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
Camooweal Primary Health Care Centre - Official opening
Mount Isa Mines Brings Christmas Cheer to Children’s Ward
NWHHS Wins National Award for Hybrid
Orthopaedic Care Model
Antimicrobial Resistance Week
Mount Isa Special School Share Their Christmas Cheer
Enhancing Emergency Preparedness: Exercise Time Slide
Doomadgee Tender Announced
Mount Isa Mine Renal Peer Support Group
Christmas lunch
Special Christmas Edition - NWHHS Decorating Competition
The Grand Champion - Finance
Traditional Christmas Award - Switch & Admissions
North West Christmas Award - Mount Isa Maternity Unit
Lights, Camera, Action! Award - Pharmacy
The Grinch Christmas Award - Cancer Care Unit
Carolling in the Corridors
Staff
Length of Service Awards
Graduates of the Executive Leaders Program
Queensland Health
Staff Spotlight: Emergency Department
Consumers
North West HHS Consumer Engagement
Quality and Safety Quarterly Report
Outreach Services
From the Consumer Liaison Officer
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
APM Christmas Party Spotlight on Camooweal
Wellbeing
Connect with your Local Community
Dietitians Corner: Christmas wedge salad wreath
Dietitians Corner: Brie and cranberry smashed roast potatoes
NWHHS Balance
From the Board Chair Cheryl Vardon AO
Dear North West,
As another year comes to a close, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for your dedication to ensuring that our patients and their families can experience the joy and warmth of the festive season The care and stability you provide to those who need us is at the heart of our healthcare services.
A special congratulations to all those who participated in the North West HHS Christmas Decoration Competition, sponsored by the Mount Isa Hospital Auxiliary The creativity and effort that went into each design were truly impressive! I also want to commend our roving Christmas Carollers – your annual performance has become a cherished tradition that is looked forward to by all
Board members recently took part in two significant events: the official opening of the Camooweal Primary Health Care Centre, a state-of-the-art facility built through the Queensland Government’s $1 billion Building Rural and Remote Health Program, where they joined staff and the community in marking the start of an exciting new chapter, and the HHS Length of Service Staff Awards, which recognised and celebrated the dedication and contributions of our long-serving staff
These two events, though distinct, both reflect the enduring spirit of progress and the invaluable contributions that continue to drive our mission forward
I thank all staff for your continued passion and dedication to supporting our communities I look forward to seeing you at our North West health centres and hearing your experiences first-hand As we look ahead, the Board remains focused on working closely with the communities of the North West to enhance service delivery and drive innovative solutions
Together, we strive to build a healthier future for all residents in our region
The North West Hospital and Health Board wish you and your families a safe and joyous festive season
Kind regards,
Cheryl Vardon AO Health Service Board Chair
From the Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan
I am pleased to share the Summer edition and our eleventh edition of the Balance magazine with you This special edition of Balance features the incredible work of our teams and community to bring Christmas joy to patients Throughout this publication, our staff and community achievements are highlighted, and reflect the wonderful year we have had at North West Hospital and Health Service for 2024
It has been a monumental year for all teams, and I admire the passion you bring to each day Together we’ve celebrated the length of service for our dedicated Queensland Health staff members, we’ve had our Allied Health team nationally recognised for their Hybrid Elective Orthopaedic Model of Care, a new Health
Centre opening in Camooweal, and of course it has been a huge month of Christmas celebrations across the North West.
There is so much to look forward to next year such as the new Doomadgee Hospital, new Normanton Hospital, completion of staff accommodation in Camooweal, Mount Isa and Dajarra, plus plans will be well and truly underway for ‘The Club’ and how best we can use this space to support the community and expand our services. We will of course be welcoming many new faces to the team as we continue to grow our workforce
In this edition of Balance, you will find a Quality and Safety Report from July to September 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 are at 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 accomplished so much for our community and Healthcare services, and together we can go much further I am looking forward to what the new year will bring as we continue to deliver safe, high-quality healthcare in our wonderful region I wish you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Sean
Strategic Plan 2024-2028
Camooweal Primary Health Care
Community Centre
- Official Opening
North West Hospital and Health Service proudly marked the official opening of the new Camooweal Primary Health Care Centre on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, with a vibrant community event. The celebration brought together local residents, Elders, Traditional Owner groups, students, healthcare providers, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Mount Isa City Council, NWHHS staff, and Board members The event featured a Welcome to Country by community members Thomas Macnamara and Anthony Saltmere, student performances, and a time capsule ceremony to preserve messages and mementos for the future
The modern facility, completed by Hutchinson Builders under Queensland’s $1 billion Building Rural and Remote Health Program, includes upgraded emergency care rooms, versatile consultation spaces, enhanced staff amenities, and sustainable features such as solar panels and water tanks. Guests explored the state-of-the-art clinic during guided tours and enjoyed a community lunch to celebrate the occasion This new health centre is set to become a cornerstone for healthcare in the region, offering quality services close to home and supporting the well-being of the Camooweal community for generations to come
Mount Isa Mines Brings Christmas
Cheer To Children’s Ward
Our Children's ward has been absolutely spoilt this month! Last week, the lovely Amy from Mount Isa Mines stopped by with bags full of goodies for our younger patients The generosity from local businesses has been absolutely astronomical, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of support These thoughtful gifts will make such a difference for the children who, unfortunately, have to spend Christmas in the ward Thanks to your kindness, we're bringing a little extra joy and comfort to their holiday season.
