I noticed a few staff in jumpers around TUH this week, it’s been that cold that so far I’ve refrained from my morning swim.
Earlier this week, we celebrated International Human Resources Professionals Day. Our HR team works hard behind the scenes to assist staff, promote wellbeing, and guide positive change. The team also held its own awards ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate excellence in their work; congratulations to all the winners.
It was great to recently receive some detailed feedback from one of our medical interns, Dr Lauren Bosley, and Dr Rupert Dwyer, one of our RMOs, following their recent attendance at the Queensland Junior Medical Officers Forum. This statewide forum, including Queensland Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine McDougall, brings together junior doctors to discuss common challenges faced across different health services. Lauren and Rupert shared results from a recent survey of our own junior doctor cohort, and the feedback was encouraging. Our Medical Education Unit, led by Dr Susannah Bond, and the medical workforce team deserve enormous credit for the role they play in supporting our junior medical officers.
A big thank you also goes to everyone who’s been working behind the scenes in preparation for the new Aged Care Act 2024, which goes live on 1 July. This isn’t just relevant to our residential aged care facilities at Parklands and Eventide, it also impacts many teams involved in inpatient and community care for older people.
On the topic of caring for older members of the community, I want to acknowledge the success in reducing the number of maintenance patients at Townsville University Hospital. Earlier this year, we had around 115 maintenance patients (which includes those in our interim beds), but this week we’ve seen that number drop into the mid 80s. This is a fantastic achievement, thanks to lots of hard work. While there’s more to do, we are gradually overcoming barriers to transition patients from
acute care to their next appropriate care setting. Thank you to everyone contributing to this important work.
I’m pleased to provide another positive update from around the health service – last week we had zero 24-hour emergency department breaches at TUH. This is a major achievement which was made possible thanks to the hard work of our patient flow unit, our admitting teams, ED staff, and many others. Thank you and congratulations to all involved.
During my regular all-staff forum this week, someone raised a very valid point about clinical conversations that take place in public areas of the hospital. We all take patient confidentiality seriously, so I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be especially mindful when discussing clinical matters or using screens that display patient information in shared or public spaces.
I hope you all enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend. I’ll be spending my Sunday afternoon at the Community Cabinet session at Kirwan State High School, where I’ll be joined by the Minister for Health to hear from members of the public. I’m looking forward to seeing what the afternoon brings.
Before I go, here is a happy snap from Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young’s recent visit to Richmond and Hughenden. Thanks to our teams there for being such great hosts.
kk
Professor Graeme Nimmo, Dr Jeanette Young, and Judy Brown
Paediatric cardiologist healing hearts and changing lives
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) paediatric cardiologist Dr Mangesh Jadhav’s work in heart health care in north Queensland has been a game changer for local families, offering access to first-class treatment closer to home.
Growing up in India, Mangesh said he wasn’t initially a standout student.
“I came from a family with very limited formal education,” Mangesh said.
“Despite this, my parents were very supportive of my ambitions to work in medicine.”
Mangesh said that as a child he was treated by a doctor who left a lasting impression, inspiring him to pursue a career in medicine.
“I began my medical training in 1998 and, after a pivotal moment treating a child with malaria as an intern, I decided to specialise in paediatrics, eventually focusing on paediatric cardiology,” Mangesh said.
“My interest in cardiology was shaped by a natural inclination toward working in intensive care and was also guided by personal experiences.”
Mangesh and his wife TUH paediatric neurologist Dr Trupti Jadhav eventually made the move to Australia for international experience.
Mangesh spent nearly a decade working at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, refining his skills in advanced cardiology procedures like electrophysiology, pacemaker and ICD assessments, cardiac MRI scan and cardiac ICU work.
“We were seeking a better work-life balance, so we decided to move to Townsville when the opportunity to work in my specialty within a rural setting came up,” Mangesh said.
In Townsville, Mangesh said he had been able to provide comprehensive and advanced care for children with heart conditions.
“We now have services like our pacemaker clinic as well as advanced imaging procedures that were previously unavailable at TUH, meaning families no longer have to travel to Brisbane for treatment,” Mangesh said.
Mangesh said the move to Townsville had been incredibly fulfilling as he had the chance to connect with the community, especially First Nations families.
“My own upbringing fuels my desire to give back and provide care to children who might otherwise have limited access to health services,” Mangesh said.
