I wanted to begin my column today with some remarks about our urology service. In particular I want to acknowledge the distress the news about management of patients while on the outpatient waiting list will have caused patients and their family members. I also wanted to acknowledge the impact of this on our staff, broadly across the health service, but especially within the urology service at TUH. It is clear to me that there is a great deal of work occurring and I am grateful to all involved for their efforts. While we must absolutely focus on caring for our patients as we respond, we must also continue to look out for one another.
This week we received the results from our Just 12 engagement survey and there will now be a range of briefings and sharing of information about the results. As you will see elsewhere in this blah, we had just over 3,000 people complete the survey, so firstly my thanks to those of you that took the time to respond. I know from the people I spoke with, along with my own experience in completing the survey, that it was pretty easy to complete. Over the coming weeks, teams will receive information about their results and I would encourage everyone to participate in these discussions. We are fortunate to be working with Gallup on this because not only do they have an internationally validated survey tool, but there is also a wealth of resources they have available to us as we discuss our response within our teams. I’m deliberately making references to ‘us’ because it’s a collective responsibility, not just the team leader or even just the CEO. The questions themselves are a great call to action not only at the team level, but personally. I’ve also now read through all of the freetext comments in response to the ‘Just one thing’ question. These will also be made available for the respective teams.
This week, the health service approved the refresh of our master plan and also the revised submission to government for the TUH expansion. This has been an incredibly fast-paced effort involving a whole range of people and I want to thank everyone for prioritising this, which has meant we are able to make our submission in time for the mid-year budget update by Treasury.
This week was Melbourne Cup, which pretty much signals the beginning of the festive season (I haven’t worked out how many sleeps to Christmas but I know some members of my family have already started with Christmas decorations). Importantly, it also means we are now in the time of year that we need to be prepared for severe weather and cyclones. From a work perspective, it’s important we have our contact details up to date. It’s also useful to ensure you are familiar with the role your unit or team might be asked to play in a disaster response.
Next Tuesday is Remembrance Day and our health service will be holding an event at TUH for our staff and patients. Guests are invited to lay a wreath or book at the front garden in rememberance as we honour our service men and women. Remembrance Day holds a special place in the heart of our community and it’s a honour to be able to host an event to commeorate the sacrifice of our defence personnel.
This week we recognised our staff who have worked in healthcare for five years or more. On Tuesday we held our annual length-of-service awards to celebrate those who have been with organisation for 20 years or more. Congratulations to everyone in the HHS who received a certificate and thank you for all your work. Certificates for staff celebrating other milestone years of service will be sent to service groups shortly.
One of the biggest changes to ieMR since its introduction is just around the corner. The Comprehensive Assessment and Care Planning changes will go live at the end of this month. It will simplify the documentation process for ieMR and enhance multidisciplinary collaboration. It will be a change for some people in the organisation and there is tech support in place. Live demonstations will be happening throughout the month to help explain the changes. For more information, please go to QHEPS.
Finally, my thanks to Rex O’Rourke for covering my period of leave. I know he enjoyed his time here. It’s good to be back.
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Townsville University Hospital Remembrance Day Service
Tuesday 11 November at 10:50 am
Townsville University Hospital Front Garden
Guests are invited to lay a wreath or book in remembrance. Everyone is welcome.
Petticoats to paediatrics: Bernie celebrates 45 years of nursing
From the days when nurses wore petticoats to electronic records and loud-coloured scrubs Bernadette Whiting, or Bernie as she’s known around Townsville University Hospital (TUH), has experienced the lot in her 45 years as one of Townsville’s most enduring nurses.
“I completed my general nursing training at the old Townsville General Hospital and, in those days, we wore the cap, stockings, petticoat, and we lived in the nurses’ quarters,” Bernie said.
“I started nursing a few months after finishing school, I was 17 at the time… you lived in the nursing quarters for the first six months.”
After a few years of general nursing at the hospital, Bernie moved across to the Kirwan Women’s Hospital and commenced midwifery training, where she stayed as a midwife and lactation consultant until 2000 when the hospital closed.
“I came to the Townsville Hospital to work with the relocated maternity unit until 2003 when I completed my child health qualification,” she said.
“By that stage the Kirwan Health Campus had opened, so I moved back there as a child health nurse until three years ago when I came back to TUH to take on my current role as a paediatric nurse navigator.”
Bernie’s career has been peppered with small stints across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, but she said one of the most memorable and exciting times of her career was the 16 months spent with the Covid vaccination hub.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I loved it; we’d hit the road with a group of nurses, go in and vaccinate, then pack it all up and come back.”
As someone who has spent 45 years in one career, Bernie hasn’t been able to dodge talk about retirement.
“It will be hard to step away fully and lose that identity and the thing I love but my goal is to retire at 65 which is just over two years away,” she said.
