This afternoon it was announced that Metro North is planning to transition back to Tier 2 in its COVID and Influenza Response Plan from next Wednesday 17 August. This transition will depend on the continuation of the downward trend in active cases in Metro North’s care and staff away from work.

Until then, Metro North remains in Tier 3.

So while we are not quite there yet, we can look forward to this change when it happens. I thank everyone for their ongoing commitment, flexibility and hard work. It has been a massive effort and I know everyone has been giving their all to make sure all of our patients are well cared for.

After two weeks as Acting Chief Operating Officer for Metro North, I am now back at TPCH and very pleased to return to my home hospital.

From next week, I will be getting out and about to visit areas throughout the hospital, and on Wednesday will have the opportunity to watch a new ablation procedure in our Cath Lab. The new Pulse Field Ablation procedure is an Australian first for TPCH and means that patients with abnormal heart rhythms can now be treated more safely and faster by our expert cardiology team. I invite you to watch the media story that ran on 9 News last week about the new procedure.

If your area or service would like to invite me to one of your meetings to discuss some of your achievements or challenges, or even to watch a clinical procedure, please contact my office to arrange. Even though we are in midst of our current COVID response, it is still important to acknowledge the great work being done, and I am always keen to hear about this from staff.

Also, this week is National Stroke Week, and I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of our Rehabilitation and Stroke (RAS) Unit. This Unit, which cares for approximately 550 patients each year, includes a six-bed Acute Stroke Service and Acute Rehabilitation Service which are co-located to allow stroke patients to remain within the same ward and receive care and therapy from the same nursing and allied health staff during their admission. A very patient-centred approach! The RAS Unit celebrated National Stroke Week with a colourful ward display to promote the Stroke Week theme of ‘Act F.A.S.T (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) to enjoy precious moments. See photo below. Well done team!

Executive update

I know that in my message last Friday I advised that we would announce the successful candidates for the three new Director of Operation positions at TPCH, however we are still finalising contract negotiations, and the announcement will be made shortly.

I am also pleased to provide an update on the following appointments of Nursing Director positions:

• Allison Bowen is appointed into Nursing Director Education.
• Maryanne Humphries is appointed into Nursing Director Safety and Quality but has taken a secondment. Zachary Sheldrick has been appointed as the Acting Nursing Director Safety and Quality until 28 February 2023 following a recent EOI recruitment process.
• Danielle Johanson is appointed into Nursing Director Workforce and Innovation and commences on 15 August 2022.

All other Nursing Director positions including for Emergency and Paediatrics; Patient Flow and Access, and Internal Medicine are still being finalised and will be announced soon.

Staff Profile

Because it’s National Stroke Week, this week we will profile TPCH Stroke Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), Caitlin Kearney.

In this role, Caitlin is responsible for co-ordinating stroke care for patients throughout the hospital. This includes attending code strokes, inpatient care, co-ordinating patients discharges, outpatient clinic follow up, and providing education for staff and service development.

As Stroke CNC for over five years, a position Caitlin attained after a decade of various nursing roles in EMU and general surgery nursing work in the private sector, Caitlin values the ability to help develop a service that is truly patient-centred, where every day is different. She understands that having a stroke is life changing, and is passionate about advocating for her patients to help them successfully recover, rehabilitate and transition to home.

Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her family especially her nieces and nephews, and catching up with friends over nice food and coffee. She also loves playing with her beautiful dog Bonnie and holidays at the Sunshine Coast.

COVID-19 update – Boosters

Staff Vaccination Booster Service

Metro North is running a staff only booster blitz from 16 to 19 August (Pfizer only). TPCH staff vaccination booster service will be available in the Education Centre from 8am to 4pm during these dates.

Staff are eligible to receive a booster if:

3^rd Dose

• >18 years of age and
• > 3 months have elapsed since their last COVID vaccination
• > 3 months have elapsed if they have had COVID and recovered

4^th Dose

• >30 years of age and
• > 3 months have elapsed since their last COVID vaccination
• > 3 months have elapsed if they have had COVID and recovered

Bookings can be made via this link MNH Staff Pfizer Vaccinations August 2022.

Registering your booster

TPCH staff who require assistance in registering their third or fourth COVID vaccinations can attend the vaccine registration kiosk in the EOC Office, Executive Building 12, Monday to Friday, 10am – 3pm

Staff can also register their COVID vaccination doses online by:

1. Download a COVID digital certificate from your myGov account
2. Go to the COVID-19 Vaccination Hub
3. Choose the +Booster Vaccination option
4. Add your booster details
5. Upload or drag and drop your certificate
6. Save

You can also submit a paper form if you can’t get to a kiosk or upload to the COVID vaccination hub during work hours. The form can be submitted to MN-COVID-Staff-Vaccination-Forms-only@health.qld.gov.au with a copy of your vaccination evidence.  If you’re not sure whether you have already updated your information, you can check under the personal profile section of myHR. 

Shout out

This week’s shout out goes to Senior Supervisor, Patient Support Services, Patrick Joseph who recently celebrated 35 years of service at TPCH. Commencing as a Wardsman, Patrick has worked across areas of TPCH, always being an avid supporter of the hospital and the people it serves. He is well known by staff for his commitment, his ‘can do’ attitude, and his support of recycling initiatives. Patrick is always looking for ways to improve the services provided by Patient Support Officers, and support his fellow colleagues. Well done Patrick!

Today’s quote

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” – Thomas Edison

Tami Photinos
Executive Director