“My mum had to carry us on her waist for five kilometres just to make sure we got our vaccines.
“I try to share my story with my patients and their families and tell them that no matter their background, there are opportunities.
“I can see the spark in their eyes when I say that to them.”
Mangesh said he hoped to continue expanding local care in north Queensland, ensuring that children in Townsville and beyond received the heart care they needed while fostering a healthier, more empowered community.
“I take a holistic approach to care, not only focusing on treating medical conditions but also educating families about health hygiene and the prevention of diseases like rheumatic heart disease and motivating my young patients,” Mangesh said.
“I want to treat not just the child, but the whole family and community, focusing not only on their health but on their future.”
Paediatric cardiologist Dr Mangesh Jadhav
Team host event to honour gift of life
In June, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service DonateLife team will host the 33rd Annual Donate Life Service of Remembrance Event, a special occasion honouring organ and tissue donors and their families.
The service will offer a chance to remember the lives of loved ones who have given the ultimate gift, organ donation, and for recipients to express their gratitude for the life-saving gifts they’ve received.
Townsville University Hospital intensive care unit clinical nurse and DonateLife Queensland donation specialist Meagan Baldwin said all staff members with a connection to organ donation or transplant care were encouraged to attend the event.
“For staff who have been involved in transplant care, it’s an important moment to reflect on the vital role they play in supporting both donor families and transplant recipients,” Meagan said.
“It’s a chance to reflect on the care provided and connect with the community in a powerful, supportive environment.
“Some participants have attended for over 20 years because it is a time for healing and celebrating the gift of life while honouring those who’ve made it possible.”
The DonateLife Service of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, 7 June at 11am at the Townsville Yacht Club. No RSVP is required.
For further information, please call (07) 4433 2202.
Meagan Baldwin
Team effort helps shape new TUH texture-modified food menu
After more than 18 months of consulting, taste testing, and trialling, a new texturemodified food menu has been made available at Townsville University Hospital for patients who experience difficulties swallowing.
The food services team has worked closely with dietitians, speech pathologists, and suppliers to develop the new menu.
Assistant manager Alec Stevens said a lot of work had gone into making sure the new menu passed the safety, nutrition, and taste tests.
“About 150 of the 1,500 meals we serve each day are for patients who require texturemodified foods,” Alec said.
“These foods are critical for patients who have swallowing difficulties to help make sure they can safely eat and drink.
“Texture-modified food is often thought of as being mushy and unappetising.
“That’s why it was crucial the food presented to patients looked like real food, as well as being something that could fit in with our current menu.
“For example, if we have roast lamb on our menu then we want all our patients to have roast lamb and to make the dining experience for patients requiring texture-modified foods to be as least restrictive as possible.”
Senior dietitian Kate Lovell said nutrition played an important role in improving recovery times for patients.
“The old texture-modified menu had items which were made from products which contained potential allergens like milk or eggs,” Kate said.
“This meant for people with those allergies they didn’t have a big variety of food which sometimes led to menu fatigue and eventually patients not eating as much as they should or wanted to.
“This meant some of our patients weren’t getting the nutrition they required which impacted their recovery and led to longer stays at hospital.
“This new menu has a lot more options for people with allergies and while it has only recently been made available, we have already received positive feedback from patients about it.”
Senior speech pathologist Emma Brown said it was important to be able to work closely with dietetics and food services to improve the dining experience for patients.
“There was a lot of consultation not only among ourselves but also consumers to make sure we got this menu right,” Emma said.
“From a speech pathology perspective, the food had to be at a consistency to make it enjoyable to eat but also safe for those people who had difficulties swallowing.
“There was a lot of work to make sure we delivered a food menu which was safe, tasty, nutritional, and easy to make, and I am happy we were able to achieve that.”
Kate Lovell, Alec Stevens and Emma Brown
TUH hosts learning exchange for PNG emergency clinicians
Two emergency clinicians from Papua New Guinea have spent the past week at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) learning how emergency care is delivered in the region.
Dr Ignatius Bolokon and registered nurse Keturah Iyano have been observing alongside Dr Colin Banks and nurse educator Travis Cole in the emergency department.
The visit was part of the Australia Awards Fellowship Program, an initiative supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Both Ignatius and Keturah spent a week in Melbourne completing workshops with other Pacific and Timorese emergency clinicians, followed by clinical observerships for a week in Townsville and Cairns.
