blah blah blah | 20 June 2025 Staff Excellence Awards
Dear colleagues
Well, what an amazing night at our Staff Excellence Awards at The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville last night! Congratulations to all our finalists and winners; the awards were so well deserved. The atmosphere was electric, and it was wonderful to see our staff celebrate each other with such genuine joy and appreciation. This special edition of the blah has a full wrap up of the evening, including all the winners, as well as some great social pics with all the glitz and glamour from the night. If you scan the QR codes, you can enjoy the video presentations; they are well worth a look! My thanks to the team in Public Affairs who spend many months planning and executing this event, including all the design work and video production.
The Minister for Health, Tim Nicholls, attended the event for the first time and told me afterwards how much he enjoyed the evening, meeting staff, and sharing in the wonderful work of the HHS. He was also delighted to be offered the chance to select his own winner for the Minister’s Choice Award –congratulations to the DonateLife team who had no idea they were in the running so a lovely surprise all round.
The Minister was accompanied on this visit by Director-General Dr David Rosengren. The DG spent time touring Townsville University Hospital with Chief Medical Officer Dr Niall Small today (no doubt some time was spent reminiscing about their days on the floor as ED staff specialists) before accompanying Niall to a Medical Managers Development Program meeting with 25 current and emerging medical leaders.
This morning, we backed in the Minister’s visit with a tour and media opportunity at the newly completed $17 million hybrid theatre at TUH. The theatre is one of the most advanced operating theatres in Queensland for specialised surgical services including vascular, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, trauma, and emergency services. This hybrid theatre will be the first in Australia, and one of the first in the world, to have lateral and vertical movement of the ceiling mounted X-ray which will allow for greater flexibility, wider coverage, and a safer environment for patients and staff. The ETA for going live is yet to be determined with air-quality testing and other commissioning elements underway, but I’m confident it won’t be too much longer. My thanks to theatre NUM Shallyn Sandow and vascular specialist Dr Ramesh Velu for their guidance during what was a spectacular tour.
This afternoon I accompanied the Minister and DG to the Burdekin for visits to the Ayr and Home Hill Health Services. Thank you to the staff at Ayr who hosted a fabulous barbecue lunch for the Minister with staff, making the most of this beautiful north Queensland winter weather.
Keeping to the awards theme, nominations for the HHS’s annual NAIDOC Week Awards are now open. Please consider nominating someone in one of the seven categories so we can recognise and celebrate those individuals and teams who are showing cultural leadership, growing our workforce, and championing health equity.
On a final note, it’s been a very big week, as it often is in our HHS, so wherever you are today, thank you for the work you do.
Until next time, kk
Tears and triumphs at Staff Excellence Awards
Emotions ran high last night as the HHS celebrated finalists and winners at the annual Staff Excellence Awards at the Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville.
Health service chief executive and awards night emcee Kieran Keyes said the event was an opportunity to thank and celebrate those staff that lived our values, vision and purpose.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve faced enormous challenges, from surging clinical demand to a monsoon trough and lifethreatening floods, all the while meeting the needs of our patients and the communities we serve,” he said.
Special guest Minister for Health Tim Nicholls congratulated all finalists and winners.
