{"id":20214,"date":"2024-04-05T10:04:24","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T00:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/extranet\/?p=20214"},"modified":"2024-04-16T14:02:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T04:02:50","slug":"ed-tpch-20240405","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/extranet\/facility-messages\/ed-tpch-20240405","title":{"rendered":"Message from the Executive Director"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Tami

Tami Photinos, Executive Director<\/p><\/div>\n

We are now officially in Autumn, which represents being one step closer to the winter flu season. In the coming weeks, we can expect to see an increase in the number of patients presenting and admitted with influenza and other respiratory-related conditions to our hospital.<\/h4>\n

In the interest of staff health and safety, I encourage everyone to prepare themselves by accessing our Staff Influenza Vaccination program which has now commenced.<\/p>\n

Staff can obtain their free vaccination by visiting the Infection Control Unit Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm on Level 3, Clinical Sciences Building.\u00a0 The flu trolley will officially start on Monday 15 April however areas can contact the Infection Control now to make a booking. \u00a0To book the trolley, phone 3139 4894 or email: TPCHInfectionManagementService@health.qld.gov.au<\/a>. Separate vaccinations are available for over 65s and under 65s.<\/p>\n

Executive update<\/h3>\n

Executive appointments<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am pleased to announce that Geoffrey Grima and Drew Kear are the successful applicants for the Director of Operations roles for EPIC and Heart and Lung following an extensive recruitment process.<\/p>\n

Director of Operations EPIC<\/em> \u2013 Geoffrey Grima is an Advanced Practice Pharmacist and healthcare leader with extensive experience in strategic and operational leadership, and a track record of developing and implementing efficient models of care.<\/p>\n

Geoff has been acting in the Director of Operations – EPIC role since December 2023 and we are excited he is continuing as a member of TPCH Executive Leadership Team.<\/p>\n

Director of Operations Heart Lung<\/em> \u2013 Drew Kear is an experienced executive leader with a robust background in senior leadership spanning public, not for profit, and private sectors for the past 17 years.<\/p>\n

Drew brings a wealth of knowledge in acute, subacute, ambulatory, community, virtual and aged care settings, with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of operating small, medium, and large hospitals while driving cultural, clinical, and corporate change. Drew will commence in the role on Monday 15 April 2024.<\/p>\n

I wish to commend Cherie Franks who has done a tremendous job in leading the Heart Lung program over the past few months. Cherie will be returning to her role as Director of Nursing TPCH.<\/p>\n

Executive walkarounds<\/strong><\/p>\n

This week, Director Allied Health Perry Judd and I visited the Podiatry team. It was a good opportunity to gain a better understanding of the team\u2019s work and challenges, and discuss opportunities for improved collaboration in caring for patients with foot health issues. I particularly enjoyed hearing from the newer members of the team who had joined TPCH from the private sector, and were keen to share their thoughts around the value of conducting high-risk foot services in a public hospital setting. During our visit, we also met Stacie Gillies who capably supports the administrative needs of the service. \u00a0Thanks to Sarah Jensen and the team for accommodating us. You can read more about the Podiatry team in our fast facts below.<\/p>\n

This week I also stopped into our Respiratory Investigations Unit (RIU) to meet and chat with staff. This busy unit which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, performs over 16,000 tests every year, servicing patients from all over Queensland, northern New South Wales as well as the Northern Territory. Thanks to Director Annette Dent for taking the time to speak with me. While in the RIU lab area, I also visited the Neurophysiology Department where I briefly chatted with Marianne Green, Administration Officer. Good to meet you Marianne!<\/p>\n

SET Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yesterday, members of the Metro North Senior Executive Team (SET) held a staff forum at TPCH. The forum was well attended by staff from across the hospital and provided the opportunity for staff to be formally introduced to SET members<\/a> and learn about their respective priorities and areas of focus. Staff were invited to ask questions about various issues and challenges facing their local work areas, and receive feedback about how Metro North is responding to these. We thank SET members for taking the time to come and speak with the team at TPCH.<\/p>\n

Have Your Say action plan \u2013 Get involved<\/h3>\n

Last week the Metro North Health Employee Engagement Action Plan 2023-25 was launched, which is in direct response to the most recent Have Your Say survey results and aims to significantly increase employee satisfaction over the next 12 months.<\/p>\n

Read the launch message<\/a> from Jackie Hanson and Raelene Burke.<\/p>\n

Four key focus areas have been identified in the action plan with 21 initiatives sitting underneath. People and Culture have put an EOI call out for employees across Metro North<\/strong> to be involved in one of 10 action groups which will co-design some these important projects.<\/p>\n

I encourage you to read more about all the action groups<\/a> and take this opportunity to be part of a diverse team who aim to effect real culture change for all Metro North employees.<\/p>\n

The first action groups commencing soon are:<\/p>\n