This week, I’d like to start by touching on the topic of heart health, in light of February being Heart Health month. This month is especially meaningful for me, not only because I turned one year older, but as some of you may know, I experienced an unexpected problem with my heart in 2021. This came as a big shock to me, especially because I’d always been healthy, eaten right and been active.

I’m travelling okay now and I’d even go as far to say I’m kicking goals, but the experience made me look at my own situation, and become more aware about caring for my heart and health in a much better way. In chatting to my cardiologist, and as the experts tell us, there are some things we can all do to help maintain good heart health.

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Maintain a normal weight range
• No smoking
• Find ways to relax
• See your GP for regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

As health care workers, we are all in business of caring for others, but in order to do this properly, we need to take care of ourselves too. That is a must! So if you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, or any symptom that doesn’t feel right, please act on it now and see your GP.

Monday marked the 15-year anniversary of Sorry Day in Australia, recognising the history of the stolen generation and the ongoing impact on the health and well-being of First Nation peoples today. Here at TPCH, we have a dedicated and compassionate First Nation team so as a facility, so we respectfully reflect on and acknowledge the past. But looking forward, we are working with our First Nation Executive Lead, Kirsty Leo and her team to help build a more connected, inclusive and culturally sensitive health care environment for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into the future.

Executive Update

This week, Director Corporate Services, Bretine Curtis; Manager Facility and Support Services, Bianca Neaves and I visited our Patient Support Services team. It was great to catch up with this hardworking team which plays a key role in supporting our hospital to deliver a high quality care experience to our patients. While there, the team shared some of their impressive achievements from 2022 which included completing 207,875 patient transfers, cleaning 65,000 square metres and responding to 1,135 MET calls, just to name a few. Wow!  A big thanks to the team for having us, and a special thanks to Patient Support Services Officer, Melissa Bernard who showed me the correct way to hold my phone for a better selfie. I’m always learning new things! So watch out for my new and improved selfies in future messages.

Also this week, I had my regular catch up with St Vincent Private Hospital Northside’s Chief Executive Officer, Oli Steele. Oli and I discussed current activities and challenges across the hospitals, as well as opportunities for further collaboration between our surgical services to enable more patients to receive treatment on our campus. A valuable opportunity to share and exchange knowledge and experiences. Thanks Oli!

Last week, as part of Metro North’s weekly Clinical Directorate Leadership Team meeting, I travelled to Caboolture Hospital to see its current Redevelopment Project. I joined Metro North’s Chief Operating Officer, Jane Hancock and other stream and facility Executive Directors for a tour of the new Clinical Services Building which is nearing completion. This building is part of a multi-million dollar redevelopment which will see the upgrade of various hospital facilities and services, as well as a new multi-storey car park which is also near completion. It was excellent to see the redevelopment at Caboolture Hospital progressing so well.

From early March, I will be taking annual leave for a three-week period. During this time, Alanna Geary, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer for Metro North will be relieving in TPCH Executive Director role. Alanna is a highly experience member of Metro North’s Senior Executive Team, and we look forward to having her on the ground at TPCH. Please make her feel welcome if you see her around.

Voluntary Assisted Dying update

Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland (QVAD) has been available for a little over six weeks now.  The Metro North VAD Service are coordinating patient referrals from across the state and as of last week have had 37 patient enquiries.  The majority of these patients have an oncology diagnosis with nine of them being known to our hospital.  Five patients have completed the QVAD pathway since 1 January and it is reassuring to know these patients were supported to make this difficult choice at the end of their life.  The impact of QVAD will likely be felt by all staff at TPCH whether you are asked for information about how to access QVAD from a patient or colleague, or you may even be asked to witness a patient signature on a Second Request Form.  Some staff may also choose to become an Authorised Practitioner and be involved in the direct care of patients on the QVAD pathway.  Whatever level of involvement you choose, it is important to remember that QVAD is everyone’s business and we all need to be ready to support our patients and their choices.  For more information on QVAD at TPCH please read the latest update here. 

FAST FACTS

This week we will focus on the First Nations Outpatient Department team.

Did you know?:

• The First Nations Outpatients Department team was established in December 2022 to support the delivery of culturally safe, responsive and timely care for all First Nations patients of TPCH
• The team consists of a Nurse Navigator and an Administration Officer who work to establish equitable processes, and a clinical and culturally safe connection with consumers in their own communities prior to admission, improving opportunities for care
• The team facilitates a First Nation clinically led model of care for identified First Nations consumers with referrals to see specialists at TPCH
• They perform virtual Wellness checks and support outpatient services to ensure patients are in a position to receive the care they need
• The team works with programs and care teams to ensure that TPCH has no First Nations consumers waiting for an outpatient appointment longer than the recommended time
• The team has performed 66 Wellness Checks to date, and this is rapidly increasing now that systems have been developed and are being utilised

The team works closely with the Urban Indigenous Respiratory Outreach Clinic (UROC) to complete Patient Reported Experience Measures Survey (PREMS), allowing the identification of any safety and quality issues, and highlighting improvements needed to ensure the continuation of patient-centred care.

Staff Profile

This week, we will profile Facility Support Officer, Education Centre, James Bush.

James has worked in Queensland Health for 10 years, commencing in RBWH Food Services, before moving to TPCH in 2016 where he undertook various administration relief work roles including supporting the Fever Clinic during peak periods. He also spent a year in the Department of Justice.

In his role, James is responsible for processing new ID cards and renewals, proximity access request, and staff parking queries. He also provides support to the Education Centre through responding to staff queries about AV and technical issues. James enjoys the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of staff throughout the hospital, and is passionate about providing an excellent service to the staff of TPCH.

Outside of work, James’ focus is on being a new Dad, spending time with his wife and six-month old daughter. When time allows, he enjoys playing volleyball, eating out and playing games with friends.

Shout out

This week’s shout out goes to Child Life Therapist, Meenu Wadwa, Since commencing in the role last year, Meenu has been repeatedly complimented in our Patient Reported Experience Measures Survey, praised for her kind care, ability to keep young patients calm during treatment, and excellent communication with families. Well done Meenu, you’re an asset to our Children’s Services and TPCH!.

The other shout out goes to Manager of Emergency Preparedness and Projects, Tenille King and the Incident Management team for their great work in coordinating TPCH’s Code Yellow Lean Forward event which occurred earlier this week as a result of the storm. The team mobilised quickly to ensure the safety of all areas and staff impacted by the event. Well done!

Today’s quote

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” – Harold S. Kushner

Tami.