Achieving great things across our service lines

As a directorate, we are continuing to improve access to care, increase care closer to home and support patient flow across Metro North Health.  

The Complex Chronic Disease Team (CCDT) partnership with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) continues to enhance the ability to provide a cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation service in the northern suburbs.

The cardiac and pulmonary programs have expanded to the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre, where clients can now receive their care face-to-face or virtually.

Executive Director Glynis Schultz said in addition, despite the shortage of dental practitioners, Oral Health activity is 4.3 per cent above target this year.

“The Enhanced Post-Acute Care Service has received 363 referrals from the Queensland Ambulance Service, general practitioners, emergency departments and acute inpatient services from February,” she said.

Glynis said the Hospital in the Home (HITH) program had expanded and cared for patients across 328 Diagnoses Related Groups (DRGs), 19 specialities and 124 specialists.

Since March 2021, 650 residents across the 85 Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) in the Metro North catchment area have engaged with the Specialist Palliative Care in Aged Care (SPACE) program.

COH has also increased capacity of the Community Transition Care Program (CTCP).

Connecting with Country – Moora View Healing Garden Opening

Community and Oral Health hosted the Metro North Health Equity Strategy – Implementation Phase community consultation and the opening of the Moora View Healing Garden last month.

The Moora Healing Garden is a welcoming space. Its creation involved many hard-working people, led by Michelle Crawford, the Nurse Unit manager of Brighton Brain Injury Service.

Story behind the healing garden

Moora View Healing Garden Opening

In late 2019, the idea of having a garden space accessible to patients, families and staff was first raised by a family member of a patient in Brighton Brain Injury Service (BBIS).  

The idea was further developed and completed via patients, residents, families, staff, volunteers, the Men’s Shed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, Elders and the community.

The garden signage acknowledges the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges of the flora, fauna and place and the connection to Country that has spanned many millennia.

Plants have an important place in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander knowledge as food, medicine, adornment, ceremonial objects, clothing, shelter, tools artwork and spiritual beliefs.

The Traditional Owners of this area call the area (now called Shorncliffe, Sandgate and Brighton) “Warra”, which means expanse of water and Moreton Bay “Moora”, meaning open sheet of water.

Fulfilling a wish – Ambulance Wish Queensland

Our Community Palliative Care Service has partnered with Ambulance Wish Queensland to deliver our first ever patient wish.

A big thank you to everyone who helped fulfill Ross’s wish, which was to have his mum Eileen transported to see him at his home.

Read more about Ross’s story at Ambulance Wish Queensland.

‘Shout Outs’ reveal some hidden gems

Every day, we hear stories of individuals who are putting the Metro North Values of respect, compassion, teamwork, high performance and integrity into action.

Congratulations to our recent Metro North Health Shout Out champions across COH:

• Ambika Pradhan, Registered Nurse, Halwyn Centre
• Tracey Davidson, Dental Assistant, Oral Health Centre
• Anna-Marie Barrett, Senior Dental Assistant, Oral Health Centre
• Tammy Dutschke, Business and Performance Analyst, North Lakes Health Precinct

Read more shout outs at Staff Shout Out | Values in Action | Metro North HHS (health.qld.gov.au)

Residents enjoy a relaxing reptilian rondeau

Normally, they are unwanted guests, but a number of reptilian friends were warmly welcome by the residents of Gannet House as part of Steve Irwin Memorial Day.

Snakes, crocodiles and lizards may not be everyone’s favourite things, but it is clear that our residents had a slithering good time.

Farewell to Michael

Michael Elliott

Each year, we say farewell to many staff who after many years of career success retire. This time it is Community and Oral Health stalwart and Business Manager Michael Elliott.

When did you start working for QLD Health and in what position?  I started as the Support Services Manager in 1998 and was previously in the United Kingdom working for the National Health Service.

What do you think is your biggest achievement while working here?  Getting Eventide BHS accredited for the first time in the year 2000, when it only achieved two out of 44 Standards in the mock survey the previous year.

What do you think you will be remembered for most?  Fairness, advocating for every dollar for COH, and keeping everyone honest.

What will you miss most about working for COH?  My colleagues, the friendliness, and the great times we have had together.

What are you looking forward to most about retirement?  Regaining my life back and enjoying time with my wife away from work completely, so we can do things at the drop of a hat without having to plan.

Good luck in your retirement Michael! We wish you well.

Compliment of the month – Dr David Fu and the Redcliffe Oral Health Clinic

“Just to say in a very competitive and harsh world Dr David Fu and his team offer an island of caring and help. I see many of the elderly and disabled patients the Redcliffe Oral Health Clinic team treats.

“We travel six hours from regional Gladstone to see Dr David Fu. No other dentist in Queensland public or private will treat my son, except David.

“He is a beacon and shining light of holistic health, preventative dentistry and acceptance of all people from all backgrounds. I wish there were more centres and doctors available to us like Dr Fu at the Redcliffe Oral Health Clinic.

“They truly understand the importance of dental health to prevent other issues and the acceptance of all human beings.”

FAST FACTS – Oral Health

Each year around 16,000 kids received corrective dental care for cleft lip conditions, treatment for trauma and other conditions requiring a highly specialised oral health team.