Ignatius said he enjoyed his time at TUH.
“It was wonderful to observe within the hospital setting at TUH and learn a lot of new things,” Ignatius said.
“The staff have been friendly and helpful, and they have given their time to answer any questions on how they deliver healthcare to patients.
“I have been particularly impressed with the integrated emergency systems in place at the hospital.
“Things like the electronic health record system, streamlined access to diagnostics, and the use of clear protocols and guidelines have been interesting to see, and hopefully, there are some elements of that I can take home.”
It was the first year the Townsville Hospital and Health Service had been involved with the program and the first time a group of emergency clinicians had been supported to visit Australia.
Colin said the HHS benefited through building stronger professional relationships with clinicians in neighbouring countries.
“It provides an invaluable opportunity for mutual learning and strengthens healthcare partnerships across the Pacific,” Colin said.
“Sharing our expertise while also gaining perspective from clinicians working in different settings benefits us all.”
Travis said the clinical relationships extended beyond the visit.
“We are there to support them, and they are there to support us because, at the end of the day, we are both trying to help our patients,” Travis said.
“The communication channels between our health service and the Pacific have been open for more than 20 years.
“Through collaboration, we can enhance each other’s ability to deliver high-quality healthcare to our patients.”
Dr Colin Banks, Dr Ignatius Bolokon, Keturah Iyano, and Travis Cole
Inflammatory or irritable bowels? That is the question
May marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month in Australia and Townsville University Hospital clinicians have lent their support to raise the profile of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD clinical nurse consultant Lindy Sullivan said people were often confused between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
“IBS is a condition that affects the way the gut functions and can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, and discomfort but doesn’t cause damage to the lining of the gut,” Lindy said.
“IBD, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract.
“There is no cure for IBD, and patients require ongoing support to help manage their disease.”
Patient and founder of support network IBD Hub and author Michelle Hobson suffered from debilitating abdominal pain for nearly a decade.
She said having the support of Lindy and her gastroenterologist Dr Desmond Patrick since her diagnosis had been a lifeline.
“Lindy was there when I was first diagnosed and she was able to explain to me what the disease was and how we’re going to manage it,” Michelle said.
“She spent so much time making sure I was informed, felt safe, and was always there to call upon when I had a flare up.”
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia estimates around 179,420 Australians live with IBD and, on average, 41 per cent of people diagnosed took more than five years before their symptoms were under control.
Michelle’s book, The Ultimate IDB Handbook, was inspired to advocate for more awareness around IBD and lead to earlier diagnosis for others.
“A lot of symptoms overlap with IBS and it’s easier and more accessible to test for IBS, but I really hope in the future we can test for IBD first and rule it out straight away or start treatment earlier,” she said.
Lindy said Michelle’s work was essential to raise awareness for IBD which was often misunderstood in the community.
“It’s great to see Michelle facilitating discussions about the challenges faced by IBD patients, including the high health, economic, and social costs to the individuals and their families,” she said.
Dr Desmond Patrick and staff specialist colorectal surgeon Dr Shinichiro Sakata will be guest speakers at a fundraiser event organised by Michelle with funds raised on the night going to Crohn’s and Colitis Australia.
Click the link to book tickets to her event, The Ultimate Sh*t Show, here.
IBD CNC Lindy Sullivan with Michelle Hobson, founder of IBD Hub
Townsville Correctional Centre prisoner health records go digital
The digital transformation of prison health services has taken a major step forward with Prisoner Electronic Medical Records (PeMR) now live at the Townsville Correctional Centre (TCC).
The implementation replaces paper-based medical records for prisoners, allowing clinicians to record and share information securely across the health service’s ieMR system.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service executive director digital health and knowledge Louise Hayes said the successful implementation was the result of close collaboration and detailed planning.
“Delivering ieMR in a correctional facility required a customised approach and close consultation with frontline staff,” she said.
“This project is an example of how digital health can bridge complex information-sharing to improve patient outcomes; I’m incredibly proud of the teams that made it happen.”
Clinical nurse consultant Lorraine Beech said the rollout was a rewarding project to be involved with.
“This has been a very interesting project due to the specific needs for the services provided by the healthcare team in prison health services,” she said.
“It has been fabulous to work with, and learn from, the team to ensure an efficient implementation of ieMR within the centre to improve patient safety and staff experiences.”
TCC registered nurse Brooke White said the system was already delivering real benefits.
