This morning I attended the AMA Women in Medicine breakfast event at The Ville. The event again highlighted the significant contributions of women across all facets of the medical profession, including here within the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. More than 75 per cent of our workforce is women, and they do everything from helping to keep the hospital running through to performing complex and lifesaving care. The breakfast was an opportunity to celebrate the women who are working in healthcare while also asking what gender equality looks like in our industry. Thank you to the AMA for hosting the event.
The well-worn adage of the two certainties in life (death and taxes) could be expanded reliably to include a third, ‘flu. While we get cases all year round, it’s certainly evident that we see increased cases at this time of year. I’m sure most of us would know someone that has been affected in the past few weeks. This time of year has the potential to put a strain on our health service and it is a reminder for all of us to be extra vigilant in taking steps to protect ourselves and our community. If you haven’t already, then please reach out to our infection prevention and control team and get your ‘flu vaccination. Don’t forget to practise good hand hygiene, which includes keeping your hands away from your face unless you have just washed them! Most importantly, stay home if you are feeling unwell. Our colleagues in health services in the south east have been reporting increasing patient numbers because of influenza and COVID-19 which has led to some HHSs delaying elective surgeries. We all play a vital role in keeping our patients and each other safe, so please prioritise your health and don’t hesitate to take the time you need to recover.
On a brighter note, I was so pleased to see the wonderful celebrations and recognition during NAIDOC Week right across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. The NAIDOC awards at Townsville University Hospital were a fantastic showcase of the incredible contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our health service and the wider community. Congratulations again to the organising committee for putting the event together. I look forward to attending this event every year (maybe not my dancing), sharing our progress towards health equity, and celebrating our First Nations Australians culture in the HHS and our region. Congratulations as well to the award recipients, read more about it in the blah.
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Cardwell with our Board Chair Tony Mooney for the transition of the local GP clinic from Townsville HHS management to a new private provider, Dr Brett Scott. This was a significant step, and I want to thank the dedicated teams from both the HHS and Dr Scott and his team for working so collaboratively to ensure a smooth handover for the Cardwell community. Ensuring continued access to quality primary healthcare in regional areas is a key priority for our health service, and I’m confident this new arrangement will serve the Cardwell community well.
Thank you all for delivering great care every day.
Until next time, kk
Tess’s final act of love inspires
As DonateLife Week approaches, we reflect on the life and legacy of one of our own, Tess Thompson, whose final act of organ donation continues to inspire.
Tess was a critical care nurse with 30 years’ experience specialising in intensive care and emergency units, with her last role being critical care outreach nurse at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
Tess passed away suddenly in 2024 from a suspected heart attack.
She had just finished her shift and gone home, before being brought back to the hospital and admitted to the TUH intensive care unit (ICU).
Tess’s close friend of 25 years and fellow critical care outreach nurse Tash Mastrippolito said Tess lived and breathed her work as a nurse.
“She began her health career in Bowen and Mackay and started working at Townsville General Hospital in the cardiothoracic ICU almost three decades ago,” Tash said.
“Everyone knew Tess; her work was her life, she was so dedicated.
“Tess was a passionate advocate for organ donation, so much so that when we opened Tess’s wallet her donor card was right there in plain sight,” Tash said.
“It is special that on the most tragic day of a family’s life, they can feel some peace knowing that their loved one was able to help somebody else.
“Tess’s gift was one little glimmer of hope for all of us in the midst of losing her.”
Tess’s funeral was attended by more than 600 people including the ambulance crews, medical, allied health, and operational staff she had worked with throughout her career.
DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 27 July to Sunday 3 August.
DonateLife’s donation specialist nurse coordinator Meagan Baldwin said Tess’s legacy was a shining example of how one person could make a lasting difference.
“Individuals like Tess give others a second chance at life,” Meagan said.
“While four in five Australians say they support organ donation, only one in three registers.
