Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Unlike the Hallmark movies that come out at this time of year, not everyone feels like their dreams come true at Christmas time. But we are here to give hope and let people know support is available.

Gai and Kristy from Social Work Services at RBWH completed a Quality Improvement Activity exploring social isolation and loneliness in older patients and found frailty is a risk factor for loneliness, with many people not willing to admit it affects them. 😔🥺

"Our recent audit revealed that a large number of older patients were admitted after an unwitnessed fall, showcasing the flow on effects of loneliness for this cohort" shares Gai.

"We understand that loneliness is a common experience that can be prevalent at this time of year.

"It's important to connect and maintain social contact with friends and reach out to loved ones and neighbours over the holiday period.

"There tends to be a social stigma attached to loneliness, so it's important to normalise the experience."

Check the comments for some resources for those who may be experiencing loneliness at this time of year 👇 ... See MoreSee Less

While working at the front desk of the Intensive Care Unit at RBWH, Glenn has seen the broad range of human emotions and knows the challenges that an ICU stay brings to loved ones. 💝

Since starting nearly two years ago, Glenn has greeted 80-100 visitors each day and shares some tips for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation at Christmas time.

"Families tend to come in big groups on days one, two and three when their loved one is in Intensive Care," shares Glenn.

"I like to reassure them that their family member is in the best place they can possibly be, with the best doctors and nurses who need time, space and room to attend to the patient's high needs."

"As concierge, my role is to maintain the balance between visiting loved ones and caring for themselves, because their role will continue on after the patient leaves. They’re in it for the long haul so need to be taking care of themselves outside of hospital too." ⚖️💖

👏 Thank you for all that you do for the clinical teams and loves ones of the ICU patients, Glenn. ... See MoreSee Less

Hayley, Brett and Kirsten love riding their e-scooters as much as you do, but they know how dangerous it can be after consuming alcohol or without the proper safety precautions. 🍻

The scooter safety trio from Jamieson Trauma Institute (JTI) and RBWH Emergency Department look at data from 30 emergency departments across Queensland, in line with the rising injury rate from Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) like e-scooters. 🛴🤔

RN Hayley from RBWH ED said December is known for people putting the silly in silly season, and she wants you to think before you ride!

"This is the peak month for Emergency Department (ED) presentations from ePMD injuries, with Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday afternoons/evenings being the most common times of presentation to the ED," she said.

So, if you’re enjoying bevvies this Christmas, hang up those helmets and antlers, park and lock your e-scooter, and opt for a safer way home. 👍 ... See MoreSee Less