News archive
How pilot program helped Dell when she fell
A pilot falls program is helping older people like 100-year-old Dell who have fallen with minor or no obvious injuries to stay at home independently for longer.
Growing gratitude in dementia care
Staff at The Prince Charles Hospital have introduced a gratitude tree to help improve the delivery of specialised care to frail patients with dementia.
Anzac Day a time of reflection for veteran Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook
For Dr Liz Rushbrook, Anzac Day is a time of commemoration as she reflects on her distinguished career with the Australian Defence Force.
Unlocking genetic mysteries
Genetic testing can provide answers for people with rare and inherited conditions.
Four very good reasons to get your flu vaccination
As we head into flu season, our experts highlight the risks of influenza, as well as the rewards of getting vaccinated.
New fellowship set to co-design resources to improve birth process for families
Redcliffe Hospital Senior Staff Specialist Associate Professor Alka Kothari is working to co-design resources that see more supports for fathers and partners during the birth process.
TPCH anaesthetists make a clinical sustainable switch for a greener future
The Prince Charles Hospital is Queensland’s first hospital, and the first large tertiary hospital in Australia, to decommission its use of reticulated nitrous oxide anaesthetic gas for environmental purposes.
Hyperbaric supervisor Bob takes patients on a ‘deep dive’
After a decorated naval career, Bob Campbell is still using his diving skills as a senior hyperbaric chamber supervisor at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Ben’s equipped for patient care
When it comes to solving complex problems relating to medical equipment, Ben Potts is the go-to person.
Pride in Metro North launch
Pride in Metro North Executive Sponsor Grant Carey-Ide welcomes the Pride in Metro North initiative and the support it will provide to the Metro North LGBTQIA+ community.
Making health care personal
For Aldi Mehicic, empowering patients to share their preferences for future health care is central to providing high quality personalised care.
From pastry chef to nurse, Barry’s second career takes the cake.
Despite appearing worlds apart, Barry has found that his pastry chef career shares some similarities with being a health professional.
From pastry chef to nurse, Barry’s second career takes the cake.
Despite appearing worlds apart, Barry has found that his pastry chef career shares some similarities with being a health professional.
It’s a walk in the park for Caboolture occupational therapist Katie
For Caboolture Hospital occupational therapist Katie, her career as a professional race walker comes in handy as she walks the hallways visiting and treating patients
It’s a walk in the park for Caboolture occupational therapist Katie
For Caboolture Hospital occupational therapist Katie, her career as a professional race walker comes in handy as she walks the hallways visiting and treating patients
The Rehabilitation Engineering Centre help Christopher to take to the sky
The Rehabilitation Engineering Centre at STARS assisted Christopher Hills in managing his cerebral palsy related pain so he could continue his work flying drones.
Staff Profile: Paul Justice
Paul Justice is part of the Metro North Mental Health Peer workforce, working as a Peer Assistant in DIR Recovery Support.
Inclusive approach brings out the best
Michelle is neurodiverse and celebrates her Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) as her superpower. It often is. However, traditional job interviews have long been her kryptonite.
Kim’s a champion for diversity
Kim Walker is a champion for diversity.
Faster treatment for heart failure
Patients with heart failure can now access early treatment and avoid hospital admission following the introduction of a new Rapid Access Heart Failure Service at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH).
Why is there a surge in Ross River virus and what do you need to know if you’ve been infected?
Epidemic polyarthritis, commonly known as Ross River virus, is a disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitos.
Medicine for the heart
Junior doctor couple Poppy Heffernan and Nick Thompson have their hearts in the right place. The two budding medics decided to devote their lives to caring for others through medicine.
Beat the heat with what you eat
When it’s hot, we feel less hungry, but research tells us that our body’s hunger hormones and signals don’t change, so it’s important to still eat in the heat.
Memory lane helping older patients speed up road to recovery
A new historical photographic display at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) is allowing older patients to take a trip down memory lane to help improve their recovery.
Staff shine at Excellence Awards
Care of older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those with heart and lung disease were in spotlight on Friday 15 December as Metro North Health celebrated its annual Staff Excellence Awards.