“DonateLife Week is a time to change that, to have the conversation, to make the decision, and to register.”
Tash Mastrippolito, Mark Singzon, and Meagan Baldwin with a photo of Tess Thompson
Crazy comfort in crisis for families in ICU
Families with loved ones in the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) intensive care unit (ICU) can find a little bit of comfort thanks to a special delivery of support packs from national charity Beautiful Crazy.
The first delivery to TUH arrived during the recent ICU morning tea, with charity founder Ross Abraham and local lead Darren Nosworthy delivering the packs to the event in person.
Ross founded Beautiful Crazy following the tragic loss of his son to a catastrophic brain injury.
During the four days his family spent in the Gold Coast University Hospital ICU, Ross said he witnessed the extraordinary care provided to patients but also the emotional and practical challenges faced by families.
“My family’s personal experience inspired the creation of Beautiful Crazy to provide thoughtfully curated support packs to families in ICUs across Australia,” Ross said.
“The packs include simple but essential items like a blanket, Panadol, water, snacks, and a personal story from someone who has been through a similar experience to bring some comfort and relief during some of the most difficult moments.”
The ICU morning tea is an annual event held at TUH providing an opportunity for past ICU patients and families to reconnect with staff and revisit the hospital they spent time in.
The visit from Beautiful Crazy marked the beginning of the charity’s expansion into north Queensland as part of a growing national rollout.
Since its inception the charity has grown rapidly, now reaching 10 hospitals across the country including TUH.
“It’s a great way to turn pain into purpose,” Ross said.
ICU staff specialist Dr Joanna Longley said the impact that individuals and community organisations had on the hospital experience could not be underestimated.
“Small acts of kindness like the delivery of care packages from Ross and Darren today can bring some hope and positivity to the hospital experience,” Joanna said.
To support or learn more about Beautiful Crazy, visit beautifulcrazy.org
Amanda Krauklis, Siva Senthuran, Patrice Cleall, Darren Nosworthy, Bernie Clapperton, and Ross Abraham
New healthcare chapter opens for Cardwell
Community members in Cardwell heralded a new chapter for primary healthcare services as the Cardwell Medical Practice transitioned back to a private, locally run clinic.
A special event was held to recognise the collaborative efforts of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS), and Cassowary Coast Regional Council in securing the future of healthcare services in the area.
Following the announcement in 2023 that the Cardwell practice would close, the NQPHN, Townsville HHS, and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council worked closely with the community to secure a sustainable, long-term solution for the small, coastal town.
The Townsville HHS managed the clinic on an interim basis during the tender process to find a new operator.
Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said it was momentous to see the practice return to local hands.
“As a health service, we’re incredibly proud to have supported the Cardwell community through this transition period,” Tony said.
“This outcome is a testament to what’s possible when we work together; local, state and federal stakeholders collaborating with a shared goal and a determination to deliver for those who matters most - the people of this community.”
With support from the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing’s Thin Markets initiative, Cardwell Medical Practice transitioned to a private practice on July 1 2025, with a locally based team supported by Ingham Family Medical Practice.
NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth said the transition was a positive outcome for the community.
“The Thin Markets funding has allowed us to explore new and innovative ways to ensure small communities are supported,” Ben said.
Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the successful transition was a credit to frontline staff and the collaborative efforts of all partners involved.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication of clinical and support staff who worked tirelessly to keep the practice running during the transition,” he said
“Thanks to their efforts, and the strong collaboration across agencies, the community now enters this exciting new chapter with stability and confidence.”
Dr Brett Scott, Cr Teresa Millwood, Ben Tooth, Kieran Keyes, Nick Dametto, and Tony Mooney
Health equity champion celebrated at NAIDOC awards
Working behind the scenes to help improve healthcare outcomes for First Nations Australians saw Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s Tegan Ely celebrated as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Member of the Year.
Tegan was one of seven award winners from the event which was held at Townsville University Hospital last week.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health executive director Amanda Cooms said the judges had a difficult task selecting winners.
