Firstly, I’m pleased to provide an update on capital works projects across our health service. Along with our Board Chair and Deputy Board Chair, I recently met with Sam Sangster who authored the independent review of Queensland Health’s Capacity Expansion Program. Sam supports the work we’ve already begun across the health service, particularly the refresh of the Clinical Services Plan. Thanks to Billy Bragg and the planning team for leading that important work. My thanks also to everyone involved in preparing for the multi-storey carpark which has gone to a market expression of interest. There is going to be a lot happen in a very short time as we get ready to deliver a refreshed master plan back to government by the end of the year. I look forward to providing further updates in the coming months.
During my all-staff forum earlier this week, I was asked about the status of the children’s playground at Townsville University Hospital (it made for a nice change from carparking or smoking). As many of you know, the playground has been closed since last year due to concerns about hygiene because of pigeons in the area. We’re exploring a few options to deal with this, one of which involves netting at the third-storey ceiling level to prevent pigeons entering. This isn’t straightforward, and certainly anytime you do anything in health it’s automatically more expensive and there are complex structural engineering issues involved. But Mick Ward and his team are doing great work to explore the options. I’m hopeful we’ll have a preferred option by the end of this month or soon thereafter. Watch this space. There have been some important days of significance celebrated across the health service in recent weeks. Earlier this week we commemorated Mabo Day, which marks the end of Reconciliation Week though, of course, not the end of our work toward reconciliation in Australia.
Mabo Day honours the 1992 High Court decision that overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius; that no one owned the land prior to European settlement. We celebrate the brave contribution of Eddie Mabo, a Meriam man from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, who challenged that legal doctrine. Sadly, he passed away from cancer just months before the decision was handed down but his legacy changed the legal and social landscape of our country.
There have been some significant ieMR developments across the health service this week. Today, Queensland Health launched the Gender Identity Project – an educational initiative aimed at staff who collect patient details. It’s important that people feel safe and respected, and that starts with being properly recognised, especially in healthcare. The project will provide education on capturing accurate information about gender identity and preferred pronouns. Thank you to Louise Hayes and the team from the health service who’ve been working on this. We have also launched the Sepsis Pathway through ieMR. It’s an evidence-based, integrated care plan that guides staff in identifying and treating sepsis early – a condition that kills nearly 9,000 Australians every year and affects almost 60,000. Early recognition and treatment are critical, and this pathway is designed to reduce length of stay and improve patient outcomes.
Finally, as I’m sure you’ve seen across the health service, it’s Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day. This is an important day to raise awareness about the mental health of healthcare professionals. Thanks to all who got involved by wearing a pair of crazy socks to show their support.
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Docs in socks for mental health awareness
New socks. Two socks. Whose socks? Docs’ socks.
Staff across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service today donned their wackiest socks to mark Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day, an initiative which aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the medical profession.
Founded by cardiologist Dr Geoff Toogood, the campaign takes place annually on 6 June and encourages open conversations about the mental wellbeing of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers especially around the topics of stress, burnout, depression, and the importance of seeking help.
Medical director children’s services Dr Jason Yates said Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day was an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health in the medical profession, and that it was great to see so many staff taking part today.
“Every year we’re seeing way too many health professionals, particularly doctors, lose their lives to mental health-related reasons and there’s no doubt that can be related to the stresses of the job, which are multifactorial,” Jason said.
“Raising awareness about mental health is crucial for everyone, but it’s especially important for healthcare workers and doctors who have a disproportionately high rate of suicide when compared to other professions.
“As a community and health service, it’s important for us to get around to each other and make sure everyone’s okay.”
Find out more about Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day online – https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au/
If you need to mental health support, the below services are here to help you.
– Link this https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/tville/ employee-assistance/access-24-7
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free and professional short-term counselling to THHS employees, for up to six (6) sessions per calendar year.
Lifeline – 13 11 14 - 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 - Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns. Also offers online chat and forums.
Yasmin Luckhurst, Dr Kalashini Senadheera, Dr Jason Yates, Tammy Peck, Dr Rachel Lim, Dr Bailey Anderson, Dr Lucia Rajnoch
Side by side in scrubs this National Best Friends Day
In the high-pressure environment of the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), nurses Caitlyn Darcy and Clinton Elliot have proved the strongest teams are built on more than just skill - they’re built on friendship.
Their friendship is one of the many being celebrated across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service for National Best Friends Day.
