The North West Hospital and Health Service respectfully acknowledges the Elders past and present and the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waterways which we service and declare the North West Hospital and Health Service’s commitment to reducing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health outcomes in line with the National Indigenous Reform Agreement (Closing the Gap).
Acknowledgement of Australian South Sea Islanders
North West Hospital and Health Service formally recognises the Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group within our geographical boundaries. The Northwest Hospital and Health Service is committed to fulfilling the Queensland Government Recognition Statement for Australian South Sea Islander Community to ensure that present and future generations of Australian South Sea Islanders have equality of opportunity to participate in and contribute to the economic, social, political and cultural life of the State
Vision, Purpose, Values
Our Vision
To lead the delivery of safe, sustainable healthcare in our unique region with our diverse partners and communities.
Our Purpose Partner with our communities to improve health outcomes by delivering valued, high-quality and sustainable health services that are close to home.
Our Values
Our values will guide our decision making and actions as we commit to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights in our decision making and actions. These values include Innovation, Respect, Engagement, Accountability, Caring, and Honesty.
This newsletter is produced by the North West Hospital and Health Service All feedback and contributions are welcome to NWHHS Communication@health qld gov au All published material has been approved by the Health Service Chief Executive
From the Board Chair
From the Health Service Chief Executive
Community
Mental Health Week
Construction resumes on Normanton Hospital
Wattle Glen Happy Hour
Camooweal Primary Health Clinic Grand Opening
Allied Health Ball
Healthcare Security Officer Day
New Doomadgee Hospital Engagement Begins
Normanton Barra Classic Donation
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
Louise Gilbey Qualifies as Credentialled Diabetes Educator
Ludana: Now a Midwife Ready to Help New Mothers
on Mornington Island
Corner: Kangaroo
NWHHS Balance
From the Board Chair
Cheryl Vardon AO
Dear North West,
I was honoured to attend the North West HHS Staff Awards Night alongside fellow board members to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dedicated staff and recognise their unwavering commitment to our core values Innovation, respect, engagement, accountability, caring, and honesty guide us in delivering exceptional care and unite us in our shared vision of providing trusted, connected, quality healthcare for all
It was a wonderful evening, and I would like to thank the HR Team for their hard work in organising such a memorable event
These events provide us a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements, celebrate our successes, and reignite our motivation to strive for excellence
Over the past few months, board members have continued building relationships with staff and stakeholders across the North West Some highlights include:
Connecting with Consumer Groups via their scheduled meetings and individual check-ins with the Chairs of these essential groups
Traveling to Cloncurry to visit the Community Health Facility and the Hospital
Hosting engagement luncheons with the Executive Business Support Officers (EBSOs) and Security Officers
Touring various departments across Mount Isa Hospital
Meeting with Mount Isa Mayor, Cr Peta MacRae
Participating in several key meetings and events, including:
o Hospital and Health Board Chairs Forum
o Hospital and Health Board Finance and Audit Committee Forum
o AMAQ & Qld Health Sustainable Healthcare Leaders Summit
o North West Minerals Province Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting
At the October Board Meeting, members and executives had a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into the patient experience by enjoying a standard patient meal prepared by our dedicated Mount Isa Hospital kitchen staff We also sampled a selection of texture-modified foods, enhancing our understanding of our patients' dietary considerations and nutritional needs This hands-on experience highlighted the critical role of operational service teams in patient care and their significant impact on overall patient satisfaction
I thank all staff for your continued passion and dedication to supporting our communities
Cheryl
NWHHS Balance
From the Health Service
Chief Executive Sean Birgan
I am pleased to share the Spring edition and our tenth edition of the Balance magazine with you. Throughout this publication, our staff and community achievements are highlighted, and reflect the wonderful year we have had so far at North West Hospital and Health Service for 2024
These past couple of months have been a time to recognise and reflect on the hard work accomplished by all teams across the north west Together we’ve celebrated Allied Health Professionals Day, Telehealth week, Healthcare security officer day, emergency nurses day, Mental Health Week, World Sepsis Day, and Breast cancer Awareness Month
I have witnessed many achievements among the team including the National Rural and Remote Health Awards nominees, Director of Medical Services Erica West and members of the Allied Health team for their Hybrid Elective Orthopaedic Model of Care To be recognised for their hard-work on a national scale makes me immensely proud and I wish them all the best for the official announcement ceremony in a couple of days. Of course, we also had the annual staff awards to recognise those who go above and beyond to provide compassionate care, innovative solutions, and are overall pillars of the healthcare community
In this edition of Balance, you will find a Quality and Safety Report from April to June 2024 that outlines a number of measures. Our core quality principle is the continuous improvement of all processes and services supporting the care of patients. The quality management systems implemented across our hospital group allows us to deliver consistent and comprehensive care to patients You will find data covering a number of measures including medication safety, monitoring incidents and near misses, unexpected return to theatre, infection prevention and the consumer experience We look forward to sharing these quarterly reports going forward
We are almost to the end of our 2024 journey, I would like to thank our staff, consumers, healthcare partners and communities for making the North West region the best place to live and work We have already accomplished so much for our community and Healthcare services, and together we can go much further I am looking forward to working towards our future goals and continuing to deliver safe, high-quality healthcare in our wonderful region. I wish you and your families a safe and wonderful last couple months of the year
Sean
Strategic Plan 2024-2028
Community
Mental Health Week
mental health awareness
The Mental Health and Alcohol, Tabacco, and Other Drugs (ATODS) team at North West HHS held a fantastic community event on the 4th October: The annual colour fun run!
