My continued thanks to everyone supporting the refresh of our clinical services plan and our master plan for TUH. This is an exceptionally fast-paced program of work that involves ‘town-hall’ style meetings on Teams with many of our clinical staff, then a series of user group meetings, and ultimately briefings to the Board. All this is in aim of reaching an updated investment brief to government by October. The opportunity to refresh the clinical services plan has been welcome because it’s interesting to see a few key data projections have changed so we can incorporate those into our refreshed master plan. When we land on the preferred option, I look forward to being able to share that across the organisation. It’s also exciting to see works have begun in Charters Towers for the CT and we have had a successful tender outcome for the CT in Ingham.
Next week I will be joining the Townsville Hospital and Health Board for its monthly meeting, which will be in Charters Towers. I am looking forward to spending time with Katrina and her team at the Charters Towers Health Service as well as popping in to see the teams at Eventide and ABI. It will also be a busy week for visitors here in Townsville, as we are set to host the Health Minister. The Minister will be in town to discuss the Step Up, Step Down project, a critical initiative that helps bridge the gap for mental health patients transitioning from acute hospital care back into the community.
Beyond the boardroom and official visits, next week marks a crucial time for personal health awareness with the start of Women’s Health Week. The theme this year is ‘say yes to you’, an important message encouraging women to prioritise their own health and wellbeing. So often, women are the primary carers for their families and their own needs can fall to the bottom of the list. In a workforce like ours, where women make up a significant majority, this message is especially important. I strongly encourage all the women in our health service to take this theme to heart. Schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off, take time for your mental health, and make your wellbeing a non-negotiable priority. Your health is your greatest asset.
Next Sunday it’s our dads who are in the spotlight for Father’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who support and guide us. For many of us, our fathers are among our biggest supporters, and sometimes our most challenging patients! It’s been a little over two years since my Dad passed away and there isn’t a day I don’t think about him and sometimes wonder what advice he might give me on whatever matter is on my mind. I hope that everyone gets a chance to connect with their loved ones and that all the dads across the Townsville HHS have a fantastic day. Thank you for everything you do.
And finally, with September just around the corner, there’s a certain fever kicking in across north Queensland. Thankfully, it’s not a new virus or a condition for our emergency departments to be worried about. I’m talking, of course, about footy finals fever. While the Cowboys won’t be making a finals appearance this year, arguably their biggest game of the season is tomorrow night as they take on the Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. I am sure many of us will be there to cheer them on as they play their last game of the season (they have a bye in last round), hopefully closing it out with a win. Tomorrow is also the grand final for the Townsville District Rugby Union competition, with historic rival Teachers West taking on Brothers. We have a few of our staff involved across both clubs, so I wish everyone the best of luck. My son will be refereeing the first grade grand final so I will be there to cheer the referee along! If you need more of a footy fix, then tickets are still on sale to see our Wallabies take on Argentina’s Los Pumas in Townsville which is sure to be an exciting game of rugby union.
The yearly phenomenon of ‘omg where did the year go’ is most definitely upon us (or at least me). I’m probably also feeling a little more time pressure because of some upcoming recreational leave so it’s the usual rush of trying to get everything done beforehand. Only one more blah before I go…
Until next time.
20+ years’ event
Wednesday 29 October - 10am Western Terrace, Level 1, The Townsville University Hospital
See all staff receiving a length-of-service award here.
Please contact townsvillehhs-engagement@health.qld.gov.au if you haven’t received your invite.
Successes speak volumes during National Speech Pathology Week
Townsville Hospital and Health Service speech pathologists took some time this week to reflect on their role in patient care for National Speech Pathology Week, with a focus on the theme, “impact through communication”.
Helping patients regain confidence and dignity with their communication is a large part of the work senior speech pathologist Courtney Fisher does.
“Communication is our core business as speech pathologists and communication therapy can look quite different for different patient populations across the health service,” Courtney said.
“I mainly work with patients that have had their larynx removed (laryngectomy), and after their surgery they’re unable to speak.
“My job is to help restore their voice after surgery and teach them a new way to communicate, helping them get back to their normal daily routines and give them their quality of life back.”
For Shane Moucheron of Deeragun, having undergone a laryngectomy as part of his treatment for throat cancer, the road to regaining communication has been long.
Shane speaks from his throat with the help of a small plastic valve called a voice prosthesis.
“It has been a pretty crazy journey from having surgery to being fed through a feeding tube and having a voice prosthesis installed,” Shane said.
