Angie Dobbrick, Executive Director, Caboolture, Kilcoy & Woodford Clinical Directorate

The flooding we experienced last weekend was a defining event for CKW staff and the patients we care for.  A very big thank you from me, particularly to the many staff who worked extra shifts and overtime to keep our colleagues, patients and community safe from harm. I am so proud to work with such a dedicated bunch!

Metro North Health – including CKW – continues a Code Brown Lean Forward due to ongoing disruptions across South East Queensland from flooding.

We may move to Code Brown Stand Up in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting thunderstorms with heavy rain, damaging winds and possible hail tonight, tomorrow, Friday and across the weekend.

While thunderstorms are a regular part of the weather this time of year, recent heavy rainfall means the water table is very high and any further rain will likely run off quickly, increasing the potential for flash flooding and fast river rises.

Can you please ensure that all staff are across the key messages below:

• Please prioritise safe discharges in the next 24-48 hours to get patients home asap.
• Only critical meetings should be held – please cancel non-critical meetings and education tomorrow and Friday.
• Planned care for surgery and procedural work (ex. Cat 1) on Thursday and Friday will be postponed if safe to do so.
• Outpatients in-person care will continue tomorrow with Friday yet to be confirmed. Virtual appointments continue to be strongly encouraged.
• Please limit unnecessary movement of staff over the next few days so they are not out on the roads.
• Please consider bringing a bag containing necessary items with you in case you are suddenly not able to go home – such as food, clothes and footwear, toiletries, underwear, phone charger, regular medications, etc.
• If you’re on-call, please try to be as close as possible to the hospital for possible call-in.

This Care4You ‘Come Prepared’ document has more handy information.

If you have any concerns, please escalate them to the CKW EOC. Phone 5316 5014 or email eoc-cabkilcoy@health.qld.gov.au

We need all staff on deck to ensure our patients receive appropriate and timely care so no work from home arrangements have been activated at this stage (unless you have a standing prior arrangement in place).

The Moreton Bay Regional Council website lists local roads closed due to flooding. It is available here: Weather impacted roads – Moreton Bay Regional Council to help plan your route.

Somerset Regional Council has a webcam of Kilcoy Creek bridge and other local river crossings: Somerset Regional Council – Flood Cameras which you can also check before leaving.

If you think the severe weather may impact your ability to come to work over the next few days, please speak with your line manager as soon as possible.

We live the Metro North Values every day in this Directorate but the teamwork and compassion shown for affected patients and staff recently was truly inspiring and our community certainly appreciated it.

We’ve got this, team!

Angie.

Angie Dobbrick
Executive Director