“It’s an honour to recognise and celebrate all that you do in Townsville and north Queensland, delivering outstanding healthcare to the hundreds of thousands of people who call this special part of our state home,” he said.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Excellence in Health, Safety and Wellness
Dr Susannah Bond
Integrity
Leela Rolfe
Compassion
Ingham Health Service
Accountability
Oral Health eConsent Project
Respect
Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit
Engagement
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinicians
Rural Health Worker of the Year
Katrina Ford
Purpose
Allan Reilly
Vision
Dr Janani Krishnan
People’s Choice Award
Townsville University
Hospital Mortuary Team
Minister’s Choice Award
Townsville DonateLife
Ingham Health Service
Shirani and Dr Kumar Gunarwardane
Leela Rolfe and Tony Mooney
Kerry Irwin and Margaret Wagg
Jason Kelly and Dr Susannah Bond
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Scan to watch Health, Safety & Wellness category video
Scan to watch Integrity category video
Lisa Macnaughton and Rosemary Jacobs
Scan to watch Rural Health Worker category video
Fiona Egan
Susan Freiberg and Melissa Rosemond
Vicki Carson, Katrina Roberts and Kendall George
Consultant Emeritus Dr Yong Mong Tan
Tony Mooney and Katrina Ford
blah blah blah
Scan to watch Accountability category video
Suzie Mercer, Jennefer Shailer and Tanya Forden
Richmond Multipurpose Health Service team
Oral Health eConsent pilot program team
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
blah blah blah
Kim Murdock and Harley Walsh
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder clinical team
Coral Ferguson and Niskarski Bell
Christopher and Katrina Ford
Michelle Butcher, Ruth Aisthorpe and Jodie Harpin
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
blah blah blah Page 7
Scan to watch Engagement category video
Danielle and Ty Pearson
Tony Mooney and Allan Reilly
Sue Tench and Mary Leech
Dr Selina Porter, Mooney
Townsville Hospital and Health Service blah blah blah
Scan to watch Purpose category video
Scan to watch Compassion category video
Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit
Dr Janani Krishnan and Hon Tim Nicholls
Porter, Janine Johnson and Tony
Scan to watch Respect category video
Scan to watch Vision category video
People's Choice winners Townsville University Hospital Mortuary team
Dawn Charteris
Chris and Michelle Palmer
Alicia Fowles and Stephanie Naunton
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Drs Yong Mong and Jennifer Tan
Minister's Choice winners, Townsville DonateLife team
Performance & Business Informatics team
Dr Kunwarjit Sangla
Charity Ackon-Eigbobo and Alexa-Maria Rosca
Rachel Pennisi, Shannon Woods, Alisha Dicton and Kate Edmonds
Retired endocrinologist welcomed as newest Consultant Emeritus
Last night, at the 2025 Townsville Hospital and Health Service Staff Excellence Awards, retired endocrinologist Dr Yong Mong Tan was conferred the title of Consultant Emeritus.
For more than four decades, Dr Tan was a pioneer for endocrinology services in north Queensland and helped develop Townsville’s endocrinology and diabetes department into a much sought-after posting for advanced trainees in endocrinology.
“The highlight of my career has certainly been starting endocrine services in the region, as well as starting our multidisciplinary diabetes and endocrine in pregnancy antenatal clinic and the high-risk diabetes foot clinic so that we could address the special needs of these patients,” Dr Tan said.
At the time of Dr Tan’s retirement, medical service group clinical director Prof Kunwarjit Sangla described Dr Tan's legacy.
“Dr Tan is a teacher, researcher, an astute clinician, and a wonderful human being,” he said.
“His contribution over the years to the people of north Queensland needs to be acknowledged and applauded and it is an honour to be here tonight as he is bestowed with the Consultant Emeritus title.”
Dr Tan was joined by his wife, Dr Jennifer Tan, and daughter Dr Joanne Tan at the event.
Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren presented Dr Tan with his certificate of recognition.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
blah blah blah
Dr Joanne Tan, Dr Yong Mong Tan and Dr Jennifer Tan
Townsville University Hospital's diabetes and endocrinology team congratulates Dr Tan
15 years of burning down barriers for treating paediatric burns
It was a milestone week for the north Queensland paediatric burns service, celebrating 15 years since director of paediatric surgery Dr Harry Stalewski set up the service.
Coinciding with the 2025 iteration of the paediatric burns symposium, clinicians from across northern Queensland gathered to learn and recognise the achievements of the service, which included the ability to monitor patients remotely and provide high-quality care without requiring the patient to travel.
Catherine Weaver, from Magnetic Island, couldn’t be more grateful for the care of the service when her son Tex had an unfortunate encounter with a steam humidifier, leaving him with a full-depth, scald burn to his left hand.
“We had such a comforting experience with the burns team,” Catherine said.
“From the moment we walked into emergency, we had multiple visits from doctors, nurses, and the burns team, who put us at ease as they discussed the treatment and care plan for Tex’s hand.
“The surgical team was so kind, patient, and understanding of my emotions and the whole scenario; they loved Tex and treated him as if he was their own.
“It was great to know we could get his treatment here in Townsville, especially with two other children at home on the island, it was a huge relief.”
Harry said he was proud of the impact the burns service has had on families like Tex’s, which has allowed children to receive burns treatment locally, whether they lived in Townsville, Mount Isa, Cairns, Mackay or the Torres Strait Islands.
“It’s a testament to the work we have been able to achieve over the last 15 years of the paediatric burns service,’ he said.
