Welcome to our second STARS Gazer newsletter.

With Debbie McNamara’s departure, I have been appointed as Acting Executive Director for STARS. I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity and am really looking forward to working with you all for the next few months. I would like to acknowledge Debbie’s great work (with you all) to bring STARS to where it is already and for setting us up for a great next 12 months.

Despite only very recently started in the role, it is clear to me there is a very high level of commitment to the services we deliver, both from the Metro North Executive team and importantly from all of you. Commissioning a new hospital and services certainly has its challenges. I am sure many of you have worked through a great deal of challenges as part of the STARS journey so far and continue to do so.

Whilst many of you may be feeling more than a little change fatigued, I feel it’s important to remember your collective hard work and commitment has already born fruit, not least through the great patient care STARS has already delivered and the service outcomes already achieved. STARS’ interim accreditation results a few months ago (achieved within days of opening) were an impressive ‘external’ testament to all your hard work and commitment.

The stories in this month’s newsletter are a highlight of the great work that is being delivered across STARS. From opening the new Maintenance Care Service on Level 5, to the innovative and collaborative CHAT program, to providing respectful and compassionate care in our surgical ward, the work we do leaves a mark on our patients and our community.

Thank you again for all your hard work and commitment to date.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter.

Best wishes,

Helen