“This year we had a record number of nominations which the judges had to sort through, with each one highlighting the care, respect, and determination our people have towards achieving health equity,” Amanda said.
“Close to 90 nominations were received, which is humbling to not only see so many people nominated for their work but also to have so many people recognise what is happening to improve health outcomes for First Nations Australians.
“Events like our NAIDOC awards are an important step to recognising the work people in our health service are doing every day to achieve health equity.
“I want to congratulate the seven award winners as well as everyone across the HHS who works to achieve safe and culturally appropriate care for our patients and boost the number of First Nations healthcare workers.”
Chief executive Kieran Keyes said the NAIDOC awards were a great opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
“I always look forward to our NAIDOC event to hear from Elders, enjoy the traditional dancers, and listen to the passion and enthusiasm our health service has for improving healthcare outcomes for our First Nations community,” Kieran said.
“Events like this are great for recognising how far we have come as well as reminding us of how far we have to go.
“Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees and thank you for the hard work you do every day.”
Townsville HHS NAIDOC Award Winners
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Member of the Year Tegan Ely
Cultural Leadership Award Nanette Sands
Respect for People and Culture Award Jenni Meehan
Opportunity to Grow the Workforce Award SLT, Indigenous Health
Rising Star Award Tyson Delacour
Health Equity Champion Award Community Sexual Health
Excellence in Cultural Mentoring Award Michael Illin
Mettassa Zaro, Tegan Ely, and Amanda Cooms
A traditional smoking ceremony signalled the start of the Townsville HHS NAIDOC awards event
Dr Erin Waters , Daisha Johnson, Amanda Cooms, Sterling Wedel, and Tegan Ely
Some of the younger performers of the Wagga Wadth - St Paul Community Dancers
Dr Helen Fraser, Tyson Delacour, and Sterling Wedel
Jenni Meegan, Tyson Delacour, Tegan Ely, Amanda Cooms, Margaret Wagg, and Leah Lenoy
BEMS surge ahead with surgical ward upgrades
A Townsville University Hospital ward has been given a new lease of life after the building, engineering, maintenance, and service (BEMS) team finished a major overhaul of the 21-bed medical space.
BEMS is undertaking its largest in-house infrastructure project to date, refurbishing all three surgical wards at TUH.
The team recently finished stage one of a five-stage midlife refurbishment project and is currently working through stage two.
Project director Desmond McKeown said despite the challenges, the team had taken the project in its stride.
“We have to carry out quite a bit of work on a constrained budget, and the team is rising to the challenge and transforming these decades-old wards into modern and welcoming spaces for patients,” Desmond said.
“Usually, a project of this scale would be carried out by a large managing contractor; however, BEMS were tasked with carrying out the refurbishments on a tight budget and timeframes.
“There’s been an extensive list of work BEMS has carried out from flooring, lighting, electrical upgrades, plumbing, data cabling, and much more.”
Project manager Burt Johnson said the team had to juggle the refurbishment work with business-asusual maintenance across the health service.
“Everyone in BEMS has been working hard to carry out the ward refurbishments while also keeping up with maintenance requests to help keep the hospital operating,” Burt said.
“A lot of this has also been possible due to the support and cooperation of the surgical service group clinicians and support services accommodating the disruption, making this very much a team effort.”
Surgical service group nursing director Maree Laidlow said the revamped surgical ward was a much more inviting place for staff to work and patients to recover.
“The difference between the two wards is like chalk and cheese, and the refurbished ward is a much more enjoyable space for staff and patients,” Maree said.
“The upgrade work has not only bought the ward in line with updated standards but has helped to future proof it for another two decades.
Desmond McKeown and Burt Johnson inspecting stage two works of the surgical ward upgrade project
Yvonne’s full circle moment in Richmond
With a population just shy of 600 people, there isn’t much that’s happened in the outback town of Richmond that Yvonne Stainkey doesn’t know about.
