask.

Executive update

I will be undertaking a four-week secondment as Metro North’s Acting Chief Operating Officer starting next Friday 3 June. During this period, Angie Dobbrick, Executive Director Caboolture Hospital will be the Acting Executive Director TPCH. We welcome Angie to TPCH.

This week, I had the opportunity to visit our new ICU of the Future prototype. The prototype which has been built by the Critical Care Research Group in conjunction with the Adult Intensive Care Service and supported by the Common Good, provides a proposed model of what the ICU of the Future might look
like, addressing many of the environmental factors that can contribute to long term side effects and ICU delirium. The new prototype looks at every aspect of ICU care including noise, lighting and interactive technology to create an environment that optimises patient recovery, quality of life following
discharge, and improves clinical efficiencies. This impressive project has been developed over a number of years and it is great to see the evolution of such a highly innovative and patient-centred initiative. We look forward to seeing the project become a reality when the model is implemented in TPCH’s
ICU shortly.

Staff Profile

This week we will profile Assistant Site Manager, Patient Support Services, Paul Sheppard.

Having worked in the role for the past two years, Paul is responsible for the co-ordination of cleaning and porterage services across TPCH, and ensuring his team provides a quality and enjoyable experience for patients and clients of the hospital.

With over two decades of experience working in Queensland Health, Paul knows the difference he and his staff can make to a patient’s stay in hospital, just through a kind word. He is extremely proud of his team who dedicate themselves to providing great patient care and support each day. For Paul, the
most enjoyable part of his role is the interactions he has with patients and staff, and TPCH’s positive team environment.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys four-wheel driving, camping and fishing. A real outdoors guy!

Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day

For more information, read the poster below. CrazySocks4Docs

Farewell Sue

This week, we farewell Suzanne Cochrane, Director Occupational Therapy (O.T.) who is retiring after 17 years of leadership to the service. During her time as director, Sue has made significant contributions to TPCH’s O.T. service which includes successfully guiding the service through substantial organisational
change, expansion of the wider hospital, along with the introduction of many new and specialised services.

Sue has facilitated the ongoing development of O.T. clinical services, new models of care, and the provision of innovative opportunities for both patients and staff. As a leader, Sue is known for her commitment to the delivery of best practice, high level patient outcomes and supportive team approach.

We thank Sue for everything she has achieved for TPCH, and wish her all the best in her new phase of life.

Shout out

This week’s shout out goes to our Food Services team for the great work they do in providing high quality food and meeting the nutritional needs of our patients. Over the last few months, the team has received several compliments from patients about their excellent service, and I would like to share
a few of these with you.

“All the food services team were polite and courteous”

“Food was crazy good!”

“The hospital’s Room Service meal arrangement was excellent. Meals were beautiful, well prepared, and delivered in a timely manner. Ordering was convenient, using phone or app, and the menu varied.”

“I was very impressed and delighted to be able choose my own food. The choices were impressive.
Thank you.”

Well done Food Services team!

TPCH Early Education Centre

Did you know that TPCH campus has an Early Education Centre located near the Hamilton Road entrance?

The centre is open from 6am to 6pm, every Monday to Friday. The experienced and long-term team of qualified educators and teachers pride themselves on delivering quality care to children from 6 weeks to 5 years who are in the kindergarten program. The centre also has before and after
school care as well as vacation care. It healthy meals as well as a range of engaging education programs and learning through play including STEAM, veggie fun, nature play, grandfriends, beach and bush kindy, swimming and more. A 5 per cent discount is offered to all TPCH campus staff.

For more information phone 3511 8800 or email princecharles@qccs.com.au

Today’s quote:
‘The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today’ – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Regards,

Tami Photinos
Executive Director