“From the little things like an efficient email service through to the weekly multidisciplinary meetings to review burns patients, has meant we can keep an eye on all the acute burns patients, especially those who have been kept locally.”
Looking to the future, Harry said there was much more he hoped to achieve with the burns service.
“I would like to see a Townsville Children’s Hospital with a fully funded burns service being an integral part of that,” he said.
“We are also working towards having a service where procedures can be performed in the treatment room rather than in the theatres and also integrating hyperbaric oxygen therapy for difficult burns injuries and grafts.”
Dr Harry Stalewski, Tex Reid, and mum Catherine Weaver
Townsville HHS champions a positive ‘privacy culture’ during national week
Trust is at the core of every patient interaction, and Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s clinical information team has been reminding staff of the importance of maintaining that trust for Privacy Awareness Week (PAW).
PAW is a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal information.
Clinical information management director Dale Parker said her team had spent this week talking with managers, clinicians, and support staff about having a positive privacy culture at work.
“We all handle sensitive and personal information about consumers and our consumers trust us to make sure it remains private,” Dale said.
“Our consumers need to feel safe in our care and have confidence that we will keep their information secure.
“PAW is a great opportunity to revisit how we handle patient information and refamiliarise ourselves with best practice.
“If you aren’t already, then become familiar with your professional obligations like only accessing information for patients you are directly treating or for specific functions of your role.
“Doing things like looking up records for friends, family, or even yourself is a breach of privacy.”
Dale said there were some practical steps that could ensure good privacy practices.
“It’s about being proactive and mindful in everything we do,” she said.
“This includes simple habits like locking your computer when you step away, ensuring clinical conversations happen in private spaces, passwords and logins aren’t left laying around, and using secure bins for confidential documents.
“Every employee has an obligation to report privacy breaches. Our team is here to assist and ensure any issues are managed appropriately.
“Staff should feel empowered to speak up, as this is a key part of maintaining a secure environment for our patients’ information.”
Staff can report a privacy breach, or seek advice, by contacting the clinical information team at THHS_ Privacy_and_Confidentiality@health.qld.gov.au or by calling 4433 1319. Anonymous reporting is also available.
PAW runs until 22 June; for more information visit www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/events/privacyawareness-week/paw-2025.
Jane Watson, Caroline Allen, and Dale Parker
Elaine logs off for travel, grandchildren and lobster bisque
After a 27-year career data quality officer Elaine Latter has called time on her role, swapping spreadsheets for a new dream of caravanning and perfecting a lobster bisque.
Elaine has spent the past 15 years as a data quality officer in clinical information services, ensuring the accuracy of clinical data in HBCIS, auditing records, correcting errors, and running reports, amongst many other responsibilities.
But Elaine’s career in data quality wasn’t linear.
“I started out working in home and community care as an agency staff member,” Elaine said.
“From there, I took on a variety of roles across both hospital and community settings.
“I eventually stepped into my role at Townsville University Hospital as part of the clinical information services team, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”
Data quality manager Yvonne Engel said Elaine had been an invaluable part of the team, contributing significantly through her meticulous attention to detail.
“Elaine has such vast knowledge that will be incredibly difficult to replicate within the unit,” Yvonne said.
“Over the years, she has not only demonstrated unparalleled professionalism and expertise but has also been an amazing mentor, colleague, and friend to many of us.
“She has a wonderful sense of humour, always sharing stories of family antics that became the highlight of our day.
“Elaine will be deeply missed in the department and while we are sad to farewell her, we are excited for her as she heads into her next chapter of retirement.”
Elaine said she would miss her close-knit team, especially her ‘work wives.’
“I’ll miss the variety of work I’ve been involved in, no two days were ever the same,” Elaine said.
“But now I’m planning to caravan around Australia with Darwin and Tasmania high on my list.
“I also want to dive into my collection of recipe books, starting with a curry and working my way up to a lobster bisque.
“Most of all I’m looking forward to spending more time with my three children and seven grandchildren.
“It’s time for a slower pace with more family, more travel, and more adventures.”
All the best for your next chapter, Elaine!
Elaine Latter
Construction finishes on cutting-edge theatre at TUH
Townsville University Hospital’s new theatre, that combines surgical and medical imaging, will change the game for surgical services in north Queensland.