Caitlyn joined the PICU team in September 2024 as a registered nurse after transitioning from paediatrics in Newcastle, and said she was drawn to PICU for its unique blend of high-acuity care and the opportunity to work with children.
“Kids are so honest and resilient,” Caitlyn said.
“Even when they’re at their most vulnerable they show this incredible strength, and being there for them as a nurse means everything to me.”
Clinical nurse Clinton has worked in the PICU for the past eight years and said he quickly became a mentor and friend to Caitlyn when she joined the team.
“We didn’t know each other before Caitlyn started last year,” Clinton said.
“But working in a space like the PICU, you go through a lot together and need to build trust fast.
“Caitlyn’s got a great instinct and a calming presence.
“I would say our friendship has become the cornerstone of our workday.”
Caitlyn said having a friend at work made a huge difference in helping to navigate the emotional demands of her role.
“Clinton is always there to answer questions, offer advice, or just listen when the day’s been tough,” Caitlyn said.
“Although some days are hard, just knowing there is always someone at work who gets it is everything.
“It’s not just about getting through a shift; it’s about staying grounded and connected.”
Shout out to all the staff friendships that make our health service teams stronger, and our care for patients more compassionate.
National Best Friends Day takes place annually on June 8.
Caitlyn Darcy and Clinton Elliot
New project transforming healthcare with respect and inclusion
A new statewide initiative is working to make healthcare safer and more inclusive for transgender and gender-diverse patients by updating systems to better reflect individuals and their identities.
The Gender Identity Project aims to address the inequities many people face when accessing health services, particularly when identity documentation like Medicare cards still reflect birth name and sex.
Executive director digital health and knowledge
Louise Hayes said the project had been a work in progress and would be an important step toward continuing to make healthcare accessible and safe for everyone.
“As someone with an adult transgender daughter, I have seen firsthand the emotional harm that can come from misgendering patients,” Louise said.
“There is an urgent need for change.
“For a long time, health systems have only reflected a person’s birth sex, which doesn’t tell the whole story, not just on a personal level, but also clinically.
“We need to be capturing gender identity and pronouns so that people feel seen, respected, and safe.”
Louise said that while legal changes now allowed individuals to update their birth certificates, healthcare systems still required birth sex for clinical reasons with this gap often leading to distress for patients.
“This isn’t just a data issue, it’s a human issue,” Louise said.
“When someone is misgendered or their identity isn’t acknowledged, it can have a profound impact on their mental health.
“Inclusive healthcare practices can significantly reduce mental health risks such as anxiety, depression, and suicidality among gender-diverse populations.
“Additionally, when people feel respected, they’re more likely to seek care early and stay engaged with their health.”
TUH data quality officer Elaine Latter said the Gender Identity Project roll-out would include training for administrative staff, focusing on respectful language, understanding gender diversity, and clinical considerations.
“Change is happening, it just takes time and compassion,” Elaine said.
“This is about building a healthcare system that works for everyone, and that starts with listening, learning, and leading with empathy.
“We had a great turn-out to recent our information session. If staff would like to learn more, we are holding another session on Wednesday 11 June from 2pm to 3pm in the Robert Douglas Auditorium or via Microsoft Teams.”
Notifications about system changes have already begun, and staff are encouraged to reach out to the data quality or ieMR digital services teams for support as the roll-out continues.
Clinical systems support officer Vanessa Ernst and Elaine Latter
Patient safety education series launches online
Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s patient safety unit has launched a new educational series for staff.
Acting patient services director Jessica Lester heads up the team, consisting of patient safety officers Joanne Williams, Deni Shields, Nadine Ashman, and Caroline Montgomery.
“A large function of our role in patient safety is clinical incident management,” Jessica said.
“Our patient safety officers have direct oversight and lead investigations into incidents that have, unfortunately, resulted in permanent harm to consumers as an unexpected outcome of engaging with the health service.
“An extension of that is working with the service groups to review incidents where moderate or temporary harm has occurred as well as looking for trends in near misses.”
Nadine said it was important for clinicians to understand that when a clinical incident occured, the patient safety team could provide support.
“Regardless of the level of harm, when an incident is reported, one of our key roles is to engage with the clinicians involved and ensure that the situation is safe,” she said.
“We also recognise that clinicians need support; they endeavour to do the right thing by their patients, but sometimes external factors can contribute to unfortunate outcomes.”
The patient safety unit has developed a new patient safety educational series which has been broken down into three main modules: patient safety foundations, patient safety clinical incident management, and patient safety report writing.
