Tami Photinos, Executive Director

As we head towards the end of the financial year, I would like to extend a big thanks to all teams across TPCH. This time of year is extremely busy not only clinically but administratively as we prepare and load our budgets for the upcoming year. Our business managers have been working conscientiously behind the scenes to help position and support our services and teams in the best possible way, so they can continue to responsibly deliver high quality patient care in the year ahead. Well done everyone!

Have your Say survey

Today is your last chance to complete the Have your Say staff survey. TPCH is currently sitting at a 46% response rate, so a big thanks to those staff who’ve taken the time to do the survey.  I encourage as many staff as possible to complete the survey today. Your feedback will help us understand how we need to improve, and make TPCH an even better place to work. Complete the Have Your Say survey.

Executive update

Yarning with Sherry

Yarning circle

This week, Hospital Finance Manager, Darren Ransom and I attended a yarning session with Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Sherry Holzpel and other members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services team. It was a great opportunity to catch up and talk about strategies to bring yarning circles to the bedside to support better engagement with our consumers. We look forward to having Sherry join some of our future Executive walkarounds.

Blood Week

Director of Operations, Surgery and Critical Care, Melanie Dubbelde; and A/Nursing Director, Surgery and Critical Care, Paula Ve and I had the pleasure of being judges in the annual TPCH Blood Week decoration competition. Areas did a great job in promoting the week’s theme of ‘Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often’ and we were impressed by the creativity and efforts of our teams. Congratulations to the Children’s Ward who were the winners of the competition and a big thanks to all areas who got involved in the week’s various activities. A special thanks to our Blood Management team for coordinating such a successful week.

Ward 2B (4th place)

Ward 1B (3rd place)

RAS Unit (2nd place)

Children’s Ward (winner)

Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing, Cherie Franks is backfilling the RBWH Director of Nursing and Midwifery position from 12 June to 20 August 2023. During this time, Danielle Johanson and Sue Bullock will act in the Director of Nursing position for consecutive periods. EOIs for backfill into the Nursing Director Workforce and Innovation, and Nursing Director Heart Lung are on the Metro North Portal.

Helix Hub

Staff are invited to use Metro North’s new HELIX Hub, a multifaceted initiative developed to support service improvement throughout Metro North. It includes a central access platform and provides opportunities for learning, sharing and promoting ideas. Staff can even submit innovative ideas for funding opportunities via the HELIX Ideas Gateway. Find out more.

Staff flu vaccination program

TPCH is tracking well with 73% of staff having received their flu vaccination to date. We are still aiming to achieve our target of 90% so I encourage staff who’ve not yet had their vaccination to make the necessary arrangements. To assist you, our Infection Control team will be roaming clinical areas with the mobile trolley on Wednesday 21 June. Up until July 3, staff will still be able to visit the Infection Control team on Level 3, Clinical Sciences Building, between 7am and 4pm, Monday to Friday to get their vaccination. After this date, vaccinations will be offered through the Infection Control Office, on Monday and Thursday, 1 – 4 pm.

FAST FACTS

Blood Management Team – Michelle Dwyer and Kylie Hobson. Absent – Bronwyn Pearse

As it’s TPCH Blood Management Week, we will profile our Blood Management team.

Did you know?

• TPCH Blood Management team consists of one Nurse Practitioner candidate and two CNCs employed in a part-time capacity, who work closely with ICU (Blood Management Committee Chair), Anaesthetics (Blood Management Committee Deputy Chair), Pathology Queensland Blood Bank team and Haematologist, Emergency Department and all specialities across the organisation.
• The team is responsible for pre-optimisation of a patient’s own blood; transfusion management and adverse events; supporting blood loss and bleeding management strategies; staff education; and reporting to committees locally, state-wide and nationally.
• The team assesses around 84% (1,450 cases) of major elective surgery patients each year for preoperative anaemia, with 20% of those patients (280 cases) being managed for iron deficiency and/or anaemia.
• In 2022, TPCH used 4,400 red blood cells, 1,002 platelets, 440 plasma and 968 cryoprecipitates.
• TPCH’s fresh blood product wastage is below the peer, state and national averages.
• TPCH is about to launch Queensland Health’s first Blood Management Information brochure for First Nations people.
• The team is involved in multiple projects (research, data dashboard) and committees on a national and international level, including the National Blood Authority Committee, Statewide Blood Nurses Network, National Haemovigilance Reporting, State-wide Emergency Blood Supply Plan Working Group, International Foundation for Blood Management.

Tania Wood

Staff profile

Today we will profile TPCH’s new Director of Physiotherapy, Tania Wood.

Having previously undertaken physiotherapy leadership roles in Western Australia, Hobart and the Sunshine Coast, Tania is looking forward to networking and working closely with the clinical teams to deliver high quality physiotherapy across all services. She enjoys working with physiotherapists, and seeing their careers progress, as they strive to deliver a good patient experience and best meet the changing needs of the health service.

On the weekend, Tania looks forward to exploring Brisbane’s walk tracks, golf courses, kayaking options and live music venues. Welcome to the team Tania!

Professor Elizabeth Whiting

Shout out

This week’s shout out goes to TPCH general physician and geriatrician Professor Elizabeth Whiting on her recent receipt of a Public Service Medal. Professor Whiting, who is also currently the Program Executive and Clinical Lead, Reform Office, Department of Health is recognised for her outstanding public service to healthcare in Queensland, particularly for aged care. Read more about Professor Whiting’s achievements. Congratulations Liz!

Also this week, we will shine the light on men’s health during Men’s Health Week. Here are some views from some of our male staff members at TPCH about what good health means to them.

James Ng Shiu
Protective Services Officer

Being healthy is having regular medical check-ups, staying active at the gym and at work, good nutrition, hydration, hygiene and sleep – especially for shift work.

Vijay Pillay
A/Nurse Unit Manager, CAM Unit

Good health means that when I wake up in the morning, I feel great and look forward to an adventurous day.

Dr Jordan Steele
Medical Intern

Good health means regular physical activity, work-life balance, and a supportive social group.

Mervin Fabian
Patient Support Services Officer

Good health is constantly improving your mental and physical well-being, having a balanced diet, consistent sleeping pattern, regular exercise and an active social life. It’s about making healthier daily choices and creating positive habits.

Mark Roll
Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, Thoracic Medicine

It’s about practicing good health and being aware of preventable health problems commonly affecting all men. This includes educating and supporting those around me including family, friends, our patients and work colleagues.

Peter Drew
Trade Manager – Carpentry

Good health to me is not just physical. Mental and emotional health are important, having a good work life balance, engaging with family friends and talking to people I trust.

Today’s quote

“The greatest wealth is health.” –  Virgil

Tami.