The community attended in droves despite the downpour of rain minutes before the start of the event. The team were stationed across the Mount Isa Kruttschnitt Oval to blast the participants
colourful smiles within minutes.
The aim of the event was to promote mental health awareness combined with physical activity.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health and events like the colour run remind us of the power of community and connection,” said Mental Health Clinician, Denise Price.
Mental Health Week (5-13 October) was supported by a number of events including a community BBQ and a Mental Health and Wellbeing Symposium.
Construction Resumes on
Normanton Hospital
North West HHS recently finalised the Cultural Heritage Management Plan in partnership with the Gkuthaarn and Kukatj Aboriginal Corporation, traditional custodians of Normanton, Hutchinson Builders and Local Community members to take a community-led approach to building the new Normanton hospital. As a result, building works will resume, with builders returning Monday 14th October. We anticipate that the completion of the project will take place in 2025, weather permitting.
The North West HHS appreciates the community’s patience and support as we work towards these critical developments. The new Normanton Hospital will feature an 18 bed inpatient zone, 1&2-bedroom IPU and 2 bed ward with ensuites. There will also be private consult rooms, dental surgery for visiting outreach dentists, an Emergency treatment zone with x-ray, and a pharmacy.
The old hospital is expected to be demolished once the new hospital is complete.
Wattle Glen Happy Hour
The Julia Creek team have recently introduced an event on the last Friday of every month called “Wattle Glen Happy hour” where residents, family members, and staff members are invited to gather in the Julia Creek MPHS garden for an afternoon of activities, nibbles, and conversation The local police officer even attends bringing her sidekick, Teeter, the police sheep! It was such a lovely afternoon The residents even stayed up chatting and laughing with one another afterwards saying how great it was
Camooweal Primary Health
Clinic Update
The new Camooweal Primary Health Clinic is operational as of October 31 at 3:30pm!
The existing health clinic has served the community well, but to meet the growing needs of Camooweal, it’s time for an upgrade
Demolition of the old building will begin in the coming months, while plans for the official grand opening celebrations for the new building are in preparation.
Investing in long-lasting infrastructure today will reduce costs in the future and enable North West residents to capitalise on high-quality care.
The new health clinic has emergency care and resuscitation rooms, multiple clinical and consult rooms, as well as an upgraded staff room
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for an invite to the official grand opening to celebrate this significant milestone.
Allied Health Ball
What a great turnout for the Allied Health ball!
The north west community donned their best outfits for a magical evening of dancing, good food, and music. It was a great event attended by not just Allied Health professionals but community members also joined in the festivities.
Congratulations Kate Ross on winning the Allied Health Spirit award!
Thank you to the event organisersPharmacy and Allied Health Leisure Society (PALS) - for a fantastic evening!
Healthcare Security Officer Day
October 16th was Healthcare Security and Safety Officer
Appreciation Day!
Every day our healthcare security officers come to work to keep our staff and patients safe. Working in healthcare is unique, and at times it can be challenging Security officers can be found patrolling our hospitals, helping patients and visitors find their way and responding to all types of calls for assistance.
On this day, we would like to say thank you to all our healthcare security officers for the work that they do.
If you see our officers around the hospital, stop and say hello. They are an important part of our team keeping our community safe and healthy.
New Doomadgee Hospital Engagement begins
The new Doomadgee Hospital build has kicked off with the most crucial step, engaging with the local community to identify their needs for the future hospital.