“We designed these sessions to be completed as a series,” Deni said.
“The first module looks at the role of all staff and how to report incidents, the second part is targeted towards line managers or anyone responsible for managing clinical incidents, and the third one is for any staff involved in clinical incident analysis and writing SAC 2 reports.”
The online series was developed from feedback given to the team about the kind of support staff wanted.
The patient safety education series is available now through Learning Online (THHS-LOL) or for more information, contact the team TSV-PatientSafety@health.qld.gov.au
Jessica Lester, Deni Shields, Nadine Ashman, and Caroline Montgomery
New digital sepsis pathway to boost early detection and save lives
A major digital upgrade across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service is set to transform how clinicians identify and treat sepsis.
The new Sepsis Care Pathway for Adults and Paediatric Patients, now live within the integrated electronic Medical Record (ieMR), is designed to help clinicians detect suspected and confirmed sepsis cases faster and more accurately.
The rollout is part of a statewide initiative, with designated clinical champions across the health service in place to support implementation and ongoing education.
The pathway uses questions to guide clinicians through best-practice care, offering tailored reference materials, clinical orders, and PowerPlans to support timely decision-making.
Resuscitation nurse manager Jason Swain is one of the clinical champions for the new Sepsis Pathway and said it would be a game changer for clinicians.
“Sepsis can look like so many other things, and this tool will help to identify it early, treat it fast, and ultimately save lives,” Jason said.
“THHS previously used a paper-based inpatient sepsis pathway, introduced in late 2024.
“Now, with the support of the ieMR team, the pathway has been fully digitised and integrated into the system.”
Jason said the system worked by flagging patients showing early signs of sepsis such as abnormal temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure, allowing nurses to initiate the pathway, work with a doctor to review the outcomes, and confirm the diagnosis to begin treatment.
“This is about empowering clinicians and streamlining care,” Jason said.
“It’s intuitive, fast, and backed by clinical evidence.
“It is expected to improve early detection of sepsis, reduce ICU admissions, shorten hospital stays, and lower mortality rates.
“The pathway also includes built-in decision support and antibiotic guidance, helping clinicians choose the right treatment quickly.
“This pathway will massively change how we care for patients.”
To register for training on the digital sepsis pathway contact the ieMR team at ieMR-TTH@health.qld. gov.au to arrange an in-service for your unit.
Jason Swain
Ancestral Lines by Jeremy Morgan Worrall
This artwork is a visual representation of the generational lines that carry through my mob. When I think of the next generation, I think towards my ancestors—Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright—through to my Nanna Audrie and my Mother Vanessa. Looking back gives me the strength and vision to look forward. Each figure in the painting is tied to family lines, like songlines, reflecting what they knew and what they passed on. The first represents lore, hunting, and tracking. The second reflects care, weaving, and love. The third shows the two combined, while the final two carry unfinished elements—symbols of knowledge and care in motion. Above them sits the essence of Country—swirling skies and a giant moon over Emmaville. It is by the fire, under these cool skies, where the next generation finds their strength, vision, and legacy.
Nominations open for HHS NAIDOC Week awards
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their role to deliver culturally safe, responsive, and community-connected care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families, staff, and community members?
Indigenous health service division director Salli-Ann Buttigieg has encouraged staff to put someone forward for the 2025 Townsville Hospital and Health Service NAIDOC Week awards after nominations opened this week.
“On any given day, 30 per cent of the patients at our health service identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander,” Salli-Ann said.
“Our First Nations workforce plays a critical role in delivering culturally appropriate, effective care, and these awards are about recognising and celebrating those staff members who go above and beyond to do just that.”
Salli-Ann said his year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’ was especially fitting.
“Our award nominees and recipients reflect the strength of our communities, the vision driving change, and the legacy we’re building for future generations through culturally safe healthcare.”
This year, seven awards will be presented including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Member of the Year, Health Equity Champion Award, Excellence in Cultural Mentoring Award, Emerging Leader Award, and others.
Salli-Ann said everyone across the health service had the opportunity to recognise those people and teams who were making a real difference.
“By submitting a nomination, you’re not only recognising excellence, you’re helping to celebrate the strength, vision, and legacy of our workforce and its impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
The awards will be presented at the Townsville University Hospital NAIDOC Week event on Thursday 10 July.
“This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week, a powerful national milestone in celebrating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience and it’s a significant moment for us as a health service to reflect, honour, and stand alongside our First Nations communities,” Salli-Ann said.