One of the long-term residents of Richmond Multipurpose Health Service (RMPHS), Yvonne was a teacher for nearly 50 years and, it would be fair to say, she’s probably taught the entire town.
“I’ve taught three generations of students, people’s kids, parents, and grandparents,” Yvonne said.
Staff amongst her former students include support services officer Tracey Lively and endorsed enrolled nurse Margaret Friend’s husband and kids.
Yvonne, who has been in the care of RMPHS for just over 12 months, said it was lovely being around so many familiar faces.
“Everyone is very good here and they look after me very well,” she said.
“I get to see a lot of people all the time, lots of visitors and everyone is very friendly.”
Starting her career in 1956, Yvonne spent 12 months in Brisbane training at the Mount Gravatt Teachers College before returning home to Richmond where she’s seen many changes to the town.
“Things were pretty bare around town for a long time, the streets have been improved,” she said.
“There were a lot of goats around and we used to get them running around the school yard.
“When I first started teaching there were only three teachers in the school, then over time the secondary school section was put in.
“There are a lot more children now than when I first started.”
As for her former student, Yvonne gave away just enough information about what Tracey was like as a student.
“I won’t say too much about her, but Tracey and I had a few fights!” she said, in between hearty chuckles.
“She looks after me very well now though.”
Support services officer Tracey Lively with Yvonne Stainkey
Speechies talk of the town at national forum
Townsville University Hospital’s speech pathologists have been recognised for delivering high-quality care to rural and remote cancer patients at the Queensland Rural and Remote Clinical Network annual forum.
The forum, held in Brisbane at the end of June, was attended by health professionals from across the state including senior speech pathologist Courtney Fisher.
“It was a great opportunity to celebrate the work of rural and remote healthcare workers and the care we provide every day,” Courtney said.
Courtney’s presentation about the speech pathology shared model of care for cancer patients caught the attention of judges, ultimately winning the judge’s choice award.
“We’ve been running this model of care for a few years now, helping support our rural and remote colleagues within the Townsville HHS and Mount Isa,” she said.
“This shared-care model enables our rural speech pathologists to work to their full scope of practice to support head and neck cancer patients after their acute treatment and receive high-quality speech pathology care closer to home.”
Reducing the need to travel has also seen huge cost savings to patients without compromising their care.
“On average, a visit to TUH can cost rural patients more than $860, while costs to travel to their local site averages just under $60; it’s a very big cost saving for them,” she said.
“Patients also commented that they were happy with the quality of care provided locally, and the majority found it easier to access local care.”
Courtney said the win was surprising but very well deserved for the speech pathology team.
“A lot of people have put in the hard work to ensure this service delivery model is sustainable,” she said.
“It’s been in place for six years now, and it was a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the meaningful work at a statewide healthcare forum all that we do in allied health.”
National rural health commissioner Professor Jenny May, Courtney Fisher, and co-chair Queensland Rural and Remote Clinical Network Johanna Neville
TUH staff get behind wheelie good cause
Next week, the 25th edition of the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride (TCBR) will hit the Bruce Highway and leading it will be a contingent of Townsville University Hospital staff hoping to make it the biggest and best year yet.
Nursing director patient access David Eakin took on the role of TCBR committee president last year and will be joined by manager medical education and workforce services Joanne Tallon (TCBR treasurer) and gastroenterologist Dr John Masson (TCBR sponsorship and fundraising coordinator) for the milestone year.
“This is my second year as president but also my tenth year as a rider,” David said.
“My motivation for getting involved was when my son was in school, he had a mate who had cancer in the bone in his hand, and since I live in Townsville, I thought it was a good event to be a part of.”
Joanne, a former paediatric nurse, said a boy she previously looked after, who lost his fight with cancer, was part of her motivation for joining the ride.
