I would like to acknowledge that yesterday was Closing the Gap Day. This is an important day for us all to reflect and advocate for health equity for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and educate the public about the health issues and barriers to wellbeing faced.

This year it is particularly pertinent with the focus on The Health Equity Framework and the work that we will all be participating in to achieving the goals of this important legislative agenda.

I will take this opportunity to remind all of you that there are workshops currently being carried out across Metro North Health on Health Equity. Whilst everyone is encouraged to access the workshops, they are mandatory for all line managers.

Executive Update

We have had a change in one of our executive roles. I would like to welcome Dr Fred Nagel as Director of Paediatrics. Fred comes to us from TPCH and has broad global experience.

Dr Manuel Bautista Morales has been acting in the role whilst permanent recruitment was underway. I would like to thank Manuel for his leadership and commitment during this time. He was lucky enough to have COVID-19 and floods during his tenure and remained smiling!

Thankyou Manny – you are very valued!

Have Your Say

It’s great to see how teams are progressing with their Have Your Say Culture Action Plans.

Up on level Two, the Birth Suite, Maternity and Special Care Nursery teams have displayed their big plan for all staff to see.

It’s a great way to promote the local initiatives and make sure the whole team is aware of what they’re working towards.

Well done Stephanie and team!

Caboolture Square Vaccination Hub to close

The Caboolture Square Shopping Centre vaccination hub will close on Sunday 27 March.

In the 12 months of operation, 87 staff have delivered about 70,000 vaccinations at the shopping centre and several mobile clinics. Congratulations to Connie, Tracy and team!

Staff Vaccination Clinic to continue

The COVID-19 CKW staff vaccination clinic will continue in the Caboolture Hospital library for the next few weeks. However, expect changes to be made soon which we will communicate.

Upload evidence of your booster

Just over 25 per cent of CKW staff are recorded having received their booster. While a booster is not mandatory, they are highly recommended.

If you have had your booster, please record it on the COVID-19 Vaccination Hub. The process is very similar to recording your first two doses.

For staff who do not usually have Queensland Health computer access, you can complete the form on the extranet, send to your line manager for verification and submit to MN-COVID-Staff-Vaccination-Forms-only@health.qld.gov.au for processing.

Fit Testing

There has been a very strong focus on fit testing across Metro North Health. If you are yet to be tested, book in asap or speak with your line manager to organise a test for you.

It’s important that you are protected. Contact the team by phone on 5316 2422 or email to CKWfittesting@health.qld.gov.au to organise a fit test booking.

If you have been tested, please ensure that this is reflected on your TMS. If you are tested to one of the restricted masks, please organise to be re-tested ASAP.

Thanks to these crafty Lionesses!

A very big thank you to Kerrie, Karyn, Marilyn, Sharon and Carmel from the Samford Lions Charity Craft Creators, who made a range of items recently which were donated to patients at Caboolture Hospital.

They include soft toys, baby blankets, burp cloths and lap blankets.

The soft toys went to the paediatric area in the Emergency Department, the baby blankets and burp cloths went to maternity and the blankets went to Ward 3B.

What a compliment!

Here’s a great compliment we received on patient feedback system PREMS this week for our Surgical Services team:

“My anaesthetist was especially caring and diligent, she spent time with me before my procedure both on the ward and in theatre pre-op then, long after I would have thought her shift complete, came back to the ward to check on me. This I felt was exemplary care.”

Finally,

Next week is Harmony Week, which celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity within our hospitals and spread the message that ‘everyone belongs’.

If you would like ideas on how to celebrate Harmony Week in your area, see the Metro North Multicultural Page on QHEPS.

Take Care,

Angie.

Angie Dobbrick
Executive Director