RBWH unites to provide care throughout ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

While most South East Queensland residents safely waited at home as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) staff gave ‘rain, hail, or shine’ a new meaning – arriving for their shifts with their swags and pyjamas.

The team came together in unprecedented ways to adapt to the challenges posed by the cyclone, with hundreds of staff stepping up to provide care, support, and maintain essential services such as maternity and emergency care.

One of the many challenges faced was the ability for staff to travel safely to and from work during the cyclone, which meant many chose to sleep at work overnight.

Lisa Garland, Acting Midwifery Unit Manager, played a pivotal role in coordinating accommodation for Women’s and Newborns Services staff displaced by the weather.

“We made sure staff were safely accommodated, from organising rooms to providing meals and creating a welcoming atmosphere,” Lisa said.

“We even had a little fun with a ‘WNS Hotel Royale’ theme to keep spirits high. It was wonderful to connect with colleagues from different areas and offer support during such an uncertain time.”

Lisa’s efforts were part of a broader initiative, with teams working to ensure that everyone had the resources they needed. A dedicated method for managing the accommodation, including a ‘check-in, check-out’ system, allowed for smooth transitions between shifts and minimal disruption.

Merilyn Banks, Director of Dietetics and Food Services, took on the crucial task of ensuring staff from other teams throughout the hospital who were staying onsite had enough to eat and a place to rest.

With around 250 additional staff needing accommodation, Merilyn coordinated the distribution of meals and managed sleeping arrangements, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all.

“I was able to work with many people I’d never worked with before, and that collaboration was so positive,” Merilyn said.

“The feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the care and comfort they received during such a challenging time.”

Merilyn also highlighted the invaluable contribution of Simon Dell, Manager of Retail Food Services, who worked tirelessly to ensure staff had access to food and supplies.

“Simon really stepped up, managing extra staffing and supply issues. His dedication was key to making sure everything ran smoothly,” she added.

The hospital’s response to the weather event was a testament to the resilience and teamwork of its staff.

For many, including Lisa Garland, the most rewarding aspect was seeing colleagues come together, displaying exceptional commitment and care in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges, the camaraderie and willingness to go the extra mile stood out.

“It was inspiring to see the commitment and positivity from everyone, and that dedication truly made a difference. Whether it was nurses, midwives, cleaners, or administrative staff, everyone played a crucial role.”

Both Lisa and Merilyn recognise the incredible support from the hospital’s executive team and Emergency Operation Centre in the smooth running of RBWH during the challenges of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.