As we head into the penultimate message of the year, it’s hard not to reflect on what a year it has been. We’ve faced more than our fair share of challenges, but we’ve also achieved a tremendous amount together. As always, the strength of this organisation comes from the people in it, and I’m grateful every day for the work you do and the way you show up for our community. A very recent example of this happened just last night. There was a nation-wide issue with Oracle Health (ieMR) that started around 5pm. We were in full down-time procedures right across our HHS by 6.30pm with all users reverting to paper processes. There is a huge challenge in reverting to paper, and an even bigger one when it comes to going back to a safe digital environment, which was all done by last evening. I want to thank all our clinical and administrative staff and our digital team who came in to support the event and recovery. Everyone did a fantastic job.
You can’t take a step through our facilities at the moment without being greeted by Christmas decorations. The TUH tree is standing tall thanks to the fantastic work of our BEMS team, and Santa himself visited yesterday with gifts for the kids, including twin miracles who spent time in our neonatal unit (read on for more on their story). I even had a chance to dust off a Christmas shirt for the occasion. We’ve already welcomed the Pimlico School Orpheus Strings Ensemble and the Townsville Choral Society to share their talents and bring some Christmas cheer, and we look forward to The Cathedral School Choir visiting with the Rotary Club of Ross River next week. Staff have raised the bar this year with some outstanding displays. A reminder that $250 prizes are up for grabs across four categories, as well as specially designed trophies. Entries close on 12 December and judging on 16 December (I am actually getting more than a little anxious for the judging task). So make sure you enter register your entry here: Https://forms.office.com/r/X4PPjPS1EY
A huge thank you to Jon, Steve and Raj, and the Wellbeing team, for once again delivering the Talkin’ Table Tennis competition. The energy and enthusiasm around the event was just as strong as ever.
Congratulations to the Cardio Pongsters, Dr Steve Campbell and Dr David Sun, who took out the title. This competition is very much a labour of love and a meaningful contribution to men’s health awarneess, and I want to acknowledge the personal commitment behind it. We’re already looking forward to returning with something bigger and better next year.
Turning to more serious matters, last Friday we held an important planning day to kick off the refresh of our strategic plan. Our current plan expires in 2026, and we are required to submit the next iteration to the Department of Premier and Cabinet by March. Representatives from across our health service were involved, including the Board, Executive and leadership teams, our NGOs, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Advisory Councill and Consumer Advisory Council (CAC), and our university partners. It was a productive and insightful day, with each group bringing valuable perspectives to the table. Early in the new year, we’ll hold virtual town halls so staff can be part of shaping the next steps.
On Wednesday morning, I joined our ATSICAC and CAC for the first of two workshops focused on longstay patients. We explored the language we use when speaking with the broader community, with families, and with patients whose loved ones are preparing to transition into residential aged care. The workshop concentrated on the creation of an agreement, codesigned with consumers, describing mutual obligations and how family and hospital could work together for the benefit of the patient. The insights shared by our council members were both thoughtful and practical. The workshops are part of our refreshed approach to codesigning solutions to healthcare challenges with our consumers and community. The previous workshop centred on outpatient communication and some great ideas were codesigned including a multimedia campaign on the outpatient journey to increase consumer understanding and ideas for greater telehealth optimisation, especially in rural areas.
I’ll have more to say in the Christmas edition next week, but for those heading off on leave before then, I want to wish you a safe and happy Christmas.
kk
Christmas cheer and chamber music
The halls of Townsville University Hospital were filled with the sound of strings when the Pimlico State High School Orpheus Chamber Strings ensemble performed for staff, patients, and visitors.
They played a mix of classical, popular, and Christmas songs as crowds paused momentarily to absorb some festive spirit from the young students, who ranged from Years 10 to 12.
Pimlico State High School director Orpheus Chamber Strings ensemble Carla Mulligan said it was a highlight for the students to come and spread some cheer each Christmas.
“The students look forward to this performance every year and the chance to spread some Christmas cheer to members of the community who might be going through a rough patch while they’re in hospital,” Ms Mulligan said.
“It’s wonderful to see the smiles on people’s faces as they stop to take in the music and forget about their troubles for a minute.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the performances made the patients’ day.
“No one wants to be hospital, least of all close to Christmas,” he said.