In the early consultations, the Doomadgee community shared their vision for a hospital where people feel welcomed, safe and confident that they will receive high-quality care - a place where everyone feels comfortable and respected.
The new hospital will provide 24-hour inpatient, accident and emergency care,
clinical review and health education and promotion programs.
Identified needs were; improved privacy in the new hospital, gardens and outdoor areas, and a design that considers children’s needs.
What’s happening next? Queensland Health has partnered with the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, the Yellagundgimarra Aboriginal Health Council, Traditional Custodians and Local First Nations Community members to take a community-led approach to designing the new hospital.
A huge thank you to Normanton Barra Classic for your generous donation of $10,000 to the Normanton Hospital Auxiliary! Your support will make a real difference in improving the care and services for our community. We are truly grateful for your commitment to helping us continue this important work!
Normanton Barra Classic Donation
Want your story told?
The North West Public Relations team is always looking for new stories of our outstanding staff and community.
If you know someone that deserves to be recognised, give us a call - 4744 4871
Staff
Staff recognised after
another great year
Our annual staff recognition awards were recently held in Mount Isa where the Executive team had the opportunity to thank some of our award nominees and winners for their excellent work throughout 2024
Staff and volunteers are recognised across a number of award categories that reflect the North West HHS values We are grateful to have staff who embody our values every day when it comes to serving our communities and patients and thoroughly enjoyed recognising them
Well done to all our nominees and a huge congratulations to all of our runner ups and winners!
Winners
Board Chair Excellence Award
The NWHHS patient Travel Team
Executives Award
Dr Nariyoshi Miyata
Innovation
Runner up: Dr Elena Kreimer
Winner: Stores Supply Team
Respect
Runner up: BEMS Team
Winner: Lucy O’Neill
Engagement
Runner up: Cloncurry and Julia Creek Aged Care Teams
Winner: Multi-disciplinary Renal teams
Accountability
Runner up: Tegan Wellington
Winner: Doomadgee Hospital
Caring
Runner up: Cancer Care Unit
Winner: Dr Elisabeth Collins
Honesty
Runner up: Melissa Holden
Winner: Elizabeth Lee
First Nations
Runner up: Dora Thomas
Winner: Regina Mullins
Volunteer
Winner: Phil Barwick
Celebrating Allied Health
Professionals Day
October 14th was Allied Health
Professionals Day! The Allied Health team play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional care across our health service
Their expertise, dedication, and compassionate care make a huge impact on the lives of patients, their families, and the remote north west communities. Whether they’re working directly with the patients or behind the scenes supporting their journey to recovery, their contribution is essential to the collective success of the health service.
Allied Health professionals are often the bridge between diagnosis and full recovery, and their skills ensure our patients recieve holistic care
From improving mobility and communication to daily living support and nutrition, Allied Health is essential in helping people lead fuller, healthier lives
Thank you to all the Allied Health volunteers for planning a great BBQ lunch to commemorate the day!
Spotlight on National Rural
and Remote Health Nominees
Congratulations to the National Rural and Remote Health Award nominees from North West HHS!
Members of the Allied Health team have been nominated for the “Dedication to health in remote locations” for their Hybrid Orthopaedic Model of Care The model is a unique collaboration between Allied Health teams at North West HHS and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital to address extensive wait times for Orthopaedic referrals using innovative hybrid telehealth solutions.
Director of Medical Services, Erica West has also been nominated for the “Rural and Remote Health Professional of the Year” for her unwavering commitment to cultural sensitivity, system reform, and holistic healthcare provision.
The North West HHS is very proud to have two nominees for these Prestigeous awards, and we wish them the best of luck for the ceremony on November 6th.
Staff Spotlight | YACCA Library
Meet the YACCA Library team
The YACCA Library team has been outstanding since the beginning They have continued to support students, clinicians, doctors, and researchers excel in their studies, no query is too difficult
Having a supportive library and research team is vital to the advancement of healthcare to provide high-quality care for patients.
Keith and Jorja have been amazing librarians since the day I (Dr Paheerathan) met them in 2021. Always having a genuine smile on their face and are ready to help.
They go above and beyond to assist me with any library related request I made.
I wish them all the very best to continue their great work and to uphold the good standard.
Thanks for everything.
- Dr Rukshan Paheerathan
October we celebrated Emergency Nurses Day with our fantastic Mount Isa Hospital Emergency Department.
The Cloncurry and Julia Creek Aged Care team received the runner up for engagement award - they go above and beyond to keep their patients active and engaged in the community.
The Dental team continue to thrive as they travel to outreach centres to treat our most remote patients.