Construction has finished on the $17 million hybrid operating theatre which has the potential to support up to 40 new procedures per week, helping reduce elective surgery waitlists.
The theatre is the first in Australia, and one of the first in the world, to have lateral movement of the ceiling-mounted angiography which will allow for greater flexibility, wider imaging coverage, and a safer environment for the patients and staff.
Minister for Health Tim Nicholls was at TUH today and joined staff to tour the new theatre.
Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the theatre was a significant project for the hospital.
“Currently, patients needing x-rays or other imaging are transferred from the operating theatre to the medical imaging department downstairs,” Kieran said.
“The hybrid theatre is a one-stop-shop which means patients who need imaging won’t experience a stop-start to their procedures.”
Once operational, it will be one of the most advanced theatres in Queensland for specialised surgical procedures including trauma and emergency services, vascular, cardiothoracic, interventional radiology, neurosurgery, with the ability to expand to more services in the future.
Kieran said the theatre had the potential to transform surgical procedures in the region.
“This project enhances the HHS’s healthcare capabilities in north Queensland,” he said.
“The new theatre is also expected to increase elective surgery capacity, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for the community.”
Perioperative and outpatient services nurse unit manager Shallyn Sandow said the ability to save time in an emergency was potentially lifesaving.
“Time is critical in an emergency, and saving even minutes can make a significant difference,” she said.
“Having medical imaging directly available in the operating theatre will be invaluable, eliminating the need to move patients between departments.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the construction of this hybrid theatre completed, and we’re eager to bring this service to the people of north Queensland.”
The theatre is expected to go-live following the completion of the commissioning phase of works.
Tom Hegarty, Tony Mooney, Dr Ramesh Velu, Janelle Poole, Shallyn Sandow, Adam Baillie, Natalie Marr, Kieran Keyes, and Tim Nicholls
Passion project to save women's lives
This uterine cancer awareness month, the gynaecology oncology team (GONC) at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has developed an awareness board for what is an often overlooked, but deadly disease.
TUH gynaecology oncology clinical nurse consultant Kellie West has been in her role coordinating gynaecological services for the health service for the past year and said the awareness board was a passion project.
“The GONC team works hard to highlight gynaecological diseases like uterine cancer, which often don’t receive as much public attention as others like breast or prostate cancer, despite having comparable statistics,” Kellie said.
“The education board contains lots of information around early and late-stage symptoms of uterine cancer, the importance of regular checks, and statistics laid out in an easy-to-understand way.
“Our goal was to make the display eye-catching by using bright colours and visuals to draw attention.”
Kellie said the board had already made a tangible impact, prompting one woman to seek screening just one day after it went up.
“We had a patient notice the board while she was here for a different appointment, and she booked in a screening after realising she had some of the symptoms listed,” Kellie said.
“That was a great moment, showcasing that something so simple could be a potentially lifesaving tool.”
Kellie said there was a clear a generational gap in awareness around not just uterine, but all gynaecological cancers, where younger women were more proactive, while older women often delayed seeking help.
“Many symptoms are dismissed or misattributed to other issues like period pain or polycystic ovarian syndrome,” Kellie said.
“That means there’s a need for greater awareness not just among the public, but also among general practitioners and clinicians, to improve early detection and referrals.
“It’s also important for people to be aware that self-collection cervical screening is now available, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional pap smears.”
Kellie said she hoped projects like the awareness board would aid in breaking the stigma by normalising conversations about gynaecological health.
“The board is part of a much bigger picture of listening to your body, not ignoring symptoms, and encouraging loved ones to seek help if something feels off,” Kellie said.
Uterine Cancer Awareness Month is held annually in June. Visit https://igcs.org/ucam/ for more information.
Dr Jessica Littile, Bryony Van Santen, Dr Helen Green, Kellie West, Dr Ellen Quinn
Sweet Paige back in the saddle after year of care at TUH
On a sunny Saturday in May last year, life as Bluewater couple Ellen and Alex Gillman knew it changed forever.
A freak accident involving a gate at their sevenyear-old daughter Paige’s pony club left her with multiple crush injuries including a collapsed lung, serious lacerations, and four broken ribs.
Fast-forward a year and the Gillmans want to share their daughter’s incredible story of recovery, one they said would not have been possible without the care of emergency, medical, surgical, nursing, and allied health staff at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
“It was absolutely terrifying to see her so injured,” Mrs Gillman said.