“We’re so grateful to the ensemble and to the Pimlico students for spreading the joy of music and the festive season.”
The ensemble visited patients in the renal unit, allied health clinics, rehabilitation unit, children’s ward, palliative care, and entertained the public in the main hospital foyer.
Pimlico High students Hayley Sullivan and Jamie Gould
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Tiny twin miracles bring Christmas joy to Townsville University Hospital
This Christmas, Townsville locals Anneka and Justin Smith are celebrating the greatest gift of all, their preterm, identical twin girls Grace and Clara being home after a long journey in Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) neonatal unit.
The babies, helped by their family, put the first star on the TUH Christmas tree, heralding the start of the festive season and the launch of hospital charity Brighter Lives’ Christmas appeal.
Anneka said finding out she was expecting twins was a dream come true.
“It was a wow moment because Justin always wanted to be a dad and then, suddenly, we found out we were having twins and an instant family,” Anneka said.
But their joy quickly turned to uncertainty and fear when doctors noticed a significant size difference between the babies at the 12-week scan.
Anneka was placed under the care of TUH’s maternal fetal medicine (MFM) team, attended multiple scans a week and toured the neonatal unit at 26 weeks gestation in preparation for their inevitable stay at Christmas time last year.
“The neonatal unit was decorated beautifully for Christmas and the staff were so kind and welcoming,” Anneka said.
“When we left, I remember saying to Justin that I felt better knowing that the babies would be so closely monitored and cared for.”
North Queensland MFM unit director Dr David Watson said the twins were extremely rare.
“Monochorionic twins share a single placenta, which can lead to complications such as selective fetal growth restriction occurring in about 10 to 15 per cent of single-placenta pregnancies when one twin receives less placental blood flow,” David said.
“In the Smiths’ case, the growth restriction was severe with a 60 per cent size discrepancy leading to an extremely rare and high-risk situation.”
Grace and Clara arrived via caesarean on March 3 at 33 weeks and four days with Grace weighing in at 2.1 kg and Clara mere 939 grams.
Grace spent 28 days in neonatal intensive care, while Clara had to stay for a staggering 132 days due to a serious heart condition that would ultimately require open-heart surgery in Brisbane.
Mrs Claus and Santa with Kieran Keyes, Tony Mooney, Anneka Smith and her twins Clara and Grace
TUH neonatal senior staff specialist Dr Sue Ireland said Clara’s care was a true team effort.
“We worked closely with TUH’s paediatric cardiologist Dr Mangesh Jadhav until Clara was strong enough to travel to Brisbane for her successful surgery,” Sue said.
“For our staff, caring for the tiniest babies and then reuniting with their families for milestones like Christmas will always be incredibly special.”
Justin and Anneka said the neonatal team had become like a second family.
“It was very hard taking Grace home and not knowing how long Clara would have to stay in hospital,” Justin said.
“But we trusted the staff so much with her, and they always kept us informed about her progress and care.”
“They taught us everything from changing tiny nappies to bathing with tubes, we always felt listened to.”
Now, as Christmas lights twinkle across Townsville, the Smith family is together at home for their first holiday season with two healthy little girls.
“Christmas feels extra special this year,” Anneka said.
“Last year Justin and I were quite isolated at Christmas time because of the risks that came with me getting sick were too high.
“After everything that has happened, having both girls healthy and at home is the best gift we could have asked for.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney said the health service was delighted to welcome Clara and Grace back to TUH to mark their special milestone.
“When our tree goes up in the foyer, it signals the beginning of the festive season,” he said.
“We know that a hospital is not where people want to be at Christmas, but the tree brings some daily joy.”
Brighter Lives chief executive Stephanie Naunton said the charity’s Christmas appeal supported families like the Smiths.
“This year, Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation is fundraising to help brighten the lives of those spending Christmas in hospital,” she said.
Donations can be made at the Brighter Lives website – www.brighterlives.org.au
Anneka Smith with Clara and Dr Sue Ireland with Grace
Yule never guess what’s coming...
Deck-orate the halls with boughs of holly, ‘tis the season to be jolly.
The festive season is upon us.
We’re looking for the best wrapped wards or work areas for the chance to win a $250 prize thanks to Brighter Lives.
Submit photos of your Christmas decorations and the details of your work area here.