“Some nurses are still learning the system but those who have learned quickly are navigating it well and finding there are time savings with medication prep, while access to information is a lot easier and more efficient,” she said.
“It is also good to be able to chat with the doctor in a different location and have the chart updated instantly.”
The transition to ieMR at the TCC is part of a broader push to digitise healthcare across Queensland Health, ensuring all patients receive safe, timely, and coordinated care, regardless of their location.
Nimmy Chandy and Melissa Flannery
Passion for complex pregnancy care brings national experts to the north
Complications of pregnancy and conditions diagnosed in the womb including fetal growth disorders and heart and genetic abnormalities were the focus of the first-ever maternal fetal medicine (MFM) conference in Townsville last weekend.
Hosted by Townsville University Hospital’s NQ MFM Unit, the conference featured national and local experts in the fields of maternal health, neonatology, and fetal sonography.
NQ MFM director Dr David Watson said the conference was the first time so many experts in the field had gathered in north Queensland.
“Ours is the only dedicated maternal fetal medicine service in the region and we look after mothers with high-risk, complex pregnancies and multiple pregnancies like twins and triplets,” he said.
“The conference was an opportunity to hear from interstate experts as well as our local medical specialists on the detection, care, and management of mothers with complications of pregnancy and babies with fetal abnormalities.”
David said education was fundamental to the delivery of a world-class MFM service and the conference proved a major teaching and learning opportunity for local clinicians, including obstetricians, sonographers, midwives and radiologists, to hear from renowned specialists.
“We were fortunate to have Professor John Newnham, professor of obstetrics and MFM subspecialist from the University of Western Australia, and Professor Sue Walker, head of obstetrics, gynaecology, and newborn health at the University of Melbourne as two of our keynote speakers,” he said.
“The conference was a rare opportunity to hear from among Australia’s foremost authorities on MFM right here in Townsville.”
David described MFM as an ‘incredibly rewarding specialty’.
“Pregnant women understandably have a degree of anxiety about their pregnancies and are hypervigilant to anything going wrong,” he said.
“Our specialty provides reassurance by successfully managing high-risk pregnancies and, in cases where something is not going as well as we would like, we can have honest and open conversations with women and their partners,” he said.
David said the service performed around 3,500 scans each year and had seen more than 2,700 women since last July.
“We’re very proud of our service and delighted with the success of the weekend and the new learnings it brought to local clinical practice,” he said.
NQ MFM director Dr David Watson and sonographer Sonja Brennan
Celebrating the compassion behind palliative care
The Townsville Palliative Care Centre at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has marked National Palliative Care Week 2025, celebrating the people and services at the heart of the centre.
For 30 years, National Palliative Care Week has been Australia’s largest annual conversation about “matters of life and death”.
A BBQ at the Townsville centre brought together patients, staff, and volunteers to reflect on the compassionate care provided every day.
Townsville Palliative Care Centre nurse unit manager Aaron Hanson said the week represented an opportunity to recognise the dedication of staff who looked after patients and their families during a difficult time.
“The work our staff do can be physically and emotionally taxing, so taking the time to acknowledge their efforts is crucial,” Aaron said.
“It’s also a reminder to check in on staff well-being and to encourage open conversations about any struggles they may be facing.
“The week also helps raise awareness of the vital role palliative care plays in healthcare and share the heartfelt moments that often happen here.”
Christine Krompic joined the centre’s team of volunteers as a gardener a year ago, following the loss of a loved one at the facility, and said the role had been incredibly rewarding.
“I love creating a peaceful, calming environment for patients and their families by maintaining and growing the gardens,” Christine said.
“It’s important to me that the space feels less clinical, so that families and patients can step outside and find some comfort.”
Christine said she had been able to form deep emotional connections with families, patients, and staff not only through conversations, but also through small moments.
“I remember when a patient’s mother and sister who were interested in my gardening took it upon themselves to water the newly planted gardens between my visits,” Christine said.
“They told me it gave them something meaningful to do and that it was one of the positive parts of their day.
“It’s the small things that can make a big difference for people in a hospital setting.
“That’s what being part of palliative care means to me.”