“I moved to Townsville in 2015 and I met somebody who mentioned the ride to me,” she said.
“I hadn’t really done any cycling prior to that but I jumped on the bike for him and have been participating on and off ever since.”
Already a keen rider, John said he felt the need to give back to the community.
“It’s a ride that supported something and I’ve been able to keep being part of it,” he said.
“I’ve done 16; my first ride was 2004.”
Despite the gruelling 370-plus kilometres the 200 riders endure, the trio all agreed that the best part of the ride was hearing the stories from the other riders.
“There’s an abundance of stories from people coming and saying, ‘I’m coming along because this relative or friends had a brush with cancer,’” John said.
“There are so many inspiring stories.’
The biggest single, community-driven fundraiser for the CCIA, this year’s ride is hoping to raise $400,000 with the tally sneaking just over the midway point at the time of writing.
To support David, Joanne, John or one of several other staff taking part in the ride, jump online to www.tcbr.org.au.
Joanne Tallon, Dr John Masson and David Eakin
Schwartz and all at staff forum on healthcare delivery
The firsts keep coming for Townsville University Hospital as it becomes the first regional Queensland hospital to use Schwartz Rounds, a multidisciplinary forum designed to build greater compassion and connection in the workplace.
Schwartz Rounds is a structured discussion where all clinical and non-clinical staff come together to discuss the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service successfully received funding from the Queensland Government to roll out the initiative at TUH.
Director of clinical training Dr Susannah Bond said she had been trying to bring the program to Townsville for a long time.
“It started in the United States after a patient, Robert Schwartz, recognised the positive impact compassionate care had on his healthcare journey,” Susannah said.
“As a psychiatrist, the focus on community and connection inherent in Schwartz Rounds immediately resonated with me.
“The focus of it is on the human element of healthcare, providing a space for staff to reflect on the emotional challenges they face and support one another.”
Emergency physician Dr Rajesh (Raj) Sehdev said the initiative had a potentially transformative impact on delivering healthcare to patients.
“Feedback from other health services across Australia that have implemented Schwartz Rounds have said it has had an incredibly positive impact on bringing staff together, increasing job satisfaction, and reducing burnout,” Raj said.
“There has been a strong show of support, interest, and enthusiasm from hospital staff who have volunteered their time to be part of the program.
“There’s a lot of promise here and I believe once people experience the first round, they will truly understand its potential.”
Susannah said there was robust evidence Schwartz Rounds were effective in improving healthcare delivery by building a more compassionate and connected working environment for staff.
“The first Schwartz Round at Townsville University Hospital is expected to be held in the coming months,” she said.
“I encourage all staff to embrace this opportunity to connect with colleagues and share the rewarding and challenging emotional aspects of their vital work.”
Dr Susannah Bond and Dr Raj Sehdev
Kids living with diabetes: a campfire story these school holidays
When 10-year-old Mason Mein was diagnosed with type one diabetes two years ago, it was a shock to his family and life as they knew it changed forever.
But a special school holiday camp at Magnetic Island, run by a group of Townsville University Hospital staff and volunteers, has become a source of comfort and connection.
The annual type one diabetes kids camp brings together children and families living with type one diabetes to break down stigma and share stories.
Mason’s mum Sara Mein said it was the second time her family had attended the camp after Mason spent the past year begging to go again.
“Mason was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2023 after we noticed some odd symptoms and got him tested,” she said.
“His blood sugar test came back four times higher than normal, which was a shock considering we have no history of auto immune disease in our family.”
Ms Mein said bringing her son back to the camp was a ‘no brainer’ describing it as a great place for kids to come together to feel more secure in their diagnosis.
“It really helps the kids normalise their condition,” she said.
Paediatric diabetes nurse educator Suzanne Iliff said the annual camp had been running for the past decade hosting children who’ve lived with diabetes for years, as well as those recently diagnosed.
