The STARS Staff Council aim to provide strategic leadership and advocacy on behalf of staff to deliver excellent patient care at STARS. The STARS Staff Council welcome the feedback we receive via our online form, with the suggestions received referred on to the Executive Team.

Progress on suggestions received

The Staff Council would like to provide some progress updates on some of the suggestions we have received recently.

Table tennis table

The Staff Council received a suggestion to install a table tennis table for staff use. After multiple consultations with Facility Services, Cushman and Wakefield and the Executive Team, no suitable location was found which didn’t impact on patient care while still being accessible to all staff at STARS. If you have any suggestions for a location, please let the Staff Council know – we would love to make it work if a suitable solution can be found!

Additional bike racks

There are currently six bike racks available at the front of the STARS building. Several locations have been discussed for additional bike racks. However, space at STARS is at a premium and any future space that becomes available is likely to be prioritised for the storage of equipment used in patient care.

STARS staff are reminded that they can use the RBWH Cycle Centre which is a short walk away. Fees are from as little as $8.50/week. The Cycle Centre includes:

• 750 secure bike/scooter parking spaces
• male and female shower facilities
• secure lockers
• towel service
• ironing facilities and hair dryers
• air-conditioned premises
• security, including electronic entry for members and CCTV.

Further information on the Cycle Centre. If you would like to take a tour of the centre, contact Glenn McDonald.

Towel service

The Staff Council investigated the provision of a towel service for the shower facilities at STARS. The ongoing cost of laundering the towels and the staff resources to manage the process, however, were challenging. Staff are reminded there are lockers available for people to store their own towels or they could consider joining the RBWH cycle facility (see above) which includes a towel service option.

Transit Lounge

The need for a Transit Lounge at STARS was raised with the Staff Council. The Staff Council consulted with Ben Hackwood (Acting DON at the time), who advised “Staff are encouraged to speak with the Nurse Unit Manager if they believe the patient requires additional support or observation following discharge or whilst in transit”.

If you have any further feedback on the above initiatives you can contact the Staff Council via the feedback form or send an email directly to STARS_SC@health.qld.gov.au.

Meet and Greet events

The Staff Council continue to hold Meet and Greet events every month. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to engage and speak with staff and gain any further insights into any issues or wonderful initiatives that are happening throughout STARS…….and we always come bearing delicious, sweet treats! If you would like us to hold our Meet and Greet in your area, please let us know, by emailing STARS_SC@health.qld.gov.au.

Hot chocolate sachets

If you are after a sweet, hot drink in this cooler weather, look out for the hot chocolate sachets in your staff room. The Staff Council have provided this sweet treat to all the staff rooms at STARS. Please be respectful of your colleagues and just take one as there is a limited supply. If you notice the jar is empty, please email the Staff Council at STARS_SC@health.qld.gov.au.

Prizes for future events/competitions

The Staff Council have also obtained a number of prizes for staff events and initiatives including vouchers from our Level 3 retailers. Look out for some of our upcoming staff events, such as our STEPtember initiative (see below).

STARS STEPtember

The Staff Council Healthy Body program are running the inaugural STARS STEPtember challenge from 1-30 September. This initiative aims to promote wellness and teamwork within the STARS community through a friendly step count competition. Get a team of 6 together with a bonus 100,000 steps for teams that include 3 distinct roles. There will be a prize for the highest step count and for the most creative team name. For general guidelines and to register your team click here. Get ready to step into a healthier you while having fun and building connections with your fellow STARS colleagues!

Staff Council member profiles

Look out for the profiles of our Staff Council Member profiles which will be featured on the digital display and also in the STARS weekly bulletin. We hope these profiles will raise awareness of who is representing staff on the Council.

Kind regards,

Alana Paviour and Kristiana McFarlane.