Entries close: Friday 12 December
Judging dates: 16-17 December
For the first time ever, all four winners will also receive a unique trophy! It’s the perfect piece to show off in your work area for all to admire.
Fitness for a cause: honouring our fallen soldiers
Occupational therapy director Michelle Watson is a Legacy kid, whose family was supported by the charity after her father’s passing.
When she put the call out to her team to participate in this year’s Legacy Challenge, a passionate group including OTs Jonathan Grigg and Kate Edmonds answered her call.
Like Michelle, Jon and Kate shared close ties with the Australian Defence Force; Jon being ex-military as is Kate’s husband.
“Legacy help more than 30,000 veteran families, honouring the legacy of our veterans, and keeping the promise to look after their families,” Kate said.
“Locally we raised nearly $1,500 amongst our little team, with nearly $50,000 raised nationally just through this challenge.”
“For the 11 days of the challenge, our team committed to completing the army basic fitness assessment (BFA) every day,” Jon said.
The army BFA required each participant to complete a prescribed number of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2.4km run for time, based on their age bracket.
“There’s specific standards for each movement,” Jon said.
“For example, the sit-ups are done to a cadence, with wrists extended over the knees, and your feet anchored; you’re technically not meant to sit back and relax.
“We did this for 11 days straight to honour the fallen soldiers and raise money and awareness for Legacy.
“Even if we didn’t get people donating, there was lots of discussion and awareness about Legacy and what they do, which is just as powerful.”
With the challenge over for another year, the pair said they would be keen to be involved in the future.
“I’d be keen to do this again with a bigger team,” Kate said.
“There’s scope to do more group sessions and mini challenges during the 11 days, and it’s nice that it finished on Remembrance Day; it was pretty special.”
BFA ready: Jonathan Grigg, Rachel Mcmahon, and Kate Edmonds
Doctors paddle it out for title
Everybody’s been talkin’ about it for weeks, and now that all has been pinged and ponged, new champions have been crowned for Talkin’ Table Tennis (TTT) 2025.
The sixth annual tournament supporting men’s health came to an epic finale with Cardio Pongsters, Dr Steven Campbell and Dr David Sun, defeating team Bravo, Dr Bryan Sebastian and Dr Takuma Konno, 2-1 in a heart-stopping best-of-three match.
Winning the Ian Mead Perpetual Shield for the first time, David admitted he only met his doubles partner during the first week of the tournament.
“We have Takuma to thank for pairing us up,” David said.
“Steven and I have never played together before, but it was Takuma who entered two teams and paired us up.”
After more than seven years away from the sport due to injury, Steven said the tournament reconnected him with a sport he loved and gave him an opportunity to make new connections.
“Events like TTT make a real difference because they give staff a friendly way to stay active, unwind, and interact with colleagues outside of the usual clinical pressures,” he said.
“For me personally, TTT helped me reconnect with a sport I’ve missed, meet new colleagues like David, and rebuild confidence after years away.”
Occupational therapist and event MC Jonathon Grigg said he was impressed by the skill displayed by the 29 teams who did battle over the course of the tournament.
“This year’s Talkin’ Table Tennis tournament has seen more skill than a neurosurgeon, more tenacity than a discharge planner, more highs than a green whistle, and more grins than the entire children’s ward at Christmas,” he said.
“This event is all about being connected and it has been heartwarming to see men from diverse areas of our organisation share their company, a laugh, and heckles throughout.
“This event wouldn’t and couldn’t take place without the support of the wellbeing team, particularly Reannen Knight, Dr Rajesh Sehdev, who was also our guest speaker, our sponsor QSuper, and Olav and Alan from the Townsville Table Tennis Association.”
Winners are grinners: Dr Steven Campbell, Kieran Keyes, and Dr David Sun
Elena’s nursing dream realised
Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s 170 graduate nurses and midwives recently celebrated the end of their first year of practice, with 70 of them in attendance at a special ceremony held at Townsville University Hospital’s Robert Douglas Auditorium.
Among the graduates at the event was former graphic designer and marketing professional Elena Allen, for whom nursing was a dream come true.
“I actually took a very long and unexpected road into nursing,” Elena said.
“After I finished school, I went to JCU to study graphic design and not long after that, I became a stay-at-home mum and spent 10 years raising three girls.
