Louise Oriti, Executive Director, Redcliffe Hospital

Since the start of 2022, our hospital has dealt with not only a global pandemic but also severe weather and floods. In response, we’ve done what we always do – helped each other and put our patients and community first.

That severe weather event was a dramatic and stressful one for our entire community. Lives and homes were lost, and those who continue to rebuild and recover have our sympathies and support.

During the rain and flood event, some of our team were stranded at the hospital, with roads cut and weather conditions making it too dangerous to leave. Others worked overtime or double shifts, with many staff unable to get to work until floodwaters fell and conditions eased.

Our hospital is often at its best when responding to the unexpected.

It was another great example of our #IamRedcliffe spirit in action.

COVID response 

When it comes to our COVID-19 response, we’re now moving back from a response phase into a business as usual model – with COVID-19 part of our daily business.

As part of that transition, the medi-tent has been dismantled, the DPU handed back, and our two COVID-19 wards scaled back to a unit now housed within Ward 6 East.

In more good news, both the Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Units are back to their traditional business too. Our ability to quickly and safely stand up two COVID-19 wards when needed speaks volumes about our infection control, facility services, BEMS, engineering, and operational teams. Likewise, the way we kept our focus on patient comfort and safety is a credit to our nursing, administrative, and patient services staff.

Raise it for Redcliffe

Together with the CEO of the RBWH Foundation, I was pleased to announce the latest round of Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Wishlist Grants. You can read more about the five successful grants in this edition. Around $22,000 was allocated in this round, thanks to the fundraising activities over the past two years.

We’ve also confirmed with the RBWH Foundation that Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital will be holding another Giving Day later this year, on Friday 14 October. Make sure you note that date in your diary.

Raise it for Redcliffe is our philanthropic partnership with the RBWH Foundation.

Have Your Say Survey update

Last year too, the Have Your Say Staff Survey gave us lots of feedback on how Redcliffe Hospital can become a truly great place to work. One of the things we heard loud and clear was that some staff break rooms and other spaces needed improvement.

In response, Metro North has approved more than $165,000 in renovations, upgrades, and improvements to staff spaces on several levels of the main building. Make sure you read more about that in this edition as well.

Lastly, with so many staff having gone above and beyond in recent weeks, a reminder that you can submit nominations for our #IamRedcliffe Team of the Month awards or send an #IamRedcliffe thank you.

We say thank you to show our appreciation. #IamRedcliffe

Louise