“The chaos and emotion of that day has made it difficult to remember names, but the impact the hospital has had on us is unforgettable.
“The resuscitation team in emergency led by Dr Olwen Gilbert was extraordinary; they not only attended to our daughter’s urgent needs but also recognised how terrifying the experience was for a little girl.”
Paige was transferred from the ED to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) where she spent four days on a ventilator.
“The PICU team watched over our daughter with such diligence, kindness, and warmth and the support staff who helped with lifting, rolling, and transporting her treated her with such care,” Mrs Gillman said.
Kady Delle Baite, Dr Olwen Gilbert, Paige Gillman, and Tegan Olsen
“It meant the world to us that, even when she was intubated and sedated, she was treated with such respect.
“The surgical team was incredible and quite literally pieced our daughter back together, and the postoperative care they provided was outstanding.”
Paediatric emergency specialist Olwen said Paige was ‘so very brave’.
“She had a severe laceration to her back and a collapsed lung that needed a chest drain,” she said.
“I had my whole team around me, and this is what we train for, so I knew Paige was in safe hands.
“I talked to her about her horse, Rudolf, which kept her calm and having her parents close by helped in what was a very scary experience for a child.”
Mrs Gillman said she was also grateful for the ‘amazing care’ of the children’s ward, radiology and physiotherapy departments, and the wound care nurses who nursed Paige through 103 days of dressing changes.
Mrs Gillman saved her final praise for occupational therapists (OTs) Tegan Olsen and Kady Delle Baite.
“These two women have been nothing short of extraordinary,” she said.
“Paige found comfort and inspiration in them, and now dreams of becoming an OT herself.”
Tegan said Paige was ‘an absolute sweetheart’ who did everything asked of her.
“Working as OTs with children our job is to build a rapport, understand what they like to do, offer distraction therapy, and build in some fun as they undergo care,” she said.
“We did a lot of dancing and talking about horses with Paige.
“And we also worked with her in managing her compression bandages, scar massage, and getting her back to her childhood occupations of school and pony club.
“Paige is an old soul, she can be sassy, and we adore her.”
Paige said her visits to the hospital meant the chance to talk about Rudolf with the nurses and doctors and play Nintendo with Kady and Tegan.
“I won the Super Mario races and set the highest score,” she said.
Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said receiving Mrs Gillman’s feedback had been incredibly gratifying.
“When I receive feedback like I did about Paige’s care, I’m reminded of the brilliance, dedication, and compassion of our staff,” he said.
“Everyone at TUH is delighted to see Paige fully recovered and we’d love to see her back here as an OT one day.”
Paige and Rudolf
Deadly start to healthcare careers for Bevan and Lillieanne
Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s next generation of Indigenous healthcare leaders continues to grow after two Deadly Start graduates gained fulltime employment with the health service.
It comes ahead of NAIDOC Week next month and this year’s theme focused on celebrating the next generation of First Nations Australians.
Both Bevan Kepa, 18, and Lillieanne Lenoy, 18, graduated from the Deadly Start program last year with Bevan now working as a dental assistant and Lillieanne as a physiotherapy assistant.
Deadly Start is a school-based traineeship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in grades 11 and 12 which aims to create career pathways into healthcare to help achieve health equality for Indigenous Australians.
As part of the program, the trainees worked across multiple areas of the health service over 12 months to get a broad understanding of how the system worked.
Bevan said the traineeship had helped him develop a passion for healthcare.
“It opened my eyes to the possibilities in the sector and helped me figure out what I did, and didn’t, want to pursue,” Bevan said.
“Dental struck a chord with me and when the dental trainee opportunity came along, I applied for it right away.
“I’ve also enjoyed being able to work in a role where I can help to make healthcare more accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.”
Bevan Kepa
Lillianne said she wanted to do something to help her community and had always had an interest in physiotherapy.
“I grew up with a bit of a sporting background and knew I wanted to do something in this field,” LIllianne said.
“While doing the Deadly Start program, I understood the importance of having First Nations people working in healthcare and helping other Indigenous Australians.
“It’s crucial more Indigenous people are working in healthcare and it’s something I can see myself doing for a long time.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health executive director Amanda Cooms said she was excited to share Bevan’s and Lillianne’s stories, as well as many others, ahead of next month’s Townsville HHS NAIDOC Week events.