Volunteer gardener Christine Krompic
Karen Alsop, Nakitah Glassenbury, Alisha Rogers, and Georgia Mines
Dr Claus Bader, Dr Conor Brady, Christie Gist , and Benjamin McIlwaine
Dr Paul Pulimoottil and Dr Srewthi Kandasamy
Christine Kompic and Lance Denman
Natalie Humphrey and Jodi Ruddell
Health service staff encouraged to help change the story
Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff are encouraged to show their commitment to health equity by joining the community at the rescheduled Townsville Hospital and Health Service Health Equity Showcase on Tuesday 27 May.
Originally planned for earlier this year, the event was postponed due to heavy rainfall.
Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Amanda Cooms said the event was an opportunity to reflect on progress being made in Closing the Gap, while deepening partnerships with First Nations communities.
“Health equity is about people; it’s about the right to live strong, healthy lives, to grow old with dignity, and to pass knowledge and culture to future generations,” she said.
“For millennia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived with strength, wisdom, and resilience on these lands.
“Yet, today, the disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity mean that First Nations peoples are still fighting for basic human rights, the right to equitable healthcare, the right to thrive, and the right to be heard.”
Amanda said the Health Equity Showcase would provide a platform for meaningful consultation, feedback, and collaboration with First Nations communities about the Townsville HHS Health Equity Strategy.
“The event will also help us to develop the next iteration of the strategy to 2029,” she said.
Amanda said participants would have the opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals, Indigenous health workers, and community leaders.
“The showcase will allow us to listen directly to the voices of First Nations people,” she said.
Amanda said events like this were vital because significant gaps in health outcomes for First Nations peoples still exist.
“Our babies are still more likely to die before their first birthday, and our colleagues and community members are still dying a decade earlier than nonIndigenous Australians,” she said.
“These are not just numbers - they represent real lives, real families, and real loss.
“We all have a role to play in creating change, walking alongside First Nations communities, and embedding cultural knowledge, strength, and spirit into everything we do.”
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Health Equity Showcase will be held on Tuesday 27 May 2025 at Wanderers Cricket Club, Gill Park from 9am to 3pm. Join us in this opportunity to show up, listen deeply, and commit to action. Together we can change this story.
Amanda Cooms, Coral Ferguson, and Alisha Kyle
Health equity in Action: U-Me Koola trainees share their
inspiring stories
Jamie Stanley – TUH; diabetes centre
My journey so far has been amazing. I’ve learned so much working at TUH, especially in the Diabetes and Endocrine Centre. When I first started, it was a bit daunting, but having a wonderful group of senior educators, nurse unit managers and colleagues has made it much easier for me. I love being able to help our mob that come in and reassure them that they are in the best hands. It’s always great seeing positive health outcomes and knowing they can see a familiar face; I think it helps contribute to that outcome, which is awesome!
Daisha Johnson – Charters Towers Health Service
Being in a rural and remote community, I have been able to support my mob in more than one way. I am always collaborating with services to break down barriers to ensure my community has access to the necessary health care and that it is delivered in a culturally safe and appropriate manner.
I have collaborated with the diabetes educator at the private medical centre to help break down barriers for my mob who have diabetes, by creating a checklist to help them better manage their insulin dosages. I have also provided support with school immunisations by being a friendly face, getting to know the kids and introducing myself to build a rapport with them.
Jemma Hall – TUH; Nurse navigators / medical
& cardiac clinics
I applied for this program because I wanted to make a difference with our mob’s health. I’ve always had that strong desire to help our people and also to make a difference in our community by improving their lives.
I was supported by an Indigenous Worker, Helen Burns, to communicate with the diabetes clinic to reengage and educate a young Indigenous girl with diabetes on lifestyle and healthy eating to improve her iron levels. With the diabetes nurses’ support, we were able to do a home visit with the Indigenous Health Worker Practitioner Trainee—Jamie’s support—to educate this young girl on diabetes, diet support and to show her how to take her insulin.
A few days later, Jamie called me and said the girl we went to see had come in and got her bloods taken and checked for diabetes. We weren’t 100 per cent sure if she had it or not—she was borderline—and the doctor who saw this young lady thanked Jamie for bringing her in, because he and his team had been trying to get her in for a whole year and were very thankful for our support to re-engage her in getting checked. Our mob benefit from our identified roles within the hospital to assist clinicians in providing necessary care to improve health outcomes.
Jamie Stanley, Daisha Johnson, Jemma Hall
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Health Equity Showcase
Townsville University Hospital wishes to invite you to our community event to showcase our programs and initiatives across our hospital and health service, which are contributing to our goal of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Equity.