“The TUH event will feature the awards ceremony, traditional food and cooking including a Kup Murri in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House cultural performances, music, and a unique ‘Human Library’ experience where staff and community members share their stories in a powerful, personal way.”
NAIDOC Week runs from 6 to 13 July 2025, with events taking place across all Townsville HHS sites and in the community throughout the week.
To nominate someone for an award go to https://forms.office.com/r/8D8pLuV8jp scan the QR code.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Nominations have opened now for the 2025 Townsville HHS NAIDOC Week awards. Pictured is 2024 award winners Earl Mazzoni and Wendy Allan with Amanda Cooms and Kieran Keyes
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Nominate Someone Who’s Building the Future The Next Generation Starts With Us
NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrates "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" and now is the time to honour those who are shaping that future in powerful, lasting ways.
Do you know a staff member who:
Leads with cultural strength and pride?
Inspires and uplifts others?
Champions better health, equity, and opportunity for our people?
Is creating a legacy for the next generation to stand strong in culture and thrive?
Nominate them for a 2025 NAIDOC Award and help us celebrate the people who are walking forward with purposefor Country, for Community, and for the generations to come.
Whether they’re lighting the way for others, protecting cultural knowledge, or simply showing up with integrity every day - this is your chance to recognise their strength, their vision, and the legacy they’re creating.
Let’s lift them up. Let’s tell their stories.
Let’s celebrate our future, our leaders, our people
Scan the QR code to nominate today
Health service walks with community for equity and truth-telling
On May 27, staff from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service gathered with community to reflect, remember, and recommit and walk together for health equity and justice for First Nations peoples.
Executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Amanda Cooms said the Health Equity Strategy Showcase wasn’t just a health event but rather a gathering of stories, spirits, and shared responsibilities.
“It was a space where truth was spoken, and where the deep work of healing, understanding, and walking forward together was honoured,” Amanda said.
“The showcase created the kind of space our communities have always known—one that centres relationship, respect, and responsibility.
“Health equity isn’t a document. It’s a commitment to our Elders and our babies. It’s about the right to be well, to be heard, to live long lives filled with dignity and connection.
“It’s also about recognising that we are still carrying the weight of systems that weren’t built for us. And that our people are still dying too young, still navigating care that doesn’t always see or respect who we are.”
The event saw Elders, emerging leaders, health workers, and community members come together showcase some of the steps being made towards achieving health equity.
Amanda said it was a great opportunity for everyone to come together and discuss some of the issues and opportunities in relation to First Nations healthcare.
“We have always known how to care for our people. The strength of our families, our kinship, our Country, that’s the blueprint. And when health services truly listen, change is possible,” Amanda said.
“The showcase also began shaping the next Health Equity Strategy through to 2029, with community and workforce input guiding what comes next.”
Amanda Cooms, Coral Ferguson, and Alisha Kyle
Health Equity Showcase 2025
Alana Purcell, Tayla Deal, Rachel Dennis, and Rebecca Lewis
Alec Stevens and Kate Lovell
Amy King and Gillian Wilson
Salli-Ann Buttgieg and Anita Donaldson
Amy Brown and Metassa Zaro
Jacqueline Hodgson, Vidula Garde, and Shannon Sloane
Melanie West and Allana O’Fee
Michael Illin, Dr Erin Waters, Francis Tapim, Amanda Cooms, and Kieran Keyes
Wendy Allan, Susan Soermo, Earl Mazzoni, and Deanna Jones
Melissa Varnes and Melissa Gebert
Trevor Prior
Michael Illin
From ocean to outback – meet the Farleys
After 18 years nursing at Townsville University Hospital, Tony and Rhonda Farley swapped their lives in ICU for the quiet resolve of the outback at the Richmond Multipurpose Health Service.
The couple first met 44 years ago in Sydney while Tony was in the army as a carpentry apprentice.
“Back in those days, the Masons used to put on a debutant ball and Rhonda was one of the debutants,” Tony said.
“They used to get the army apprentices to be the partners and I met her then.
“We’ve been married 43 years now.”
The couple moved from Sydney to Townsville after Tony left the army and became a nurse.
“I started working as a registered nurse in 1981 in Sydney and we didn’t move to Townsville until 2004 when Tony secured a grad program position,” Rhonda said.
“I spent 18 years working in ICU in Townsville while Tony, who is now a clinical nurse, spent most of his time in cardiac research with a short stint in ICU as well.”
