Glynis Schultz, Executive Director
Executive Director’s message
Last year, as part of our executive roadshows we produced a number of facility newsletters focusing on local stories and staff, as well as some of our shining stars.
With the year well and truly underway, we have decided to capture all the great things happening across our service as part of a seasonal Express newsletter.
I hope you enjoy the Autumn newsletter for 2024, as there has been a lot of great things happening – much of which has been captured on the Metro North Health Facebook page and in the new Metro North Newsroom.
How our community Nurse Practitioners are leading the way
Since the inception of the Nurse Practitioner role in Queensland in the early 2000s, this profession is leading the development of highly specialised and necessary healthcare delivery across the community.
Metro North Health Specialist Palliative Care in Aged Care (SPACE) Nurse Practitioner Nicole Hutchinson is one of these professionals shaping the future of palliative care in the community and in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
“It is important that we empower people to make end-of-life decisions,” Nicole said.
“People don’t like to talk about dying but it is important to talk about the life you live before you pass.”
Read more about Nicole online …
Jessica’s journey through our School Based Trainseehip Program
Jessica Burgess is a dental assistant at the Caboolture Satellite Hospital Oral Health Service and started her career through a school-based training program.
“I moved to Caboolture High School for my final years, so I could study biology, chemistry and physics which really propelled my studies and my determination to pursue a career in dental health,” Jessicah said.
“During Year 11 and 12, I spent every Wednesday at the Caboolture Hospital Dental Clinic. What a great experience for a young teenager!”
More about school-based traineeships online …
Intern milestone
COH celebrated a big milestone in early 2024, accepting our first rotation of medical interns!
The interns are part of the Redcliffe Hospital intake, but will complete 10 weeks at Brighton, which will give them a holistic approach to their medical career.
Staff profiles
Making staff and patients feel good
For the last 19 years, dental assistant and 2IC Beth has been working hard behind the scenes providing support and care to staff and patients at the Stafford Dental Clinic.
Each year around 15,000 eligible adults are seen at our general practice oral health service like the Stafford Dental Clinic, and by the rural and remote team.
“I make sure to meet and greet everyone in the morning to make them feel good, so that they have a positive day.”
Safety is more than ticking a box
For Community and Oral Health safety and quality coordinator Jodi, meeting standards is not just about ticking a box.
Jodi has worked across many care settings including the Redcliffe and Caboolture Hospital emergency departments, Interim Care and more recently as the nurse unit manager for Gannet House.
Great news stories
Healthy aging at the HAART of Moreton Bay
A unique new service to support older persons addressing aged-related medical conditions and improving personal capabilities is seeing great results for Moreton Bay residents.
Andy Byrne, a Kallangur resident, has benefited from the new Healthy Ageing Assessment and Rehabilitation Team (HAART) service at the Kallangur Satellite Hospital.
“It has made a big difference. I feel like a different bloke,” Andy said. “In 2023, I underwent surgery at the Prince Charles Hospital to obtain a pacemaker as I was experiencing a very low pulse and low blood pressure.
“Following the heart surgery, I needed help to improve my breathing, energy levels and fitness.”
Choir brings joy for people living with dementia
A new choir has begun to bring the joy of music to people living with dementia and other serious illnesses.
Community and Oral Health through the Brighton Wellness Hub is delivering Brisbane North’s first dementia choir to create lasting memories and joy for carers, partners, friends and community members.
The Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir began in early 2024 at the Brighton Wellness Hub.
COH Consumer and Community Partnerships Manager Claire Harrison said dementia could happen to anybody, but the risk increased with age with almost one person in 10 aged over 65 and three in 10 over 85 years suffering dementia in Australia.
Improving dental outcomes in Caboolture and Redcliffe
A year long trial of dental presentations to Emergency Departments (EDs) across Metro North Health has shown some promising outcomes while improving patient dental health in Caboolture and Redcliffe.
Metro North Oral Health Service Director of Governance and Innovation Dr David Carr said the Rapid Access Management of Dental Presentations to Emergency Departments trial looked at establishing a faster access pathway for patients presenting to EDs with dental conditions.
In brief
Harmony Day Celebrations across COH
There were a number of Harmony Day celebrations across COH in the month of March, some of which we didn’t get a chance to highlight.
Harmony Week is a government-declared observance celebrated annually on or around March 21 in Australia.
This celebration recognises our cultural diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
Thanks to everyone who embraced the theme of “everyone belongs” and hosted an event.
Harmony Week celebrations at Caboolture.
Harmony Week celebrations at Nundah.
Harmony Week celebrations at Chermside.
Harmony Week celebrations at King Street.
Best Autumn Compliment
Ted Qien, Clinical Nurse, Safety and Quality
“I spent meaningful days as a student nurse at Gannet House in late 2023. I’m compelled to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ted Qien (Shuxing Qien), whose extraordinary kindness, unwavering positivity and professional guidance have left an indelible mark on us first-year nurses.
“Ted treats his team like family, bringing in food every day and generously making time for everyone amid his demanding schedule. His involvement in every aspect of care is a reflection of his commitment to our growth.
“What sets Ted apart is his ability to turn confusion into clarity, making us feel not only comfortable asking questions but excited to learn, especially when he goes out of his way to involve us in the action with the other registered nurses.
“As a mentor, Ted’s knowledge is not just impressive; it’s a beacon guiding us on this challenging nursing journey. I can’t express enough gratitude for the privilege of learning from someone so exceptional.
“This has allowed us to glean wisdom from his wealth of experience, opening doors we didn’t know existed when we first crossed the threshold of Gannet House.
“He possesses a profound compassion for his team, the residents and us student nurses. Ted stands as a shining example of a leader, an empathetic listener and an exemplary healthcare professional.”