“Working with the speech pathologists has definitely helped me regain some confidence.”
Courtney said it was normal for patients like Shane to experience a wide range of emotions as they adjusted to their new means of communication.
“When patients go through a major surgery, they can feel a loss of self,” she said.
“In the early days, laryngectomy patients take some time to learn to speak again and it can be difficult.
“The way they communicate is now completely different; it’s a whole new skill which they must learn, and it takes time and practice.”
Courtney said that while each patient’s journey was different, it was rewarding to watch them progress and reach milestones in their recovery.
“It’s wonderful to see patients adjust to their new normal,” she said.
“Being able to see these patients progress during their recovery to re-connecting to their communities is really empowering.”
Shane Moucheron and Courtney Fisher
Where every culture is celebrated, and everyone belongs
Enjoy live performances, delicious food and music while exploring the diverse cultures that make up our health service community
Want to showcase your culture at this event?
To host a stall or present on the day, scan the QR code to complete the EOI form by Friday 12 September
Like father, like fitter
For fitter and turner Errol Reeves, seeing his son Leslie wear the same uniform and pick up the same tools as him is a source of immense pride.
Errol, who started his career as an apprentice fitter and turner with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, has recently been joined by his son, Leslie, who has just started the same career as his dad.
Despite both working at the health service, it was on the racetrack and through their mutual passion for building racing cars that Leslie developed his interest in fitting and turning.
“I wanted to learn more about what I was already doing, building cars, so it was a case of getting the skills,” Leslie said.
“Dad used to do a lot of machine work, and I was always interested whenever he was doing that.”
Errol said when an apprenticeship became available, he encouraged his son to apply.
“The job was there, and I said, ‘Why don’t you put in for it?’,” Errol said.
“He’s seen what I’ve done over the years, coming in with me on callouts, so he was already somewhat familiar with how it all works.”
The role of a fitter and turner at the hospital is varied, something Errol believes provides a solid learning ground for any apprentice.
“We work on everything from walking sticks all the way through to thermal disinfectors and pan flushes. There’s lathe work, milling work, welding, and lots of work with advanced equipment,” Errol said.
While Leslie is learning from his dad and the experienced team, he is also bringing fresh ideas into the workplace.
“He’s already talking about trying to get a 3D printer for here,” Errol said.
“It shows how some of the stuff he’s learned through race cars, he is looking to bring here.”
Leslie said he was enjoying the supportive environment.
“It’s good working with the old man, and all the other fitters know what they’re talking about as well. We’ve got a good crew,” Leslie said.
With Father’s Day just around the corner, their plans unsurprisingly revolve around their shared passion.
“We’ve got about four race cars to work on, so we’ll probably be spending the day doing that,” Leslie laughed.
Leslie and Errol Reeves
Making Townsville hip again
A world-leading researcher on hip and pelvic pain and rehabilitation has returned to Townsville to deliver a specialist hip masterclass for the region’s physiotherapy community.
Accomplished physiotherapist Dr Alison Grimaldi recently spent time at Townsville University Hospital to talk to staff and said it was exciting to be back in the town where she started her career.
“My first two years after uni were at the Townsville General Hospital in North Ward,” Alison said.
“It was amazing because we had big windows looking out on the water, I loved working here.
“It’s still one of my favourite jobs, and this is my first time back to the hospital.”
Alison’s interest in the hip area stemmed from her own hip issues from more than 20 years ago, noting there was hardly any information available at the time.
Since then, Alison’s reputation as a researcher and educator has seen her develop her clinic into a major centre for people experiencing hip issues and positioned herself as an in-demand, internationally renowned keynote speaker on the topic.
The Townsville course had been nearly two years in the making for advanced screening physiotherapist Luke Sherwood.
“Throughout my postgraduate studies, I had read a lot of Alison’s papers and completed a short workshop with her a number of years ago,” Luke said.
“I’ve been wanting to get Alison here to run a course for a long time so when she accepted our invitation, I was quite thrilled.”
Advanced screening physiotherapist Vanessa Kennedy said they had seen a lot of interest from other physios about to attend the course.
“About half of the participants were staff, and the other half were either external or travelled to attend the course,” she said.
“After speaking with most of the attendees, it’s clear everyone has already started applying what they learned to enhance patient care, showing just how practical and useful Alison’s courses really are.”
Luke and Vanessa said they were hopeful they could continue to bring international leaders in physiotherapy to Townsville to support the team and provide the best possible care across north Queensland.