Looking for a change of pace, the Farleys resigned from their positions and hit the road in 2022.
“We went rural-remote and tried to find the smallest hospitals possible, which we did around New South Wales in the Murrumbidgee area and a stint in Mareeba as well,” Tony said.
“The aim was to do six weeks on and six weeks off but that never happened because nurses were in such high demand in those areas.”
“We ended up really liking Richmond and we had a great experience here,” Rhonda said.
The Farleys highly recommend the move to the outback for any health professional looking for something a little different.
“You have a lot of autonomy out here; it’s a different pace and the workload is varied,” Tony said.
“One day you’re looking after the residents, then you could have someone present with chest pain or there’s been a road accident and you’ve got to jump into the ambulance.
“You’ll experience it all out here.”
Tony and Rhonda Farley
TUH uses high-flying tech to blast away grime
At Townsville University Hospital the sound of a rescue helicopter is all too common; however, it was the buzz of a drone that recently drew all eyes to the sky.
Facility services company FAMASO recently demoed their power-washing drone to clean parts of the Townsville Cancer Centre’s external walls and windows.
Trade manager building services Allan Reilly said the technology could save time and improve safety.
“Doing something like washing and inspecting the building façade can be a time-consuming and hazardous exercise for the BEMS team,” Allan said.
“It usually involves employees working at heights, exposure to aerosolised animal waste, and working around high-level electoral cables, quench pipes, and radiation zones.
“To clean the external walls or windows would typically involve having to set up scaffolding or using elevated work platforms, rapalling from the roof to reach higher spaces, and sometimes those spaces can still be inaccessible.
“This trial was about seeing what technology was out there and how it could help us do our job more efficiently and safely.”
Allan said the drone could also help with building inspections as part of the HHS’s preventative maintenance plan to help identify issues and fix them.
“The drones are fitted with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors which can help with assessing façade integrity, structural wear, and maintenance planning,” he said.
“Through these inspections we can identify any preventative maintenance which will significantly reduce the risk of unplanned failures, and emergencies to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
“Tools like these drones with their high-resolution cameras and advanced sensor could help us inspect hard-to-reach areas and, through the sensors, they could potentially detect things we normally wouldn’t.
“It was great seeing the drone in action and seeing how technology can help us in improving visitor, patient and staff safety at the hospital.”
Allan Reilly and FAMASO drone pilot Sami Kallio
Kay Cee swaps Tassie for Hughenden
The idea of moving to a small town in the middle of the outback, without ever having been there, is something most people might never think of doing.
For registered nurse Kay Cee Espino, all it took was a conversation with an agency nurse who couldn’t stop raving about the great time she had at Hughenden Multipurpose Health Service.
“I’m originally from the Philippines and moved to Australia six years ago,” she said.
“I had been working in Tasmania where I met an agency nurse who spoke so highly of the team, management, and the overall work environment of Hughenden.
“She inspired me to look into the opportunity for myself and make the move, which I’m so glad I did.”
Kay Cee said becoming a nurse was a childhood dream and she loved the scope of work at Hughenden.
“In the emergency department I’m involved in triaging patients, assisting with resuscitation and I also have the opportunity to take on higher duties to coordinate the team and ensure shifts run safely and smoothly,” she said.
“Our director of nursing, Karen, is very approachable and supportive, and creates a positive environment where staff feel encouraged and valued.
“I find purpose in making a positive difference in someone’s day and it’s a privilege to be trusted with that responsibility; it’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.”
Since swapping the crisp, Tassie air for the expansive plains of the outback Kay Cee has wasted no time embedding herself into the local community.
“I love helping in the community and getting to know the people who live here,” Kay Cee said.
“The local council provides a variety of free activities for residents, such as aqua aerobics and exercise programs, and the town offers a great work-life balance.
“I also recently had the opportunity to volunteer at the Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies, which was a wonderful experience.”
Kay Cee Espino
Title Title
“My treatment journey has been fantastic due to the very professional team and their knowledge and work they do. They are friendly which makes you feel welcome. Without their attitude and support, I’m not sure I would have looked forward to attending each day.
Thank you.”
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
“Thank you to staff member Christine and her team for their patience and support over the past three years. The team has been very supportive and I am so grateful for Their treatment which enabled me to walk down the aisle and lead a happy and fulfilled life with my partner. They are amazing.”
PODIATRY
Family gave praise to staff and advised they are doing a good job here and Mum is fortunate to be here and receiving excellent care. trained and professional.