“The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ and hearing about the success of young First Nations people like Bevan and Lillianne is encouraging to helping make health more equitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Amanda said.
“Throughout NAIDOC Week there will be events at each HHS location, including Townsville University Hospital on Thursday 10 July.
“Part of that will be our NAIDOC Week awards which has opened.
“There are seven categories and I encourage everyone to nominate someone for an award.”
To nominate someone visit QHEPS, or scan the QR code.
“Stories from the Deadly Start trainees and U-me Koola graduates are just some of the initiatives available to our next generation of leaders to help close the healthcare gap.
Lillieanne Lenoy
Townsville
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Nominate Someone Who’s Building the Future The Next Generation Starts With Us
NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrates "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" and now is the time to honour those who are shaping that future in powerful, lasting ways.
Do you know a staff member who:
Leads with cultural strength and pride?
Inspires and uplifts others?
Champions better health, equity, and opportunity for our people?
Is creating a legacy for the next generation to stand strong in culture and thrive?
Nominate them for a 2025 NAIDOC Award and help us celebrate the people who are walking forward with purposefor Country, for Community, and for the generations to come.
Whether they’re lighting the way for others, protecting cultural knowledge, or simply showing up with integrity every day - this is your chance to recognise their strength, their vision, and the legacy they’re creating.
Let’s lift them up. Let’s tell their stories.
Let’s celebrate our future, our leaders, our people
Scan the QR code to nominate today
Talking about National Dietitians' Week
This week dietitians from across the hospital and health service celebrated National Dietitians' Week to highlight the profound impact dietitians have, not only on consumers, but in shaping healthier communities.
Established in 2021, Dietitians Australia created this year’s theme of “Talk to a Dietitian” to help lift the visibility of dietitians in the community.
Dietitians Lakshika Dadigamuwage, Chloe Harris and Sarah Flett spoke about what they love most about their profession and the tangible impact they have on their patients.
Lakshika Dadigamuwage Surgical inpatients
“I love working with patients because I feel very connected to them, helping them discharge safely, helping them get their health back on track and improving their overall health and wellness. You can see the impact you have on a patient as they get stronger; when they’re receiving adequate nutrition, their conditions improve, and helping educate them with good nutrition practices gets them back to their normal self.”
Sarah Flett Paediatrics
“We provide education on the importance of nutrition and use evidence-based nutrition strategies to help optimise patient health. Working so closely with kids and their families, it’s really rewarding to support children’s growth and development. Collaborating with different teams within the hospital to support enhanced patient health outcomes makes the job really fulfilling.”
Chloe Harris Reliever
“I really enjoy nutrition and science and I find the connection between adequate nutrition and patient outcomes interesting; utilising that evidence base and putting it into practice and seeing the outcomes for each patient is rewarding. Adequate nutrition and hydration can improve patient outcomes such as increased energy levels, reduced length of stay in hospital and reduced post-op complication.”
Title Title
Everyone I dealt with has been amazing from doctors, nurses to cleaners, physios and support aids. I appreciate all the hard work.
I would like to sincerely thank the dedicated staff of Ward 4 who have cared for my mother for nearly 4 months. She absolutely loved the staff in the ward. I also witnessed the kindness and patience shown to my mum over these many months. I can’t thank you all enough.
Nurses were lovely and kind. Made us feel very comfortable and advocated for us to get my child what was needed. Made our hospital stay not so hard. So thank you.
PAEDIATRICS
SURGICAL WARD 1
MEDICAL WARD 4
A Note...Brighter
Sign up your team for Brighter Lives Brighter Day
Save the date for July 31 - Brighter Day, previously known as Giving Day, is back!
The foundation has put the call out for staff across the health service to get involved.
Teams are encouraged to sign up and fundraise in whatever way works for them.
From morning teas, plant sales and even a burpee challenge, if it brings people together and raises money, Brighter Lives wants your team on board.
Last year, the intensive care unit team raised the most out of any department, and ICU nurse educator Bernadette Clapperton has committed the team again this year.
“Last year we held a bake sale and everyone from ICU brought in something to sell – it was such a fun day, and knowing it helped our patients made it all the more worthwhile,” she said.
The money the team raised went toward SIM cards for iPads in the ICU.