NWHHS Wins National Award For
Hybrid Orthopaedic Care Model
North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) has been nationally recognized at the National Rural & Remote Health Awards for its "Dedication to Health in a Remote Location," winning for its Hybrid Elective Orthopaedic Model of Care This initiative, developed in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital (QEII) in Brisbane, addresses long wait times for orthopaedic services by combining telehealth and in-person assessments, ensuring rural and remote Queenslanders receive specialist care closer to home
Since its launch in February 2024, the model has already supported 173 patients, significantly reducing travel burdens for families while enhancing the skills of local allied health professionals. Through this innovative hybrid approach, orthopaedic surgeons at QEII review referrals from NWHHS, allowing allied health clinicians to conduct remote assessments, with local physiotherapists and occupational therapists providing inperson care.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this groundbreaking work!
Antimicrobial Resistance Week
Mount Isa Hospital marked AMR Week with an engaging event in the hospital foyer, raising awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) a global health challenge where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt, making medicines like antibiotics and antivirals less effective
The event featured activities such as Guess the Germs in the Jar and an AMR Quiz, offering participants the chance to test their knowledge and win a fabulous gift hamper generously donated by Pharmacy First
Thank you to everyone who joined in to learn more about how we can work together to combat AMR and protect the effectiveness of medicines for future generations!
Mount Isa Special School
hare Their Christmas Cheer
The best Christmas gift we could have asked for!
The Mount Isa Special School spread the holiday spirit with a heartwarming donation to the Mount Isa Hospital Kids
Ward The students generously provided toys, food, toiletrieseverything needed to make a hospital stay as comfortable as possible Many of these thoughtful students have
spent time in the kids' ward themselves, and they wanted to make sure their peers feel supported and cared for during the holiday season
These gifts are so appreciated and have truly brought Christmas cheer to the ward
Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
Enhancing Emergency Preparedness:
Exercise Time Slide
North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) recently led Exercise Time Slide, a major disaster simulation designed to test critical response capabilities across the hospital and local health system Spearheaded by Manager of Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, James Gustus, the exercise utilised the Emergo Train System to rigorously evaluate NWHHS’s Disaster and Emergency Incident Plan and Emergency Response Plan, updated in 2023
The multi-agency exercise brought together NWHHS teams with Queensland
Ambulance, Police, and Fire services to assess both pre-hospital and hospital responses Key hospitaldepartments, including Emergency, ICU, Surgical, and Medical wards, collaborated with the Brisbane-based Disaster Management Branch to strengthen readiness for potential mass casualty events. The staged incidents in Mount Isa involved simulated casualties, providing a challenging, real-world scenario to enhance skills and coordination among healthcare staff and emergency services. The exercise reaffirmed NWHHS’s commitment to ensuring high standards of care and readiness during real emergencies
Doomadgee Tender Announced
North West Hospital and Health Service welcomes news; Paynters Townsville has been awarded the tender to lead the initial design stage of the new Doomadgee Hospital
The new hospital is part of the $1 billion Building Rural and Remote Health Program (BRRHP) and will be built on the same land as the existing hospital.
The team is working very closely with the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, as well as the Traditional Custodians and Local First Nations Community members to ensure the new hospital is built to the highest standards and meets all the community needs and requirements.
The new hospital will provide 24-hour inpatient, social and emotional wellbeing care and health education and promotion programs, as well as a range of services including renal dialysis and emergency treatment
Health Service Chief Executive, Mr Sean Birgan, said North West HHS is committed to engaging with communities and working together to create culturally safe, equitable healthcare, not just for the community but for the staff.