“I worked as a teacher’s aide for two years, and then moved into marketing, advertising, and event management at the same school for the next 11 years.
“Nursing was always at the back of my mind and eventually I decided to take the leap and it was the best decision I could have made.”
Having now secured a permanent position in medical ward 1, Elena described her first year as “confronting” but said her colleagues had been amazing as they guided her through the transition.
“I’ve felt supported by so many people, from the nurse educators, and the critical care outreach nurses and doctors, who always took time to answer my questions,” she said.
“My nurse unit manager and clinical nurse consultant encouraged clinical growth and facilitated every competency I wanted to complete, and the nursing staff in Med 1 are incredible; It’s a genuinely supportive environment that encourages learning, growth, and confidence.”
Clinical education integrator Briony Luke said nurses like Elena were testament to the graduate program and was proud of how far it had come.
“We continue to receive strong, positive feedback about our graduate program, particularly around the support, growth opportunities, and confidencebuilding it provides,” Briony said.
“It fills our team with pride seeing a cohort enter the workforce as graduates and complete their first year of practice as confident, competent, safe, and resilient nurses and midwives.”
Elena Allen at the 2025 graduate nurses and midwives event
Mow your mo, Movember’s over
The men from Townsville University Hospital’s physiotherapy department have become considerably less hairy as the razors came out to mark the end of another Movember.
The month-long challenge (for some) and fundraiser came to a furry head at the annual trivia night last weekend at the West End Cricket Club.
Senior physiotherapist Liam Phelps said the night capped off a great month of friendly banter, questionable moustaches, and important conversations.
“The dietetics team, ‘Sugar, we are going down’ took victory from ‘Vesquizular Neuritis’ and ‘The Good Eggs’ at our trivia night,” Liam said.
“We had nine teams battle it out, with teams represented across many of our colleagues’ allied health disciplines and a fun night was had by all.”
Man of Movember went to Dan Cooper who sported a well-groomed handlebar moustache, beating out Ben Phillips and his blue coloured 6-7 inspired mo.
The team raised $2830 across the month, with proceeds going towards the Movember Foundation’s work supporting men’s mental health causes.
Late donations can still be made at: https://movember.com/t/tuh-physiotherapymovember?mc=1
Townsville
Back Row: Nathan Peacock, Damian Coe, Thomas Cole, Ben Pillips
Front row: Luke Ibell, Jordan Rycen, Will Morrissey, Luke Sherwood
Physiotherapists at the beginning of Movember
A Des-erving retirement for a health hearing hero
After 15 years ensuring the next generation could hear clearly in the classroom, a champion for Indigenous children’s health has stepped down.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service senior hearing health officer Des Cowburn, 71, has retired after screening thousands of First Nations primary students.
Des’s journey began in 2010 with the ‘Deadly Ears’ program in the North Burnett region, before he transferred to Townsville in 2014 to continue his work across local schools.
Reflecting on his time in the role, Des said the most rewarding aspect was helping families understand an often-invisible health issue.
“I’ve enjoyed it because I’ve been able to help people; it was worthwhile work, particularly interacting with the parents to get them to understand hearing health,” Des said.
“It is hard for adults sometimes because they can’t see what is going on inside the ear, but hearing has such a large impact on learning difficulties.
“To find a problem through screening and help start that process for a child, that’s what mattered.” It was a career change that almost didn’t happen.
Before he joined Queensland Health, Des worked briefly in real estate, a profession he quickly realised wasn’t for him.
“I didn’t like that really,” he said.
“I had been on a health council previously and heard about the work health workers were doing in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander field. When a job came up, I took it.”
Over the past decade in Townsville, Des had become a familiar face in local schools. He credited the strong working relationship with his nursing colleague for the program’s consistency.
“We have had good continuity, working with the same nurse over that time, which made a difference in how we delivered care,” he said.
Even in his final week, Des wasn’t slowing down, determined to ensure 44 children were screened and their care handed over before he officially clocked off.
As for retirement, Des planned to keep things simple at his Deeragun home with his wife, Lorraine.
“I don’t have big plans, really,” he said.
“I just think now was the right time.”
Des Cowburn
Physiotherapist Liam Phelps Meet
Tell us about your role and what you enjoy about it.