This allowed patients to access streaming services while they recovered as the they were finding the WiFi wasn’t strong enough for apps like Netflix or YouTube.
ICU clinical nurse consultant Patrice Cleall said the impact the iPads had for patients like Isaac Pearce, who has spent four months in ICU, was invaluable.
“Being able to watch something while lying in bed really helps pass the time and helps recovery,” she said.
“It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
“Whether it’s for patients like Isaac or others across the hospital, Brighter Day helps us provide those little extras that help brighten the hospital experience.”
Teams can sign up at: charidy.com/brighterlives or contact the Brighter Lives team on 31337 for more information.
Patient Isaac Pearce with Patrice Cleall
Capital works update
Important update to staff carpark at Townsville University Hospital
To help ease weekday traffic congestion from staff car parks at Townsville University Hospital, we are trialling the use of the emergency gate at the Eastern Campus carpark (car park #17) as an additional exit point. Please see the map for reference.
The trial will run to mid-September, Monday to Friday, between 3pm and 6pm.
Please note that this gate will be for exit only, with vehicles required to turn left onto Discovery Drive, heading towards James Cook University. For those wishing to exit through this gate, consider parking nearby to avoid navigating the main car park during peak times.
Signage and electronic message boards will be in place to assist with directions and safety during this period.
Traffic flow will be monitored, and feedback will be requested throughout the trial to inform future planning.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve accessibility and reduce traffic congestion during peak periods.
Works currently underway
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 on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Have any questions?
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion - $40 million
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 chief operating officer Susan Freiberg via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
Recipe of the blah Chicken Cacciatore
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
• 1 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 chicken thigh cutlets, skin on and bone in
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tsp chopped rosemary leaves
• 1 red capsicum, cut into strips
• 1 cup (120g) pitted green olives, halved
• 1 cup (250ml) red wine
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbs chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1 cup (170g) brown rice (can substitute cous cous/ polenta/mashed potato)
Method
1. Heat oil in a large, deep frypan over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towel, then season and place, skin-side down, in the pan. Cook, skin-side down, for 4 minutes or until skin is golden, then turn and cook for a further 4 minutes, or until browned. Transfer to a plate.
2. Return the pan to medium heat with the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and rosemary, then cook for a further 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the capsicum, olives and red wine, then cook for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half. Add tomato, then return the chicken, skin-side up, to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, adding a little water if sauce thickens too much.
3. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice, cous cous, polenta, or mashed potato if desired.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Labradoodle pups. All black, 3 F and 2 M left. Mid size 16-20kg. Curly multigen, guaranteed non shedding and hypoallergenic, DNA clear. Ready to go 23/5, vet checked, vaxed, chipped, wormed, ethical TSV family breeder, THHS employees. Home visit the whole dog family. $2,250. BIN 0001101777456. Kirsten 0418 389 831. (22/5)
2013 Range Rover Evoque. 197000kms, recently serviced, two new tyres. 4 months rego. Will come with RWC.$17000 ONO. Contact Ayla on 0434117244. (22/5)
JPOD Outback MY22 caravan with A/C. Excellent condition and always serviced at Jayco in Townsville. Still under warranty. Large 270 degree awning, rear annex, shower tent, Solar, outdoor kitchen and water tank. Optional roof top tent. $26,500 ONO. Call Nina 0435194168 (3/6)
Stand up paddleboard. NX Board 12ft timber finish. Rarely used. Comes with carbon fibre paddle, life jacket, short sleeve wetsuit 1.5mm large, ankle strap, board bag. $800. Text Marinda 0415 812 358 (6/6)
FOR RENT
Short term accommodation – negotiable if requiring extensions. 1 bedroom 1 bathroom fully furnished granny flat. Modern space, single lock up garage. Located in Burdell. $400 per week. Phone Lauren – 0423486916 with enquiries.
Modern 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in Cranbrook. Close to Hospital and Stockland Plaza. Fully air-conditioned including dishwasher and dryer. Private balcony, very secure complex, lock up garage. Swimming pool in complex $460 per week. Call David on 0427 728 372
WANTED
Speed boats for hire. Townsville outrigger canoe club is looking to hire speed boats that can carry 5 or more passengers for the annual Maggie Island Magic race. Needed for Sunday 22 June from 7am. $400 per boat. For more details contact Derek: 0429476235. (28/5)
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