We continue to find ourselves in a very difficult, yet familiar situation as we manage the current demands on our services. Today, I will provide you some operational updates.

Extension of the COH Excellence Awards

Thank you to the 40 staff who have so far taken the time to nominate teams and individuals for the Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Awards for 2022.

I know that everyone is busy and given the current pressures I have decided to extend the nomination process by an extra month until COB Tuesday 16 August so that we may find ourselves in a more settled period.

Please, take the time to submit a nomination for your peers or teams who deserve recognition for their work, kindness, resilience, agility, people focus, compassion and commitment over the last 12 months.

Staff Movements

Dr Keren Hervey is looking forward to returning in a clinical role in the Post-Acute Care Service next week, with Dr Stephanie Hadisukomo acting in the role of Director of Medical Services until the 2 October 2022.

Thank you to Dr Craig Margetts who has kindly backfilled the Director of Medical Services role over the past few weeks.

Dane Robinson has been extended in the Senior Director Clinical Operations until 8 August 2022. At the same time Michelle Stute, will be working part time from home until the end of her contact on the 31 July 2022, when she will be returning to her substantive position in Metro North Allied Health Services.

Michelle has worked incredibly hard in the Senior Director of Clinical Operations role, and I know you will join me in thanking her and wishing her all the very best both personally and professionally.

Compliment to share – Zillmere Transition Care Program

While we are tested it is also good to reflect on and highlight what we do well!

“To all the team of the Zillmere Transition Care Program, a huge thank you for the care and support I received during my time with you all.

“I have made significant progress in the past 12 weeks, largely due to your efforts. It is true that I wasn’t in the best shape when we first met but with help from you all I have left in significantly better shape.

“With your kindness and care I am in such a better place mentally and physically. I need to acknowledge a few individuals: Deborah, Melissa, Leona, Teressa and Cheryl, please accept my sincere thanks for not only the care you provided but the kindness you showed.

“On days when it felt difficult to get through you listened, shared your thoughts and offered encouragement.

“To Chris and the physio assistants, you got me moving, balanced and to the stage where I have now regained much of my independence. You are a terrific group and have been integral to my recovery.

“To the recreational and social worker, I now know and appreciate what you have done for me and the valuable service you provide. Thank you for your care and understanding along the way. I can’t express my appreciation enough.

“Just finally, all organisations have a name but they aren’t remembered for that but the people that underpin them. In the best organisations people are the essence and some of the entity. This is the Zillmere Transition Care Program.”

Reminder: RAT test collection

Just a reminder on COH’s process for RAT test collection for staff (asymptomatic close contacts).

• Brighton Health Campus 3631 7400 – Dolphin House, 499 Hornibrook Highway, Brighton. Monday to Friday 10:30 am -12:30 pm. Asymptomatic staff to present to reception for collection.
• North Lakes Health Precinct 3049 1200– 9 Endeavour Blvd, North Lakes. Monday to Friday 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Asymptomatic staff to call ahead (number above) for collection time allocation. Staff member to remain in the vehicle and wear a surgical mask

Some useful resources for your friends and family:

• There are a range of PCR testing providers listed on the Queensland Government website.
• Non-urgent respiratory treatment is available through GP Respiratory Clinics.

Please continue to stay safe, look after each other and your families, and take the time you need to recover if you have been unwell.

Quote to ponder

Fred Devito said: “If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you.”

Glynis Schultz
Executive Director
Community and Oral Health