Tuesday 27th May 2025
9am-3pm
(Please arrive anytime between these hours)
Wanderers Cricket Club, Gill Park, Hugh Street, Pimlico 4812 QLD
Call for unique voices to shape healthcare
When 23-year-old Chantelle Reynolds was diagnosed at just 19-years-old with a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma cancer, she began an intense and, at times, frustrating health journey.
“It took some time to be get diagnosed because I was young and seemed quite healthy,” Chantelle said.
“Once I began my treatment it felt like a lot of people were worried about me, and that I might not be able to handle tough conversations.”
Chantelle said she knows only too well how important it was for young people to talk about their healthcare experiences.
“You feel really isolated when you’re young and sick, like this isn’t supposed to happen to us,” Chantelle said.
“But young people know their bodies, and we need to be listened to.”
Now in remission, Chantelle hopes that sharing her experience will make an impact.
“I have been part of a youth consumer forum with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and it was such a great opportunity to meet other young people and tell our stories,” Chantelle said.
“Sharing my experience is one way I can use what I’ve gone through to further improve the system for others.”
Chantelle is encouraging young people join the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s Consumer Advisory Council (CAC).
CAC Chair Virginia Bendall-Harris said the council played an integral role in helping ensure the care the health service provided reflected the needs and aspirations of the community.
“The CAC is a partnership between the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and people with lived experience,” Virginia said.
“It aims to guide and improve healthcare service delivery and the consumer and patient experience.
“We are specifically looking for young people, people from a diverse background, and those with a disability to consider joining the council, to ensure we have a wide range of experiences and voices.”
Chantelle said it is important for anyone, especially young people, who are unsure about joining something like the CAC, not to be scared.
“Your voice matters, and together we can make things better,” Chantelle said.
The CAC meets bi-monthly, and members are paid for each meeting.
If you have patients, friends, or family members who may be interested in being part of the CAC, they can find information on how to apply online on the Townsville Hospital and Health Service consumer and community engagement consultation hub.
Youth consumer Chantelle Reynolds
Congratulations to all winners at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service International HR Day Awards
Values in Action Awards
Integrity
Mike Esterhuizen
Shelly Vosseler
Compassion
Catharina Offermans
Michelle Munns Accountability
Louise Allsopp
Laura Meynell
Sharyn Wessing
Respect
Catherine Macleod
Peita Dorrick Engagement
Emma Miles
Nicole Fox
Peer Awards
Adrianne Lynch
Amanda Kelly
Aubrey Murakami
Bianca Hood
Chelsea Ford
Dale Richter
Danielle Taylor
Emma Miles
Erin Greig
Georgina Kaivira
Jacinta Mairu
Jenny Grant
Jeri Scagliotti
Jessica Bartram
Joshua Blanshard
Kim Millington
Laura Meynell
Michelle Munns
Naomi Mackee
Nick Steele
Paula Pekkanen
Raelene Eves
Raelene Verran
Reannen Knight
Sandra Pappas
Tracy Pryde
Tracy Richards
Quiz Master
Peita Dorrick
Meme Maestro
Georgina Kaivira
Emma Miles, Naomi Mackee, Nick Steele, and Aubrey Murakami
Erin Greig and Georgina Kaivira
Peitra Dorrick, Naomi Mackee, Nick Steele, and Aubrey Murakami
Catharina Offermans, Nick Steele, Naomi Mackee, and Aubrey Murakami
Nicole Fox, Naomi Mackee, and Nick Steele
Sharyn Wessing, Naomi Mackee, Nick Steele, and Aubrey Murakami
A Brighter Note...
Happy National Volunteer Week
Brighter Lives volunteers give up their time every week to help make Townsville University Hospital (TUH) brighter.
The team in yellow helps support patients spending time at TUH by driving the buggies to get patients to their appointments, helping patients find their way in the hospital, serving cups of tea while they wait, and many other important roles across the health service.
Volunteers around the country are being celebrated this week for National Volunteer Week.
On Thursday, Brighter Lives volunteers were celebrated at a special lunch with certificates awarded for their many years of service.
Two volunteers, Diane Watkinson and Lex Ramm, celebrated incredible milestones of 25 and 30 years of volunteering at Brighter Lives respectively.