EVENTIDE
A Note...Brighter
Shine Lawyers Chartiy Golf Day back for 2025
For the past two years, Shine Lawyers have held a golf day in support of Brighter Lives.
The event has brought together more than 100 generous players and a strong group of sponsors to raise an impressive $23,451 which will contribute directly to the purchase of a two Mindray monitors for the Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre.
The monitors are an advanced piece of medical technology with a total cost of $37,431 for two, which will help ongoing monitoring of patients, freeing up other equipment in the emergency department.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said having the Mindray monitors on Palm Island would enhance the level of care available in the remote community.
“We are very grateful for the continued support of Shine Lawyers with their charity golf day,” Stephanie said.
“We would love to see Townsville HHS staff have a few teams this year too.”
Shine Lawyers general manager of north Queensland Garreth Turner said the firm was proud to contribute lifesaving equipment for people in the region.
“We have an amazing community of generous people in northern Queensland and we are pleased to say we are looking forward to coming together again this year to try and raise further funds for Brighter Lives,” he said.
The Shine Lawyers Charity Golf Day returns on Friday 8 August at Townsville Golf Club.
Organisers have promised this year’s event will be bigger and better.
Registrations are now open. A team of four costs $500 which includes two golf carts, breakfast, lunch, and refreshments. Sign up at shinecharitygolfday. rsvpify.com.
Stephanie Naunton with the team from Menninger Capital for last year’s charity golf day
Recipe of the blah Grilled haloumi and tomato bruschetta with za’atar caper salsa
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
• 1 tbs exta virgin olive oil
• 450g haloumi, cut lengthways into 1cm-thick slices
• 8 slices sourdough, toasted
• 1 garlic clove, halved
• 500g heirloom tomatoes, sliced
Chilli caper salsa
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbs drained capers, rinsed, chopped
• 2 tbs finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 2 tbs finely chopped basil leaves, plus extra sprigs to serve
• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp za’atar
Method
1. For the salsa, combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large non-stick frypan over high heat. In batches, if necessary, cook the haloumi for 2 minutes, turning once, until golden. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Rub the warm toasted sourdough with the cut side of the garlic clove. Top toast with tomato and haloumi. Spoon over a little salsa and serve with remaining salsa and basil sprigs.
Hot tip: Za’atar is found at Indian grocers - you can substitute for a mix of thyme, oregano, marjoram, cumin and coriander.
Capital works update
Important update to staff carpark at Townsville University Hospital
To help ease weekday traffic congestion from staff car parks at Townsville University Hospital, from Monday 9 June, we will trial the use of the emergency gate at the Eastern Campus carpark (car park #17) as an additional exit point. Please see the map below for reference.
The trial will run for the next three months, Monday to Friday, between 3pm and 6pm.
Please note that this gate will be for exit only, with vehicles required to turn left onto Discovery Drive, heading towards James Cook University. For those wishing to exit through this gate, consider parking nearby to avoid navigating the main car park during peak times.
Signage and electronic message boards will be in place to assist with directions and safety during this period.
Traffic flow will be monitored, and feedback will be requested throughout the trial to inform future planning.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve accessibility and reduce traffic congestion during peak periods.
Capital works update
Works currently underway
Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service
Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Work location: Various locations in TUH
Project: Hybrid Theatre
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade
Work location: Medilink building Level 2 current NQPMMS suite
Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner
Work location: Charters Towers Health Service
Works on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Have any questions?
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion - $40 million
Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.
To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those teams who will be impacted by works undertaken at TUH.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any proposed changes, please contact chief operating officer Susan Freiberg via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
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)
JPOD Outback MY22 caravan with A/C. Excellent condition and always serviced at Jayco in Townsville. Still under warranty. Large 270 degree awning, rear annex, shower tent, Solar, outdoor kitchen and water tank. Optional roof top tent. $26,500 ONO. Call Nina 0435194168 (3/6)
Stand up paddleboard. NX Board 12ft timber finish. Rarely used. Comes with carbon fibre paddle, life jacket, short sleeve wetsuit 1.5mm large, ankle strap, board bag. $800. Text Marinda 0415 812 358 (6/6)
FOR RENT
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)
WANTED
Speed boats for hire. Townsville outrigger canoe club is looking to hire speed boats that can carry 5 or more passengers for the annual Maggie Island Magic race. Needed for Sunday 22 June from 7am. $400 per boat. For more details contact Derek: 0429476235. (28/5)
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