I am a physiotherapist in the TUH emergency department and have been in this role for the past two years. I have worked as a part of the TUH physiotherapy team for seven years. I enjoy my current role as I get to assess and treat a diverse range of patients, that allows me to use a variety of physiotherapy skills. Typically we see patients in a time of emergent need, and I enjoy being someone that takes the time to listen to patients, show empathy and provide high-level clinical care. I am part of a fun, caring and patient-centred allied health team that makes it a pleasure to come to work.
Can you share a project or initiative the Clinical Council is working on that you are excited about?
The Clinical Council has previously provided input on the development of the Clinician Engagement Strategy 2025-2028. We will soon be developing a ‘Best Practice’ guidance document to aid how all staff members can incorporate the three core pillars of ‘Communicate, Consult and Collaborate’ into their roles everyday. I’m looking forward to this as it will highlight how the clinicians are essential to all initiatives within our organisation and provide a pathway to ensure clinical engagement occurs at any level of health service decisionmaking.
What is something you feel passionately about that you’ve brought/want to bring to the Clinical Council?
I believe that clinicians can have great solutions to the problems that patients’ experience. Therefore, I want to encourage our clinical council to engage with our colleagues on the issues and proposed solutions that are discussed regularly within our workplaces. I also am looking forward to improving the overall staff culture at TUH, through further hospital-wide social engagements and open communication from executive staff on matters that affect clinicians.
Burdekin health workers celebrate a lifetime of care
A combined 135 years of dedication to the Burdekin community have been celebrated as three local healthcare workers mark 45 years of service between them with Queensland Health.
Support services officer Bertilla Scodellaro, clinical nurse Joanne McBow, and enrolled nurse Jocelyn Tuffin started as teenage trainees and have seen the evolution of healthcare in the Burdekin firsthand.
For Jocelyn, who began her career at just 15 years old, the technology may have changed over the last four decades, but the core of the job remained the same.
“I just love looking after people and being there for them at, often, the worst time in their life,” Jocelyn said.
“People really just want a caring, compassionate person to look after them; they remember it.”
Joanne, who trained alongside Jocelyn, said working in a rural facility offered a unique “whole-of-life” career that specialised nursing couldn’t match.
“I can’t imagine being specialised in one particular thing; I like that one minute I’m caring for someone ill, and the next minute I’m in theatre helping with a caesarean,” Joanne said.
“It is a privilege to have that trust to care for people you know in the community and be that support for them.”
While the clinical team keeps patients safe, it is staff like Bertilla who keep the hospitals running.
Working across both Ayr and Home Hill facilities, Bertilla was described by her colleagues as the “instrumental link” that keeps the service ticking, ensuring equipment and supplies are exactly where they need to be.
“It is rewarding at the end of the day, and I am very proud of the achievement of being here for 45 years,” Bertilla said.
Beyond the service to patients, the trio reflected on the unique culture of rural healthcare.
“It would be nothing for us to help kitchen staff out if patients need things,” Jocelyn said.
“Everyone is here for the same purpose, and that is caring for patients.”
Joanne said the bond between staff members was forged through decades of shared experience.
“We have developed lifelong friendships,” Joanne said.
“People who aren’t in healthcare don’t always understand the life we live, but we know and understand the good and the bad with each other.”
Jocelyn Tuffin, Joanne McBow, and Bertilla Scodellaro
Julian’s Key opens doors at staff forum
Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff recently came together for the inaugural Disability Action Week Staff Forum.
The event was an opportunity for staff to hear from people with lived experiences and to improve awareness about what is important when caring for people with disabilities.
Held at Townsville University Hospital, the forum aligned with the 2026 Disability Action Week theme “Communicate, Connect, Create” and centred on moving from policy into meaningful action through partnerships with consumers and advocacy organisations.
Staff heard from a range of guest speakers, advocates, clinicians, and colleagues with lived experience of disability.
Person-centred care coordinator Alisha Dicton said the event marked a positive shift for the health service.
“The intent was to take a different direction offering staff the chance to connect with colleagues and with consumers from our disability community, and to really listen to their stories,” Alisha said.
A key part of the forum was the introduction of resources available to Queensland Health staff, including Julian’s Key, a consumer-owned health passport designed to outline what matters to a person, their decision-making preferences, and the supports they may need when engaging with health services.
Alisha said Julian’s Key had become an important recognised communication tool across the health service and can be used by anyone.
