We would like to extend a sincere thanks to each and every staff member at TPCH for their extraordinary efforts over the last few weeks. This week has been extremely challenging with consistently high demands on our services resulting from large numbers of admissions and ongoing staff absences due to illness.

We are working closely with staff on a daily basis to ensure the hospital can continue meeting these demands – this is not an easy task! Much of our current efforts are being directed towards bed management, timely patient discharges and hospital avoidance pathways. The success of these strategies relies on the commitment, flexibility and collaboration of staff, and we commend everyone for their hard work and outstanding efforts in supporting the excellent care of our patients and each other during this time.

Next week, Executive Director Tami Photinos will return to TPCH after her four-week secondment as Metro North’s Acting Chief Operating Officer. Tami enjoyed her time in the role and is looking forward to re-joining the team here at TPCH. A big thank you to Angie Dobbrick for her leadership and support as Acting Executive Director TPCH for the last three weeks. It was great to have Angie here!

NAIDOC Week

Next week (3-10 July) is NAIDOC Week, when we celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To mark the week, TPCH is hosting a number of activities for staff to join in.

Monday 4 July, 10am – Commemorative flag raising ceremony
Where: Near main entrance, Rode Road

Tuesday 5 July, 10.30am-1pm – Paver art competition
Where: Grassed area near swimming pool

All week

• Ward decoration competition – to register email: CulturalCapabilityOfficerTPCH@health.qld.gov.au
• Metro North Virtual Event – to view go to: www.metronorthhealth.qld.gov.au/bettertogether-van or www.facebook.com/BetterTogetherHealthVan

We look forward to seeing many of you getting involved in this important week.

Staff Profile

Katelyn Mitchell

This week, we will profile TPCH’s new Emergency Department Data and Applications Manager, Katelyn Mitchell. Prior to joining TPCH, Katelyn worked in a variety of roles within the Emergency Department environment including Business Practice Improvement Officer, Data Manager, Data Validation Officer, Clinical Trainer and Administration Officer at Redland and QEII Hospitals. In her new role, Katelyn will manage all aspects of data collection and reporting for the Emergency Department, which includes maintaining high levels of data integrity, security and quality.

She is looking forward to identifying areas for improvement and providing, advice, support and feedback to staff, while meeting new people. Katelyn values being highly organised, and attention to detail in her work, and is passionate about finding opportunities to expand her skills and helping others, whether it be through training, educating or facilitating.

Outside of work, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling and exploring new places, and DIY projects!

Staff Flu Vaccination Program

A reminder that TPCH’s staff flu vaccination program is still running and there are plenty of vaccines available. To get your vaccine, please visit the Infection Control Office, Level 3, Clinical Sciences Building, Monday to Friday, 7am – 4pm. Please note that the mobile trolley service is no longer available. With flu cases on the increase, we encourage any staff member who has not already had their flu vaccination, to arrange one as soon as possible.

Shout out

This week’s shout goes to the entire TPCH team. We are acutely aware that every service and department is currently experiencing challenges whether it be through high activity or staff absences due to sickness. Across the board, staff are going above and beyond their normal call of duty to ensure the hospital can continue to fulfil its obligations to our patients, and that is to deliver high quality, safe and timely care. We are very proud to support such a committed, compassionate and hard working group of staff who really care about doing the best by our patients and supporting each other in the process. Well done everyone and keep up the great work!

TPCH Executive Leadership Team