Media enquiries
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Today is World Sepsis Day, and TPCH patient, Lisa, epitomises turning a potentially life-threatening diagnosis of Sepsis into a personal crusade, bringing hope to millions of people worldwide. 🦠
Lisa contracted Sepsis after suffering from a stroke at the age of 24, which resulted in her losing her left leg, numerous toes and fingertips, among other complications.
Despite the setbacks, Lisa now advocates for people with a disability, contributing her lived experience to grow Sepsis research with the Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) 🔬🧫
Professor John treated Lisa when she first arrived at TPCH 20 years ago and knows all about her sepsis journey and the impact it has had on her life.
"Lisa has lived through this experience and can explain how bad sepsis can be, and how it can present in a million different ways, " Professor John shares.
"There is no single symptom of sepsis. If you are over 18 and have an infection, signs you may have developed sepsis can include breathlessness, fast heartbeat, and changes in behaviour - among many more."
To learn more about Lisa's story and information about Sepsis, check out the link here - metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/news/aus-honours-reunite-dr-patient-after-20-years
Excellent Hospital... Big thank you to the staff.
Lisa is an incredible lady and inspiration to many ❤️
Sadly we know of a lovely lady that lost her life to Sepsis last week 💔
I cared for Lisa at TPCH all those years ago. An honour to see her courage and endurance against all adversity. Also to work along side John Fraser and all the nurses and allied health staff who worked with Lisa. Xx
Very scary! I got sepsis a few years back, initially had bilateral streptococcus pneumoniae then turned septic, spent about 3 weeks on life support in an induced coma with multiple organ failure, inc heart, liver and kidneys, was on dialysis, and got bilateral jugular thrombosis; my family were told to expect the worst. The ICU team at Caboolture Hospital saved my life, I was in hospital for about 6-7wks. Sepsis can be life threatening!
Lisa Cox OAM is an incredible woman!! A true survivor and advocate for the disability community - so proud to know her
It really opened my eyes when doing my TMS training at work and saw a video of a young Dr that had sepsis, it was absolutely terrifying! This stuff is no Joke.
I remember Lisa when I worked at TPCH I used deliver meals to her. What a lovely amazing person I am so glad the she is doing well.
Had sepsis on 15th October 2020 and spent some time in TPCH ICU. They truly saved my life there.
Sepsis is not fun!! I got Sepsis from a PICC line about 10 years ago.... I was in hospital for almost a month... it was absolutely horrible 😢😞🤢🤮
The CCRG along with John, do amazing work.
"I have spent a lot of the last twenty years toiling in our bush block as a labour of love, removing introduced trees and plants and replanting natives. We planted a hoop pine that now towers over us and we enjoy the serenity the space brings. I was referred to the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD speech pathology program by my neurologist after my Parkinson's diagnosis. I'm glad I've taken up the opportunity and committed to making these appointments a priority."
💭 Monday Mantra, David, 85, TPCH Day Rehabilition Unit Patient (Speech Pathology)
Thanks Speechie
Caroline is talking shop on her role as a Speech Pathologist at TPCH, working with patients who have had a stroke, acquired a brain injury or have a neuro degenerative condition that affects their capacity to speak and/or swallow. 👄
"Our goal is to continue in our preventative therapy practices to support our ageing population as their needs become more complex and challenging," Caroline shares.
"We find a balance between impairment based and functional therapy approaches to help our users communicate their way and find their unique voice."🗣️
Outside of work, Caroline is a member of the World Music Orchestra where she uses her elevated aural skills to enhance her musical performances. 🎼🎶
#ShoutoutSaturday 👏 to Caroline and her fellow 'speechies'.
Hooray canna!
We love Caroline 💛
Peta was unwell at a young age, and when she spent her time staring at bland hospital walls imagining her future, she had no idea she would grow up to make brightening hospitals her career. 🎨🖌️
Peta has been with Metro North Health since 2008 as the Artist in Residence based at TPCH. She supports consumers both in community engagement groups and on the wards by enabling their talents with art as a therapy.
"Therapeutic art making is an important part of the consumer's journey," she said.
"I've seen growth that has exceeded my expectations, and the platforms that we've created here have helped some of our consumers launch careers in the creative field with amazing artwork."
"I'm so glad I get to bring joy to those in highly restrictive environments."