The Brighter Lives volunteer manager Narelle Burns was recognised for her efforts as the Volunteer Manager of the Year at the Volunteering NQ awards.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said Narelle was a committed volunteer manager who consistently showed how much she valued the incredible contributions volunteers made in uplifting the hospital environment.
“This award is well deserved and a recognition of her passion to ensuring the volunteer program at Brighter Lives is one that that empowers individuals, fosters meaningful connections, and makes a lasting positive impact for patients receiving treatment in our hospital,” Stephanie said.
Brighter Lives is always open for volunteers to help.
“There are so many avenues to help Brighter Lives – whether that’s in the hospital helping patients directly or helping the charity with our important work behind the scenes. All volunteers are worth their weight in gold and we simply couldn’t do what we do without them,” Stephanie said.
To find out more about the volunteer program, contact Narelle Burns, or visit the Brighter Lives website: www.brighterlives.org.au/volunteer
Stephanie Naunton, Dianne Watkinson, Lex Ramm, and Narelle Burns
Title Title
“I want to thank all the nurses who cared for me on Medical Ward 2.
I am very grateful for the care I received.”
MEDICAL WARD 2
“The care our family member received in CCU was exceptional, as was all departments.
Two Nurses (Sacha and Chiara) stood out with their care, compassion and humour and made our family feel comfortable knowing we could leave our loved one in the best possible care.”
“Thank you for the AAA service I have always received. I highly recommend the service here and in my 75 years of presenting it is the best. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
KIRWAN ORAL HEALTH
CORONARY CARE UNIT
Caption
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
Works currently underway Works
on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Have any questions?
Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner
Work location: Charters Towers Health Service
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 email THHSInfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
Recipe of the blah CREAMY ZUCCHINI LASAGNE
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
• 9 dried lasagne sheets
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 onio finely chopped
• 700g courgette grated
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 250g tub ricotta
• 50g cheddar
• 350g jar tomato sauce for pasta
Method
Step 1
Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Put a pan of water on to boil, then cook the lasagne sheets for about 5 mins until softened, but not cooked through. Rinse in cold water, then drizzle with a little oil to stop them sticking together.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan, then fry the onion. After 3 mins, add the courgettes and garlic and continue to fry until the courgette has softened and turned bright green. Stir in 2/3 of both the ricotta and the cheddar, then season to taste. Heat the tomato sauce in the microwave for 2 mins on High until hot.
Step 3
In a large baking dish, layer up the lasagne, starting with half the courgette mix, then pasta, then tomato sauce. Repeat, top with blobs of the remaining ricotta, then scatter with the rest of the cheddar. Bake on the top shelf for about 10 mins until the pasta is tender and the cheese is golden.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
2018 silver Hyundai Elantra. Full Service History, Automatic Transmission, Registered till August 2025, 4 New Tyres, 76,000 kms, 2 keys, RWC, $17,400. Contact Jack on 0490 347 074 (9/5)
2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line 2.0 Diesel Auto. $40,990 ONO. 2 years manufacturer warranty remaining. Top trim model, single owner, servicing up to date. Panoramic sunroof, remote start, air conditioned and heated seats, driver seat memory, 360 camera, ability to move vehicle forward and reverse remotely using key. Contact Vanessa 0487 689 718. (9/5)
Mobility aids for sale. 2yr old 4 Wheelie walker converts to a wheelchair. Used but in very good condition. Regular servicing done. $400. New basic wheelchair still in box. $200. See Sheryl 0439773663 (9/5)
Volkswagen Golf Highline 2019 MY2020 in Grey. 59,000km, R-Line package, sound and vision package. Full log-book history, 4 new tyres, new battery, comes with RWC.Original owner $23,500 ONO. Message Isaac 0451 459 907 (9/5)
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)
FOR RENT
Beautiful 2 bedroom, fully furnished unit in Belgian Gardens. 100m to the beach. Close to airport. Large living spaces and fully enclosed yard. Electronic security gate. Available from August. $660 a week. References required. Call Shelley on 0415 220 803. (9/5)
Fully self-contained one bedroom studio unit with private courtyard, Condon. Close to Hospital. Furnished, Wi-Fi and electricity inclusive $400 p/w avail for 6 – 12 months. This separate studio/granny flat is situated under the main house. Incudes a full kitchen, dishwasher, aircon and private courtyard area with own private access and parking. Available now. Contact Cori for further details corianne@ iinet.net.au. (9/5)
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.