Vanessa Kennedy, Dr Alison Grimaldi, and Luke Sherwood
THANK YOU
Join us to celebrate Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s outstanding performance in the 2024/2025 nancial year.
Home Hill Health Service | 10 September | 2.30pm
Hughenden Health Service | 12 September | 9.30am
Richmond Health Service | 12 September | 12.30pm
North Ward Health Campus | 16 September | 12noon
Townsville Correctional Centre | 23 September | 11.30am
Ayr Health Service | 24 September | 12noon
Cleveland Youth Detention Centre | 24 September | 12noon
Magnetic Island Health Service | 26 September | 12noon
Parklands Aged Care Facility | 9 October | 10.00am
Charters Towers Health Service + Eventide Aged Care Facility + Charters Towers
Rehabilitation Unit (joint event) | 8 October | 12noon
Vincent Cambridge Health Campus | 15 October | 11am-12noon
Vincent Palmerston Health Campus | 15 October | 12noon-1.00pm
Kirwan Health Campus | 16 October | 12.00pm
Public Health Unit | 17 October | 12noon
Ingham Health Service | 11 November | 12noon
Joyce Palmer Health Service | 26 November | 10.00am
Meet Dr Carly Hughes
What is your role as a clinician?
I work in two clinical roles - an Infectious Disease (ID) physician and a clinical Microbiologist. In my ID role I love the opportunity to spend time with patients and their families to work out exactly what is going on. As a microbiologist I work with the scientists in our laboratory to provide the answers for clinicians about the organisms causing infection in patients and give guidance on the correct treatment.
What inspired you to join the clinical council?
I saw the clinical council as an opportunity to hear the opinions and concerns of others, represent my colleagues to the board and executive, and work collaboratively with other clinicians for bi-directional communication with leadership.
What is something you feel passionately about that you’ve brought/want to bring to the Clinical Council?
The Clinical Council focus for the coming year will be on workplace culture within Townsville HHS. I am passionate about making Townsville HHS an appealing, safe and rewarding place to work, for our current workforce but also for training and recruitment for clinicians of the future. This will lead to better patient care, service performance, quality, safety, and improvement initiatives.
Meet Leigh Ryan
What is your role as a clinician?
I currently serve as Clinical Coordinator for the Northern Foot Hub, a multidisciplinary high-risk foot service spanning four hospital and health services across northern and western Queensland. My role involves coordinating care across podiatry, vascular, infectious diseases, dietetics, psychology, and Indigenous health, often through telehealth to reach rural and remote communities.
What project or initiative is the Clinical Council working on that you’re most excited about?
I’m excited about the Clinician Engagement Strategy. The strategy focuses on strengthening communication, consultation, and collaboration at all levels. The exciting part is seeing how this can translate into tangible changes - helping clinicians feel genuinely engaged, valued, and supported, while also improving the way we deliver care to our community.
What feedback/suggestions would you like from your peers to take to the Clinical Council?
How can better support patients and families during the last 1,000 days of life. Suggestions on how to improve communication between teams, reduce unnecessary hospitalisations, and provide care closer to home are particularly important. I’d also like to hear examples of what has worked well in practice— whether that’s community partnerships, early identification of needs, or models that strengthen dignity and quality of life in those final years.
Ultrasound investment in Magnetic Island’s healthcare
The Magnetic Island Health Service’s new ultrasound machine has led to a significant reduction in patient transfers to Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
The health service took delivery of its first ultrasound machine earlier this year and it has become a key tool to help diagnose and treat patients.
Magnetic Island Health Service director of nursing Jenny Greenhorn said it had allowed staff to treat more patients closer to home.
“I would say about a quarter of the patients we would have had to transfer to TUH can now be treated here by our team because of the machine,” Jenny said.
“The ultrasound machine gives our clinicians more confidence to diagnose an issue and then make an informed decision over how best to treat patients.
“Previously, we just wouldn’t have really known what was going on with the patient because we didn’t have the equipment to be able to have a look.
“This meant we would have to recommend they be transported to the mainland and to Townsville University Hospital.
“The whole process could take several hours once you organise Queensland Ambulance Service to come to the island and then transport them to TUH and then back to Magnetic Island again.
“Having the machine gives us more insight to do things like see if a bone may be broken, if a cannula has been properly inserted, or monitor the development of a fetus.”
The Magnetic Island Consumer Advisory Network (CAN) was one of the driving forces behind getting the ultrasound machine to the island community.
Member Rose Gordon said the CAN had worked hard to secure the device.
“This is something the health service had needed for a while, and to see it come here is a great win for the Magnetic Island community,” Rose said.