“We know that modern facilities are a consideration for medical staff when they are choosing an organisation to work for, and we are positioning ourselves to become a destination of choice for health service professionals with a pipeline of new infrastructure in Doomadgee, Camooweal, Dajarra, Mornington Island, and Mount Isa,” said Mr Birgan
The new Doomadgee Hospital is planned to undergo construction in mid-2025, with plans to reach completion and open the hospital to the community by late 2026
Mount Isa Mines Renal Peer
Support Group Christmas lunch
A huge thank you Mount Isa Mines for the delicious Christmas lunch! Our Renal Peer Support Group couldn't get enough - there were plenty of seconds (and thirds!) of the amazing roast feast prepared by our talented North West HHS chefs. Even better, there were leftovers to share with patients who couldn't join the celebration because they were undergoing treatment.
A special shoutout to the incredible staff who organised and served the meal with so much holiday cheer You've truly made this Christmas season extra special for the patients.
Support from Mount Isa Mines has made a huge difference for the team as they are able to provide enjoyable interactive social experiences away from the dialysis units.
The Grand Champion Finance
Traditional Christmas Award
Switch and Admissions
North West Christmas Award
Mount Isa Maternity Unit
Pharmacy
The Grinch Award
Cancer Care Unit
Carolling in the Corridors
The Mount Isa Executive team and a band of volunteers roved the Mount Isa Hospital wards bringing carols and joy to the patients and teams
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
Length of Service Awards
This month, North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is proud to host a Length of Service Awards ceremony, honouring dedicated staff who have contributed 5 to 35 years of service
The event celebrated the remarkable commitment and achievements of employees across the health service, highlighting their invaluable roles in delivering high-quality care to the community.
From nurses and doctors to administrative and support staff, these individuals represent the heart of North West HHS, demonstrating resilience and dedication in often challenging environments Their longstanding service not only reflects their personal commitment but also strengthens the health service's ability to provide continuity of care to residents across the region
North West HHS extends its gratitude to all award recipients for their years of unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes for the community.
Staff
Graduates of the
Queensland Health Executive Leaders Program
Congratulations to Chris Bell and Elyse Mugridge on their recent graduation from the Queensland Health Executive Leaders Program (ELP), delivered through Metro North HHS.
This year-long program is designed to identify, develop, and retain senior leaders with the skills and aspiration to progress into Executive Director roles within the healthcare sector
The graduation ceremony, held recently, celebrated the achievements of participants who have completed this intensive and rewarding leadership journey
Well done to Chris and Elyse for this outstanding achievement!
Staff Spotlight | Emergency Department
Our Fearless Frontline Workers
This Balance Edition, we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible Emergency Department healthcare workers - the fearless frontline heroes who keep our community safe and cared for every day From doctors and nurses to admin staff, this team works tirelessly in highpressure situations, responding to emergencies with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication They are the centre of our hospital, ready to face any challenges to ensure the best outcomes for patients
As we head into the festive season, our Emergency Department team wants to remind everyone to stay safe and look out for one another over the holidays.
Here are a few tips to keep your season merry and bright:
Travel safely
Stay hydrated
Be mindful around hazards
Look after your health
Let’s keep hospital visits to a minimum this Christmas so our team can spend more time helping those who need it most.
North West HHS
Consumer Engagement
Partnering for Better Health: Empowering Our Health Consumers
At North West Hospital and Health Service we believe that health consumers are more than participants in our healthcare system—they are our partners in health. By empowering individuals to actively contribute to decisions that shape our healthcare services, we ensure that the voices of our diverse communities are heard, valued, and acted upon.
Throughout 2024, we have implemented initiatives that elevate consumer participation to the next level:
Consumer Training and Education:
We continue to encourage and share Health Consumer Queensland workshops to help our health consumers better understand the healthcare system, enabling them to confidently participate in consultations, advisory groups, and project planning.
Tailored Engagement Opportunities:
Our approach recognises that every community has unique needs. For example, in remote areas, we’ve introduced culturally appropriate orientation sessions for our staff with the support of local Elders, to ensure that First Nations consumer voices are front and centre in our healthcare planning.
Jasmine Barber Manager Public Relations
Feedback in Action:
In response to consumer feedback, we’ve made adjustments to several services, including streamlining patient discharge processes, enhancing access to telehealth options in outlying areas, and improving dental services throughout our remote communities. We’ve heard your concerns around oral health access, and we’re delivering more regular outreach services, while continuing to explore opportunities for improvement and increased funding to meet growing needs.
These initiatives highlight the vital role of consumers in building a healthcare system that serves everyone. We are committed to empowering our consumers to help shape the future of health in the North West. Together, we can continue to create innovative, culturally sensitive, and effective healthcare solutions.
If you’re passionate about improving healthcare in our region, we encourage you to join us as a registered health consumer.
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-consumer-advisorygroup/ or email nwhhs.engagement@health.qld.gov.au
Quality and Safety Quarterly Report
July - September 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.
