On Tuesday afternoon, Metro North moved to Tier 4 in its COVID-19 response plan due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in its care, and the large number of staff currently out of the workplace as close contacts or COVID-19 positive.

Please refer to yesterday’s Metro North Incident Controller message for details on what Tier 4 means for us.

Due to the change in tier, I was unfortunately unable to visit any areas as part of the regular Executive walkarounds. I plan to resume these visits as soon as we are able to, and look forward to meeting with many of you then.

Health equity strategy

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to attend Metro North’s health equity workshop to review and discuss the draft strategy and how we can start putting it into action. Metro North Health is committed to providing equity of access to high quality health care services and building relationships based on inclusion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

The draft Metro North Health Equity Strategy 2022–2025 is now available for review and feedback. I encourage staff to provide any feedback through the Yarning Hub by Wednesday 20 April 2022. Supporting the program is a ‘Health Equity Starts with Me’ film featuring a commitment made by nurses, doctors, administration staff, health executives and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers. You will notice our very own Director of Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Professor Peter Hopkins, plays a starring role.

TPCH Governance Implementation Change Plan

A reminder that that the consultation period for TPCH’s Governance Implementation Plan has been extended until Tuesday 26 April 2022.

The Implementation Change Plan and all relevant documents are now available on TPCH QHEPS page at: TPCH Governance Review 2021 | The Prince Charles Hospital (health.qld.gov.au)

All feedback and queries can be emailed to Katie Tully at: TPCH_Governance_Project@health.qld.gov.au

Staff Profile

This week we will profile Emergency Medicine Staff Specialist, Dr Faye Jordan. As am emergency consultant in both the adult and children’s emergency departments, Faye is responsible for overseeing the care of all patients in designated areas of the emergency department, which includes adult resuscitation, children’s emergency, and the adult short stay ward. This involves supervising junior doctors and trainees, supporting families and patients, and ensuring all patients receive the best possible care through early diagnosis and treatment.  Having worked in emergency medicine for 15 years, five of these at TPCH, Faye understands that her role means she is often meeting people on one of the worst days of their lives, and she is in a position to make the journey of patients a little less daunting.

For Faye, the best part of her role is the people she works with, and the relationships she builds with her fabulous team of dedicated colleagues as well as the patients she cares for. Considering her work a calling rather than a job, Faye loves what she does and gains great reward from knowing she makes a difference.

When not at work, (and when time allows), Faye enjoys dancing, going to the gym and boxing. Spending time with family is also important to her.

TPCH Nursing Excellence Awards

Nominations are now open for TPCH’s annual Nursing Excellence Awards. These Awards recognise TPCH nurses who demonstrate exceptional professional leadership and have an impact directly and/or indirectly on patient and client care. These individuals enhance the profession of nursing, display a genuine passion for the profession, and inspire those around them.

Categories for nomination:

• Leadership and Management
• Education and Research
• Clinical Practice
• Outstanding Collegial Support (Cheryl Burns Award)

Nominations close on Monday 25 April 2022.

NOMINATE HERE

Farewell

This week, our Medical Services team farewelled Librarian Chris Parker. Chris has been at TPCH since 1996, supporting staff and researchers, as well as training and mentoring other librarians. Chris plans to retire after taking some leave, so we wish him all the best and thank him for his fine work and excellent support to TPCH over many years. Our best wishes Chris!

Shout out – Tour De Success

This week, I’d like to give a big shout out to the 5,000 odd riders who took to the streets of Brisbane last Sunday for the 2022 Australian Unity Tour de Brisbane!  The day was a fantastic success, with over $74,000 raised for life-changing research into heart disease, lung disease, organ transplant, mental health and dementia.

A big thanks to the team at The Common Good who coordinated this successful event with the support of many dedicated, fundraisers, donors and volunteers. As a participant in last year’s Tour, I appreciate the work it takes to prepare and participate in such a ride, so would like to congratulate everyone for making the effort to support the valuable work of our dedicated researchers.

For those who celebrate Easter, I wish you a safe and peaceful one. Personally, I will be spending time with family, and of course, eating lots of my favourite dark chocolate!

Today’s quote

‘Have fun, be yourself, enjoy life and stay positive’ – Tatania Maslany

Tami Photinos
Executive Director