“We are glad our engagement work with the community and clinicians has helped deliver a positive result for residents and visitors to the island.”
Jenny Greenhorn and Rose Gordon
Beloved nurse calls time on long and enriching healthcare career
Nursing has never been just a job for clinical nurse Kaye Kavanagh, it’s been a calling.
But after more than three decades of working in health, Kaye is stepping into retirement.
Kaye’s journey began in 1977 when, at just 17 years old, she spotted an ad in the local newspaper for a hospital-based enrolled nurse course at Mater Pimlico.
“I’ve always wanted to help and care for people,” Kaye said.
“Once I started, I never looked back.
“In 1980 I joined the public health sector at the old Townsville General Hospital.
“I completed my registered nurse studies in 1995 while working at the Kirwan Women’s Hospital, and eventually became a clinical nurse in 2001 when Townsville University Hospital opened its doors.”
Throughout her career, Kaye has worked across a wide range of departments including surgical wards 1, 2, and 3, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation, the day surgery unit, and most recently, the planned procedure unit (PPU), where she’s been a valued team member and mentor.
Kaye said she had many cherished memories from her time working in health.
“One I hold close to my heart is being part of the first uro-gynae procedures in Townsville, led by Professor Rane,” Kaye said.
“It was life-changing for so many women in Townsville and regional north Queensland.
“We were also the first hospital in Queensland to get a bladder scanner which was a huge advancement in patient care.”
Kaye said the journey of nursing itself had kept her motivated.
“Seeing how far our unit has come and being part of our patients’ health journeys, that’s what I’ve loved most,” Kaye said.
PPU nurse unit manager Sam Johnston described Kaye as a passionate advocate for both patients and staff, and someone who had embraced change and technology with grace.
“Kaye’s kindness, wisdom, and dedication has been an inspiration to us all over all these years, and she has mentored generations of nursing staff,” Sam said.
“The mark she has left on the hospital and on the lives of those she’s touched over the years will live on long after she’s stepped away.
“I am sure we will all continue to feel her influence in the way we care, and in the way we support each other.”
As she looks ahead to retirement, Kaye said she is excited to spend more time with her family and grandchildren, tackle long-overdue home projects, and travel both around Australia and abroad.
“I won’t miss the 6:30am starts, but I will miss seeing my work family every day,” Kaye said.
“I would sum up my nursing career in three words; long, adapting, and enriched.”
All the best for the future, Kaye!
Kaye Kavanagh and HSCE Kieran Keyes
Wear your colours to start an organ donation conversation
With footy finals just around the corner, staff across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service have been encouraged to don their team’s colours next Friday, September 5, for Jersey Day.
Run by the Nathan Gremmo Community Network in conjunction with DonateLife, donation specialist nurse coordinator Meagan Baldwin said the aim was to start the conversation about organ and tissue donation.
“Nathan Gremmo was a young fellow who became an organ donor at the age of 13, giving the gift of life to six people with his donations,” Meagan said.
“His family started Jersey Day to promote the importance of organ and tissue donation.
“It’s not about fundraising, it’s just about raising awareness and having that conversation with your family and friends.”
Meagan said she was thankful for the support from health service chief executive Kieran Keyes for embracing the day.
“We’ve got Kieran’s support to wear your jersey, so there’s really no excuse, and we’d love to see a big surge in registrations for organ and tissue donation.”
Register to become an organ and tissue donor online at www.donatelife.gov.au.
Cancer awareness day in full bloom across TUH
Townsville University Hospital was blooming bright yellow last week in an effort to raise money and awareness for cancer research and support.
Last Thursday was Daffodil Day, an annual nationwide event to support the work of the Cancer Council of Australia.
Chief executive Kieran Keyes said it was great to see staff get behind the national fundraising and awareness effort.
“Most of us will know someone who has or has had cancer and know about the challenges it causes,” Kieran said.
“Walking around the hospital last Thursday, it was impossible not to notice the bright and colourful flowers.
“Seeing our teams embrace the day with such enthusiasm, from wearing yellow to giving colleagues bunches of daffodils, highlights the strong sense of community and compassion we have here.”
There’s still time to donate. Go to www. daffodilday.com.au for more information.
Sandy Brown
Eryn Chatfield and Meagan Baldwin
A Note...Brighter
Magnetic Motors tees off for Brighter Lives
More than $10,000 has been raised on the green for Brighter Lives during last week’s inaugural Magnetic Motors Golf Day.