“The kids play games, run around, make new friends, do artwork, and just enjoy a weekend of fun without a focus on the clinical aspects of their condition,” she said.
“A lot of kids need to take extra steps at school before they can go have lunch and play like other kids, but at this camp everyone is in the same boat.
“We have a team of clinicians involved including a psychologist, dietitian, and a nurse practitioner, as well as volunteers with lived experience on hand to support families.”
Paediatric diabetes nurse educator Suzanne Iliff (back), Sara Mein (middle), and Mason Mein (front)
Social work program prep for success
Having completed 500 hours of clinical placement as part of their new graduate program, social workers Clint Kelly and Varinder Kaur have had full-time positions confirmed at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
The social work new graduate program is offered to social work graduates within their first two years of practice to aid their transition into the workforce with continued professional development and mentoring.
The pair has a long history together, having both completed their studies at James Cook University before being offered graduate positions at TUH.
“We graduated together, joined the department together and have completed our new graduate transition together,” Varinder said.
“It was good to have a familiar face throughout the whole thing,” Clint said.
For Clint, social work was not in his original career plan while he was studying.
“I originally started in psychology,” he said.
“I ended up transferring to social work midway through my degree because I felt more aligned with the social work ethics and what it meant for supporting vulnerable people.”
Varinder, originally from India, had a Master of Biochemistry, was heavily involved in research activities, and was doing volunteer work with vulnerable people before making the switch.
“When I immigrated to Australia, I saw there was a large scope of practice for social work, particularly with cancer patients, which is what I was doing my research on,” she said.
Both Varinder and Clint said the new graduate program had been beneficial as they transitioned from the classroom to the workplace.
“When you’re a student the focus is on the theoretical framework,’ Varinder said.
“It’s not until you’re working that you have to put it all into practice and the program gives you that supervision and guidance to build your confidence.
“We’ve been very well supported the whole way through the process,” Clint said.
Director of social work Simon Stewart said it was a great outcome for Clint and Varinder and a testament to the quality of the program.
“It was very beneficial to have Clint and Vari trained up and familiar with our operations and they have become an effective part of the team,” he said.
“The labour market for social workers is extremely competitive and this program gives TUH a competitive edge to attract and retain the best people.”
Director of social work Simon Stewart with Varinder Kaur and Clint Kelly
Concert in the Gardens
Festival Musicians will perform exclusively for staff and patients at TUH on
Thursday 24 July 2025
10am – Noon
Federation Gardens
Start your day with music in the gardens!
Join us at Federation Gardens to hear AFCM’s Pathways International Masterclasses ensembles as they perform in a FREE concert listening to Vanya String Quartet, Orpheus Wind Quintet and Infront Brass Quintet.
For more information, please go to afcm.com.au
HHS all ears for staff’s feedback on hiring tool
The good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service wants to hear it all from staff, opening feedback on its Employee Value Proposition (EVP).
An EVP is a way for organisations to highlight the benefits and rewards of working for them.
Recruitment and appointment services manager Adam Rowland said his team consulted heavily with staff to draft the Townsville HHS EVP.
“Close to 400 team members gave their voice to this project earlier this year and helped us develop our five EVP pillars,” Adam said.
“Townsville HHS is going through a growth phase, and there’s going to be a greater need for more staff right across our organisation as our population increases, our community gets older, and we feel the increasing burden of chronic diseases.
“We have launched an online survey for staff to have their say.
“We would appreciate for staff to give us some honest and constructive feedback to help us refine and finalise the EVP.”
Adam said the five pillars identified in the proposition were selling points for working at the Townsville HHS.
“Themes around having a real impact in north Queensland, career growth opportunities, enviable lifestyle, a workplace that feels like home, and purposeful innovation were all present in the EVP,” he said.
“It is a really important tool to helping to recruit more doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff across our region.
“We need to get as many people as possible to have their say as the insights we gain will help ensure the final EVP resonates with the diverse voices and experiences across the HHS.