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
Sexual health: “The nurse I was originally booked with had to run a patient home and rather than making me wait she kindly moved my appointment to another available nurse. I really appreciated this as I am on night shift. Kylie was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and personable. I left feeling reassured and well informed with all my concerns addressed. I even felt under the weather and Kylie tested me for Covid-19 as I cannot for the life of me test myself. Thank you Kylie! I hope she gets recognition. I have never had a bad experience attending this clinic.”
Leave your feedback by emailing NWHHSCLO@health.qld.gov.au or call 07 4744 7115
Jacqui Goodall
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
APM Christmas Party
The Arrkunaan Pirlapirla & Martu (APM)meaning Strong Bub and Mums - team hosted an excellent Christmas party for all our new First Nations families at the Ngukuthati Children & Family Centre. APM is part of the Connected Care Program (CCP) focussing on providing antenatal and postnatal care to our most high risk and vulnerable patients in the Mount Isa community. The midwifery team engage with the women and family
members at the hospital, their home, or the Ngukuthati Centre.
To make it extra special, the families attended with older siblings of the newborns born through APM, many of which had also been born with the Mount Isa Hospital and there was a Christmas themed family photoshoot!
For any expecting families interested in birthing with the APM team please call (07) 4744 4496 to chat to the team.
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
The Barkly Highway which joins Mount Isa to Camooweal is considered the longest main street in the world, at 188km long.
Spotlight on Camooweal
Camooweal is a country town of approximately 326 people situated 13 kilometres from the Northern Territory border.
Established in 1884 as a service centre for surrounding cattle properties, Camooweal marks the furthest tip of the Mount Isa City Council catchment.
The Indalandji-Dhidhanu people are recognised as the Traditional Custodians of the area. In total 42.5 percent of the local population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Camooweal Primary Health Centre is a level 1 facility under the Rural and Remote Clinical Services Capability framework. The service provides low-risk ambulatory,
acute and preventative care nursing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, administration and operational staff.
The Camooweal Primary Health Centre is a nurse-led facility, providing 24-hour acute and emergency on-call service with a hospital-based ambulance. The clinic incorporates the advanced nurse model and nurse practitioner model of care and focuses on chronic disease management, preventative health, health promotion and health education. The clinic offers pharmacy services, child health, immunisation, school-based wellness health checks and community home visits.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing Tips
Connect with your local community
Loneliness can have negative effects on our health. The holidays can amplify loneliness, especially when people have lost a loved one or live far away from their families or friends.
For people who do not have a network of friends or a support group, helping others or doing small acts of kindness is a great way to boost self-esteem for your own mental wellbeing. You could volunteer at a local charity, aged care facility, or community centre, take a festive treat to a lonely neighbour, or donate Christmas gifts to Salvos.
In this digital age, it’s also great to be able to pick up the phone and call someone you care about or organise a video catch up.
Remember to check in on others who may be doing it tough and feeling alone at this time as well.
Groups to look for in your community
Clubs
Churches
volunteer groups
cultural centres
Sports groups
Dietitians Corner
Christmas wedge salad wreath
Ingredients
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
8 shortcut bacon rashers, coarsely chopped
Garlic butter
30g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs
4 baby cos lettuce, halved
125g cherry tomatoes
Caesar salad dressing, to drizzle
Shaved parmesan, to serve
1
Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat Add the bacon and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until golden brown
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel Add the garlic butter and breadcrumbs to the pan and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until golden Transfer to a bowl
Arrange the lettuce on a serving platter in a wreath shape Cut half the tomatoes in half and the remaining into quarters and arrange on top of the lettuce Drizzle over the dressing and sprinkle with the bacon, breadcrumb mixture and parmesan to serve 2
Brie and cranberry smashed roast potatoes
Ingredients
24 baby or cocktail potatoes
Extra virgin olive oil, to brush
125g wheel of brie, cut into 24 wedges
80g (1/4 cup) cranberry sauce
Fresh thyme leaves, to serve
1.
Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C fan forced.
Grease 24 holes of a 30ml (1 1/2 tbsp) mini muffin pan with olive oil.
2.
Place the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Cover and bring to the boil over medium-high heat Uncover the pan and cook for 15 minutes or slightly longer depending on their size The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a small sharp knife Drain and set aside on a board to cool
3 4 5 6
Place a potato in each prepared muffin pan hole (see notes) Use your thumb (or a spoon with a rounded end) to press down in the centre of each potato to make an indentation and form a tart shell shape Brush the potatoes with olive oil, particularly around the rims Season with salt
Roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown Set aside to cool slightly Carefully lift out of the muffin pan and transfer to a baking tray
Place a brie wedge in each potato shell Top each with ½ tsp cranberry sauce Roast for 5 minutes or until the brie has softened and potatoes are warm Season with freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle with thyme leaves Serve warm
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.