The Mornington Island team have shown outstanding commitment to patient care as the new renal unit continues to thrive!
Emergency nurses
Cloncurry and Julia Creek Aged Care
Dental team
Mornington Island team
North West HHS
Consumer Engagement
Consumer engagement and community communications throughout 2024
Throughout this year, North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) has been committed to engaging meaningfully with our communities as we work toward improving healthcare across the region. These engagement activities have played a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare services, ensuring that the voices of the people we serve are central to our decision-making process.
As we plan new health clinics and hospitals in Camooweal, Normanton, and Doomadgee, we have worked closely with local residents to gather invaluable feedback. This input has guided the design and planning of these upcoming facilities, ensuring they meet the specific needs of each community—not only in terms of service delivery but also cultural considerations.
These engagement efforts have been about more than just consultation; they have been about partnership. We’ve listened to the community’s concerns, ideas, and aspirations for their healthcare services, and this feedback has shaped every aspect of our planning.
From community forums and workshops to one-on-one discussions with local leaders and residents, North West HHS has made sure to include everyone in the conversation. This approach has allowed us to better understand the unique needs of each community and to design facilities that will provide culturally appropriate, effective healthcare.
By collaborating with communities throughout the process, we are confident that the new clinics and hospitals will not only meet medical needs but also strengthen the connection between healthcare providers and the people they serve. North West HHS is proud of the progress made so far and looks forward to continuing this important dialogue as these projects come to fruition.
For more information about becoming a registered health consumer in the North West, please visit: https://www.northwest.health.qld.gov.au /opportunities/join-a-consumeradvisory-group/ or email nwhhs.engagement@health.qld.gov.au
Jasmine Barber Manager Public Relations
Quality and Safety Quarterly Report
April - June 2024
North West HHS measures quality in many areas, by analysing and reporting on outcome and process measures alongside patient satisfaction.
Our core quality principle is the continuous improvement of all processes and services supporting the care of patients. The quality management systems implemented across our hospital group allows us to deliver consistent and comprehensive care to patients.
North West HHS monitors and reports on many quality measures including patient satisfaction surveys and patients’ experience, infection prevention and control including hand hygiene compliance rates, patient incidents, medication safety and return to theatre percentiles. The policies, processes, and procedures associated with these areas are embedded in all hospital operations and workflow. Quality management focuses on continuous quality improvement as measured by consumer and patient satisfaction.
Medication Safety
Medication errors can have an impact on patient outcomes and can cause harm. North West HHS’s medication safety systems are in place to prevent the occurrence of medical-related incidents. Staff are trained in the safe and appropriate use of medicines. Medication risks are described as errors in:
Safety reporting systems are a very important aspect of ensuring patient safety at North West HHS. Detecting near misses and incidents enables us to improve practice and prevent any future adverse events. A near miss is an adverse event that has been intercepted and has not resulted in harm for example:
Slip or falls not resulting in injury
Pressure injuries resulting in no harm
Unexpected return to theatre
Surgical complication requiring the unplanned return to theatre within one month of a patient’s most recent discharge from hospital is classified as an Unexpected Return to Theatre. The return subjects the patient to repeated anaesthesia risks, which can be highly distressing and impact the patient and their family.
NWHHS Balance
Infection Prevention
At North West HHS we implement the highest standards in infection prevention and control including:
Hand hygiene
Use of Personal Protective equipment
Safe use of disposal consumable equipment
Reprocessing of medical equipment
Routine Cleaning
Our systematic approach to preventing, controlling and responding to infections creates a safe environment for visitors and staff at our facility.
Consumer Experience
Patient feedback provides valuable information and not only ensures that patients’ voices are heard, but by examining patients’ feedback it gives direct insight into our quality of care and patient satisfaction. This aids in maintaining and improving the standard of care offered at North West HHS. Patients are encouraged to provide feedback using the feedback forms provided or by visiting our website.
Outreach Services
Interested to know when outreach services will be visiting your community? Visit the dedicated Outreach Service page on the North West HHS website to stay up to date.
VIEW THE CALENDAR
From the Consumer Liaison Officer
We continue to welcome feedback from patients, their families and staff who have visited facilities across the North West. Visit the North West HHS website to leave your feedback.
Consumer Compliment
“Fantastic support from all the staff, made me feel welcome and nothing was too much.
I would like to thank everyone who looked after and cared for me, Doctors, Nurses, Wards people, Cleaner, Kitchen.
The time I have been here I have met and been cared for by most of the nursing staff and all were great, the whole ward I can't thank enough.”