“We can now add an alert in ieMR when a person uses a health passport. This prompts staff to ask for it, supports shared decision-making, and helps us understand who the person is and what matters most to them,” she said.
“Staff will always make clinical decisions using a range of information, but it’s incredibly empowering for patients to know that what they document can still guide their care, even when they can’t communicate it verbally.”
“The feedback from the forum was overwhelmingly positive and was something they had been asking for.
“Staff really value hearing people’s stories and said it increased their confidence in working with people with disability and reinforced why inclusive practice matters.”
For more information about Julian’s Key, visit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/ groups/people-with-disability/julians-key
To explore disability training resources for Queensland Health staff, search “Disability Training – Systems Policy Planning Branch” on QHEPS.
Emma Smith, Jamie Best (ADA Australia), Amanda Zugno (ADA Australia), Anne Ferguson, Sarah Burch (Rights in Action), Aubrey Murakami, Julie Brice, Kieran Keyes, Alisha Dicton, Kath Hartas. Front: Simon Stewart
Townsville HHS sets the benchmark for child safe care
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has strengthened its commitment to the region’s youngest and most vulnerable by embedding a comprehensive new Child Safe Organisation framework within the health service.
As the only provider of tertiary-level care for children and young people outside south east Queensland, the health service has placed children’s rights into the DNA of the organisation.
Chief operating officer Susan Freiberg said the initiative was a pledge from the highest levels of leadership to the families of northern Queensland.
“I want our community to know this commitment comes from the very top at the health service to ensure safety is prioritised in every facility and every role,” Susan said.
“We are driving a generational change in how we see, hear, and understand the young people in our care.
“We want to ensure that when a family walks through our doors, they feel an immediate sense of trust that their children will be protected, respected, and heard.”
The implementation of the standards focuses on preventing harm, providing effective responses to allegations, and prioritising the right to culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Newborn and children’s services nursing director Katrina Roberts said the changes would help the health service continue to create an environment that prioritised safety.
“I started my nursing journey on the children’s ward at the Townsville General Hospital more than 40 years ago, and since then I have dedicated my career to the wellbeing of children and young people,” Katrina said.
“I know that families look to us not just for medical excellence, but for safety and reassurance.”
Katrina is one of only 17 appointed Child Safe Champions in Queensland.
“Research shows that protective, trusted leadership is essential in creating environments where children feel safe to speak up,” she said.
“We are working to ensure our staff are empowered to act protectively and that our systems are robust and transparent.
“This is about creating a fabric of safety that wraps around every child we treat, setting the benchmark for children’s care in the north.”
Susan Freiberg and Katrina Roberts
Kirwan expansion hammering ahead as roof milestone achieved
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has celebrated a major construction milestone on the Kirwan Health Campus expansion, with the installation of the roof on the new clinical building.
The occasion was marked with a special ‘rooftopping’ party, a customary celebration in the building industry that recognises the completion of a structure’s highest point.
Staff and members of the clinical team were invited onsite for the celebration and had the chance to walk through the building to see how the project is taking shape.
When complete, the expansion will deliver new midwifery community clinics, upgraded dental areas, an improved carpark and technology upgrades to support TeleHealth services.
Executive director infrastructure program delivery Tom Hegarty said the milestone reflected strong progress on the project.
“Installing a roof is a significant moment for any build, but it’s especially meaningful here as we move into the final stages before fit-out,” Tom said.
“It was a great opportunity for our clinical teams and project partners to walk through the site and see firsthand how the new spaces are taking shape.
“With the roof now on, just in time for the wet season, we can keep momentum going and continue delivering a facility that will support highquality care for our community.”
The Kirwan Health Campus expansion is on track for practical completion in 2026.
Tom Hegarty and Kieran Keyes
A Note...Brighter
Made with love, given with heart
Brighter Lives recently hosted a morning tea to celebrate the dedicated community members who leave a meaningful impact on the hospital.
Lyn Thomas, and her sewing group, have given back to the intensive care unit (ICU), donating specially adapted shirts from repurposed clothing.
The shirts are re-cut and resewn, allowing medical staff to access equipment while giving patients a greater sense of comfort and dignity.
ICU nurse educator Bernie Clapperton said the unit was grateful for the crafting community who help restore a sense of normality for patients.
