This week we bid farewell to Caboolture Hospital Coordinator Sue Stork, who is transitioning to retirement after a remarkable 46-year nursing career.

Sue was one of the ‘originals’ undertaking training at the Sundowner Hotel and on hand when Caboolture Hospital first opened the doors to patients almost 29 years ago.

Sue has also held many other senior nursing positions across CKW including Acting Director of Nursing, Kilcoy Hospital Nursing Director, Nurse Unit Manager and, most recently, as Hospital Coordinator.

She’s pictured here (centre) with Nursing and Midwifery Director Ben Ballard, Emergency Nursing Director Nerys Brackman and Nursing Director PACE Katrina Kalmar.

In retirement, Sue says she plans to do more of the great things she likes but doesn’t get to do while working full-time – including spending more time with family, tending to her garden and travelling, with an overseas trip also on the agenda.

Thank you for everything Sue – we’ll always remember your guidance, your support, your care and your compassion for patients and your colleagues.  We’ll miss you.

No smoking at private medical suites

Unfortunately, Metro North Health staff been seen smoking and vaping in uniform at the new private medical suites on McKean Street, directly opposite the hospital.

Their CCTV has also captured staff leaving cigarette butts and other litter in and around the area. That’s not good enough.

Metro North Health has a smoke-free policy and the Queensland Government bans smoking and vaping at all health facilities and five metres beyond their boundary. Please find an appropriate place to take your breaks and dispose of your litter in a responsible manner.

CKW has excellent programs to help staff and patients quit smoking.

PPE reminder

A reminder that all staff who are entering Caboolture Hospital Wards 2A, 3A, CCU and the GLAD Unit are required to wear an N95 mask and protective eyewear.

CKW DMS Dr Sharon Miskell and I personally reminded several staff this week about wearing protective eyewear on these high-risk wards. I would also encourage N95 masks in other wards and areas where there may be patients with various respiratory illnesses.

What a compliment!

Here’s a wonderful recent compliment about the Caboolture Hospital Critical Care Unit:

“I can’t thank all the staff associated with my care enough, from the ER staff and then the marvellous team in CCU.

“Each and every one of them showed compassion and kindness at all times and this was given to all patients in our ward. The way the whole team worked together in some trying times of bed shuffle and the odd infectious control moments. It was all handled with professionalism which made me feel safe and secure.

“I also enjoyed listening in on the teaching processes for the newer team members and it was that good that if I was younger, I’d like to look into a nursing as career.  I was certainly well looked after and cared for. I can’t name anyone in particular because I can’t remember all their names, but I think a big group hug is in order.”

Challenge successful!

Well done to the Caboolture Hospital midwives’ team who tackled the 48-kilometre Kokoda Challenge in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland last weekend (pictured below).

They even did a bit extra with organisers accidently putting together a course that was nearly 54-kilometres long!

In total, the team raised more than $2000 for the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Thanks everyone supported the cause.  Well done, team!

Finally,

Dr Simon Bugden is back next week as Acting Executive Director. Thanks for being so kind during my short time at the helm.

Until next time,

Louise O’Riordan
Acting Executive Director
Caboolture, Kilcoy, Woodford Directorate