Leave your feedback by emailing NWHHSCLO@health.qld.gov.au or call 07 4744 7115
Jacqui Goodall
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Louise Gilbey - qualifies as
Credentialled Diabetes Educator
Louise Gilbey, has become the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE). She is part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Skin team at North West HHS.
Louise is a proud Alwayarre woman who has worked as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner for more than 20 years. She travels throughout Queensland’s Far West, providing expert diabetes advice and treatment in some of Australia’s most remote communities. Louise’s achievement was made possible by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA’s) scholarship program which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners to undertake post graduate studies in diabetes education and care and ADEA’s rigorous credentialling program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Ludana: Now a Midwife
Ready To Help New Mothers
Congratulations to Ludana on her official certification as a midwife!
Ludana has worked in the North West district since 2007 starting as a hospital nurse before moving into primary health care at an Aboriginal Medical Service where she noticed a gap in child and family health. Since then, she has pursued her interests in child immunisation and child health nursing which led her down the path of midwifery.
“I’m based in Mount Isa now, but I’ve moved around the North West region working in different areas of nursing
because this district offers a versatile range of skills in nursing & you gain lots of experience that you couldn’t get anywhere else, this area is so unique.”
Inspired by 2 child health nurses and midwives with over 50 years’ experience between them (shoutout to Linda and Mary) Ludana made the switch from nursing to midwifery and completed her qualification in August this year.
“I love seeing new life being brought into the world and I have the unique opportunity to educate and empower these families through primary healthcare education.”
Have you viewed the Health Equity Implementation Plan 2022-2025?
The plan is available to read on the North West Hospital and Health Service website.
Goals of the First Nations Health Equity reform agenda include:
Actively eliminate racial discrimination and institutional racism
Visit the website and familiarise yourself with the plan today
Increasing access to healthcare services
Influencing the social, cultural and economic determinants of health
Delivering sustainable, culturally safe and responsive healthcare service
Work with First Nations people, communities and organisations to design, deliver, monitor and review health services
Spotlight on Mornington Island
Mornington Island is the largest of the North Wellesley Islands located in the Gulf of Carpentaria and is currently home to a community of approximately 1,005 people.
The island achieved self-governance in 1978 and is now operated by the Mornington Shire Council. The Traditional Custodians of Mornington Island are the Lardil peoples. In total, 88 percent of the population identify as Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Mornington Island Hospital is a remote Level 2 hospital under the Rural and Remote Clinical Services Capability Framework. The facility provides 24-hour
acute inpatient and accident and emergency care. Following transition to community control, Gidgee Healing Aboriginal Medical Service provides primary and community health care from the community health building. The model of care includes clinical review, health education and promotion programs. Examples of programs are Deadly Ears; Child and adult respiratory (lung health) care, provided by the Indigenous Respiratory Outreach Care Program; Women’s health and child health; Allied health services; Cardiac and respiratory services; Sexual Health; Alcohol and Other Drugs counselling; Maternal Health; Mental Health; Dental; Diabetes Education and Renal Services.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing Tips
Sun Safety This Summer Season
Queensland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. However, by staying SunSmart every day you can reduce your risk.
The vast majority of skin cancers, including melanoma, are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as solariums.
UV radiation is an invisible danger because we can’t see or feel it. Each time your skin is exposed to UV radiation, the skin cells and how they behave are affected. Overexposure to UV radiation
from the sun or solarium use causes permanent damage that adds up over time.
UV Radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days, which means you can’t rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun.
The Five Steps Of Sun Safety
Slip - Slip into protective clothing
Slop - Slop on SPF30 or SPF50+ sunscreen, that is also broadspectrum and water resistant.
Slap - Slap on a hat
Seek - Seek shade
Slide - Slide on some sunglasses
Dietitians Corner
Wellbeing
NWHHS Allied Health Dietitians share a healthy, quick and easy weeknight meal that can also be meal prepped for the week.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
600g kangaroo mince
500g fresh mushrooms sliced
1 onion, diced
1 large green capsicum, sliced
1 large red capsicum, sliced
1 bunch celery, sliced
1 can diced tomatoes
Parsley
4 cups cooked pasta
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wok or frying pan
Brown mince then add onions, mushrooms, celery, capsicum, and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the canned tomato and tomato paste and simmer for 5 minutes
Boil the pasta until cooked.
Serve the mince on top of the cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley
Kangaroo Spaghetti
You are not alone.
Support is available. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health professional Speak to your GP about what support you need and how you can access it.
Lifeline's 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day or night.