“The survey is live now and will take less than 10 minutes of your time. Once completed you will begin to see it come to life in meaningful and visible ways across the organisation.”
Click or scan the QR code to complete the survey.
Adam Rowland said the HHS wanted honest feedback on the new draft EVP
“We had a great experience with the VLO. He treated my mother with great respect and meant a great deal to her. We are so appreciative for his guidance and help. ”
VETERANS’ LIAISON OFFICER
“The staff on SCDU were very reassuring and helpful. They listened to my concerns and advocated for me. They were so kind. I was very nervous from a previous experience on another ward in the hospital but they really put me at ease, all the nurses there. thank you.”
SCDU
I want to thank many of the staff on Medical Ward 4. I am my husband’s carer and appreciate all that is done for him. God bless you all.
MEDICAL WARD 4
A Note...Brighter
Brighter Day to fundraise for technology for NQ
On 31 July, Brighter Lives is asking the community to get behind its Brighter Day to fundraise for equipment to help here in north Queensland.
The foundation is aiming to raise $200,000 during this year’s fundraising day to help bring life-saving diagnostic technology to Townsville University Hospital.
The morning will go towards purchasing a next generation sequencing machine (NGS) which will help diagnose cancers and bacterial diseases as well as be used for research.
It will also position Townsville as the first regional site in Queensland to host this cutting-edge equipment.
The NGS enables comprehensive genetic analysis with applications in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of cancers, for example leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and solid tumours like lung, breast, and melanoma.
It also supports resistance testing, outbreak investigations, and emerging research into the microbiome and rare pathogens like melioidosis.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton has urged everyone to get being the day and get involved this Brighter Day fundraiser.
“We are encouraging everyone in north Queensland to give where they live,” Stephanie said.
“ Whether you donate, fundraise, or simply spread the word, your support helps here, helping local patients.”
All funds raised by Brighter Lives stay local, benefiting patients in Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
Donate or sign up to fundraise www.charidy.com/brighterlives.
A next generation sequencing machine
Capital works update
Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service
Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Work location: Various locations in TUH
Project: Hybrid Theatre
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade
Work location: Medilink building Level 2 current NQPMMS suite
Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner
Work location: Charters Towers Health Service
Works currently underway Works on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Have any questions?
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Project: Multi-storey car park
Work location: Townsville University Hospital
Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.
To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those teams who will be impacted by works undertaken at TUH.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any proposed changes, please contact the chief operating officer via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
Recipe of the blah Yummy kale salad
Supplied by TUH dietitians
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
• 2 CUPS OF FRESH KALE, CHOPPED COARSELY
• 1 CUP OF QUINOA (WHITE/RED/MIXED), COOKED/STEAMED/MICROWAVED
• ½ MEDIUM SIZE LEMON, JUICED
• ½ TSP OF SALT
• ¼ TSP BLACK PEPPER
• 1 MEDIUM RIPPED TOMATO, CHOPPED COARSELY
• ½ CUP OF FRESH/DESICCATED/SHREDDED COCONUT
• ¼ CUP POMEGRANATE SEEDS
• 1 TBSP OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Method
1. Firstly, mix in coconut, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl to combine thoroughly.
2. Then add in kale and stir well.
3. Finally, add in quinoa and mix well.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and olive oil.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Give away: baby guppies, as pets only. Phone Maria - 0414 692 032. (30/06)
Stethoscope – Brand new Littmann Classic III Stethoscope, brand new condition, box has never been opened. $120, can deliver. Please text 0468 494 652 (30/06)
FOR RENT
Email classifieds to tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au with subject ‘Classifieds’. Do not send classifieds as attachments.
Photos will not be included. Submissions for classifieds should be no longer than 50 word in a plain-text email. Classifieds longer than this will not be included.
Classifieds will stay current for two issues of the blah. If you would like your ad to be continued after this time please resend the ad. We do not advertise services in the blah.