Organised by Magnetic Motors, keen golfers were invited to have a swing and play the course at Tropics Golf Club with raffles, auctions, and merchandise on offer to help fundraise.
Players also had an opportunity to win a car with the hole-in-one competition.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said while no one drove home in the car, everyone involved had a fantastic day helping to raise money for Brighter Lives.
“We are so grateful for Helen Kelly and Gary Lewis and their Magnetic Motors team for organising and running this event, as well as the golfers who supported the fundraising effort by donating and buying raffle tickets,” Stephanie said.
‘Magnetic Motors has always been a fantastic supporter of Brighter Lives and the aim to brighten the lives of patients and staff across the Townsville HHS.”
“All of the funds raised stay local. Money raised at this event will help support projects in North Queensland, benefiting local patients.”
Magnetic Motors Gary Lewis said he was thrilled with the success of their first ever fundraising golf day.
“We were proud to host the event and support such a worthwhile charity,” Gary said.
“It was terrific to see such strong support from our community.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us, donated, and helped make the day such a fantastic event
“Golfers enjoyed being outside in the beautiful NQ ‘winter’, while fundraising for a great cause.
“We look forward to building on this year’s achievement and continuing to support Brighter Lives through future community events.”
“A special thank you to Alan, the Brighter Lives volunteer, who helped adjudicate the hole in one competition on the day.”
Magnetic Motors’ Helen Kelly with Brighter Lives’ Kim Steele and Alan McSaveney
I attended an appointment in July 2025. The appointment was excellent from start to finish. I walked away from the appointment in good spirits and confident that my health was in good hands.
HAEMATOLOGY
I would also like express my profound gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion that was provided to my husband during his time in the Intensive Care Unit. The dedication and professionalism displayed by each of team made an immeasurable difference in our lives during a profoundly difficult time.
To the Staff at Ingham Hospital, many thanks for your medical care & compassion towards my mother and her family as well, as we journeyed through Palliative Care. Thank you for all your support.
ICU INGHAM HEALTH SERVICE
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 Creamy coconut beef and pumpkin curry
Laugh of the blah
Supplied by TUH dietitians
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger
• 80g (1/3 cup) rogan josh curry paste
• 1.5kg beef chuck steak, cut into 4cm pieces
• 1 punnet finely chopped tomatoes
• 250ml (1 cup) vegetable stock (low sodium)
Method
• 1 sprig fresh curry leaves, plus extra, to serve
• 600g, pumpkin,deseeded cut into 3cm pieces
• 1 tbsp Cornflour
• 270ml can coconut cream
• Basmati Rice, steamed, to serve
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until softened. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the beef and cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until well coated.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the tomato and stock. Stir to combine. Add the curry leaf. Cover and cook on High for 5 hours or until the beef is tender. Add the pumpkin. Cover and cook for a further hour or until pumpkin and beef is tender.
3 Place the cornflour and 80ml (1/3 cup) coconut cream in a small bowl and stir to combine. Add to the slow cooker and cook, with the lid removed, for 10 minutes or until thickened.
4.Divide the curry among serving plates. Drizzle with some of the remaining coconut cream (see note). Serve with rice and topped with extra curry leaves. Watch our step-by-step video below to see how to make our Creamy coconut beef and pumpkin curry recipe.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
2022 Black Subaru WRX $45,000.00 2.4L Turbo Boxer engine, manual 6 speed. Black interior/ exterior, 271 horse power, ODO: 21,000km still has factory warranty. Quad exhaust/factory rear spoiler, black 18” alloys. Contact: Ogi 0455678925 (15/8)
2019 Hundai Venue 1.6L ODO 68k, 6 month rego, current road worthy, new service, Nudge bar, smoke free. Asking price $18,500, please contact Bijo- 0473 095 197 (15/8)
Miniature chiweenie (dachshund x chihuahua) puppies for sale. 1 x male black and tan and 1 x male tan. Microchipped and vet checked. Has had two vaccinations, third due mid-September. Comes with 12 months Healthy Pets Plus. Happy to do meet and greets. BIN0014474060040. Contact Angie - 0422 510 128
FOR RENT
Fully furnished room available now, in a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house in a quiet part of Kirwan, great neighbourhood and friendly neighbours. Sharing with 1 other tenant, a 23y.o female, working and studying with 2 friendly outdoor dogs. Power is split evenly between 3. $250 each per week, plus bond. New tenant will have to be approved by real estate.
Email chloe.elliott@health.qld.gov.au (15/8)
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.