“Patients in the ICU often require numerous tubes for monitoring equipment, which can make wearing clothes uncomfortable or impractical,” Bernie said.
“The shirts make a difficult time just that little bit easier and more comfortable.”
The children’s ward has also received beautifully handmade blankets from local group, Blankets of Love.
Children’s ward nurse unit manager Lynda Briggs said the staff were grateful for the donations.
“The blankets bring so much joy and give our young patients something personal and comforting at a time when they need it most,” Lynda said.
Brighter Lives chief executive Stephanie Naunton said the charity deeply appreciated the countless hours and talent poured into every handcrafted donation.
“Every item is lovingly created to help brighten the hospital stay for patients and their families,” Stephanie said.
“It was wonderful to take the time to celebrate these generous community members and thank them for their hours of dedication that make a tangible difference across our hospital.”
Blankets of Love with the ICU team
Lyn Thomas’ sewing group with Lynda Briggs
I attend the unit regularly, and the treatment I have received is top class.
HYPERBARIC MEDICINE UNIT
We wanted to express our thanks to the doctor for his care and concern and, especially, time he gave to my partner. We really appreciated his professional manner and the information covered.
PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT
I would like to take time to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional support provided by the social work team.
SOCIAL WORK
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: Multi-storey car park
Work location: Townsville University Hospital
Have any questions?
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Project: TUH Transit Lounge
Work location: DDU and Social Work Area
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 Festive Mango Trifle
Ingredients
Laugh of the blah
• 2 x 85g mango jelly crystal sachets
• 450g Madeira cake, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• ¼ cup (60ml) Cointreau
• 5 firm ripe mangos, peeled, stoned
• 600ml thickened cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, extra
Method
VANILLA CUSTARD
• 300ml single cream
• 300ml milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornflour
• ½ cup (110g) caster sugar
1. Make the mango jelly according to directions on packet.
1. Arrange the cake in a 3-litre trifle dish and drizzle with Cointreau; pour mango jelly over the cake; refrigerate for 15 minutes, until just firm.
1. Cut 2 mangos into thick wedges. Place on top of jelly. Refrigerate.
1. Place the flesh of 1 mango in a small food processor and process until smooth. Set aside.
VANILLA CUSTARD
1. Place cream, milk and vanilla in a saucepan and bring to just below the boil. Whisk the egg yolks, flour and sugar in a heatproof bowl until smooth and combined. Gradually whisk in the cream mixture and return to the saucepan. Cook, whisking continuously, over low heat for 4-6 minutes, or until custard is thick. Transfer to a container, cover surface directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled.
2. Beat 200ml of the thickened cream until stiff peaks. Spoon the cold custard into a bowl and whisk to loosen. Fold the whipped cream into the custard until combined. Spoon the custard and the mango puree over the jelly. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
3. Serve with cream and sliced mango.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Scrubs for sale size Medium in good condition with Queensland Government Embroidered on left side. Contact: Sonya - Pharmacy Department. Phone: 30478. $40 each set
2018 Mazda 6 GL1032 Touring Sedan 4dr SKYACTIV-Drive 6sp 2.5i, 91000 kilometres, 1 owner, in good condition. Grey colour, tinted windows, leather seats, road worthy certificate, registered until January 2026. $21,500 OCO considered. Contact Michelle 0401231193 (21/11)
WANTED
Moving boxes and packaging. Contact Pam 0488 934 924 (21/11)
FOR RENT
Modern 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in the secure Abode Apartments. $500 per week. Ideal for a professional couple, featuring open plan living, air-conditioning, and a large patio with park and city views. Includes ensuite, dishwasher, dryer, secure parking with storage, and lifts. Walking distance to the Stadium, CBD, and The Strand. Contact: catherine.macleod@ hotmail.com (23/10)
Flatmate wanted Wulguru, Townsville. Looking for single person to share 3 Bdrm Duplex with single 23 yr old male. You would have sole use of large, unfurnished Master Bdrm with own ensuite. $225/week + utilities. No pets. Available now Ph: 0414 817 578
Room available with shared bathroom with another girl on 3/2/ 25 in Douglas. 5 mts drive to hospital. $225 per week, including all bills. If interested please call or message Vinod Baby on 0403206243 (2/12)
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.