Congratulations to Bernie and all our staff who celebrated milestone years of service.
Vicki Carson, Bernadette Whiting, and Sari Holland
Length of service 2025
The full gallery of photos from the length-of-service event at Townsville University Hospital is available on QHEPS.
Danielle Hornsby, Gail Kingston, and Jo Stitt
Kieran Keyes, Cheryl Anderson, and Michelle Warrington
Alice Almeida-Casto, Dr Jason Lee, and Dr Niall Small
Kieran Keyes, Robyn Copley, and Louise Hayes
Scott Goddard, Sharon Ferguson, and Daniel Langridge
Dr Paul Chapman, Amy Frame, and Sari Holland
Length of service 2025
Dorothy Thomas, Nicole Audas, and Kirsty Swain
Kieran Keyes, Ross Nicholls, and Tina Cann
Vicki Carson, Elissa Cox, and Danielle Hornsby
Vicki Carson, Sandra Eardman, and Greg Shephard
Judy Morton, Janice Martin, and Dr Niall Small
Judy Morton, Linda Harrison, and Sari Holland
Born in the USA, raised at TUH
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) recently hosted a special visit from American academics to mark four years of shared learning experiences across the Pacific.
Fairfield University, Connecticut’s Egan School of Nursing assistant dean Kristin Meyer and assistant professor of the practice Katherine Saracino made the trip to Townsville to visit Fairfield University students who were about to complete their clinical placement at TUH.
James Cook University (JCU) academic lead practice integration Tanya Langtree said the exchange program was growing in popularity with Fairfield students.
“In 2020, JCU, Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS), and Fairfield University came together and formed a partnership to host Fairfield students for a semester abroad,” Tanya said.
“They complete their tutorials, workshops, laboratories with us (at JCU) and then they complete a three-week placement at TUH.
“This year we’ve got 14 students and it’s been such a successful partnership that we’re looking at expanding it in new ways in the future.”
Katherine highlighted the valuable experiences their students brought back every year.
“The feedback from students has been so positive every year, which is why I think the numbers are growing,” she said.
“This is their first opportunity to do a clinical placement in a hospital, so they then compare every other placement to this over the next two years and we fall short in America; they often say this was their favourite.”
TUH nursing director clinical education and research Laura Irving said the exchange had proved to be particularly memorable for one student, Kaitlyn Nolan, who was part of the 2022 cohort and will be returning to TUH in December.
“Kaitlyn was in the first cohort back in 2022 and she’ll be back here working in the coming months as a permanent employee through the Townsville HHS international recruitment pathway,” she said.
“She also volunteered for Brighter Lives for a couple of months after her semester studying before she went back to America; it will be great to have her back.”
Jayde Ashall, Katherine Saracino, Tanya Langtree, Kristin Meyer, and Laura Irving
Marj celebrates new life as first transplant patient for NQKTS
History has been made with the North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service (NQKTS) successfully performing its first kidney transplant, transforming the life of Ayr motherof-two Marj Manak.
Diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis (a disease of the bile duct that causes serious liver damage) as a baby and told she wouldn’t live past early adulthood, Marj has defied the odds, overcoming a lifetime of health challenges to recently celebrate her 56th birthday.
After two liver transplants in Brisbane decades ago, long-term medication use damaged Marj’s kidneys, leading to renal dialysis in 2022 and, eventually, her placement on the kidney transplant list in March this year.
Marj said she was delighted to make history as the first patient of the North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service.
“Having the surgery in Townsville made a huge difference compared to my previous transplants in Brisbane,” Marj said.
“This time, my kids and family could visit, my husband John was by my side throughout, and the staff were fantastic.
“With my liver transplants I had to relocate to Brisbane for an extended period, away from my young children and family supports.
“But being close to home this time made everything easier, emotionally, financially, and practically.”
Marj also had a special message for donor families and those considering registering for organ donation.
“It’s life-changing; I had my first transplant at 23, and I just turned 56, which would have never happened if not for organ donation. That’s 33 extra years of life thanks to people who chose organ donation and told their families about their wishes.
“I’d like to thank my donor’s family from the bottom of my heart; it’s a gift I’ll be forever grateful for.”
Transplant surgeons Dr Nikhil Mahajan and Dr Aasim Khan described Marj’s case as both “challenging and inspiring”.
“With her complex medical history and previous transplants, she was a technically complex case but her strength and family support made her a great candidate for transplant,” Nikhil said.
Marj Manak
“After months of preparation, the surgery went very well, and we’re delighted that this will help Marj return to a normal life.”
NQKTS director Dr Michelle Harfield said the service’s first transplant was the result of years of hard work and collaboration.
“This is a momentous achievement for our team and for north Queensland,” she said.
“Transplantation is a team effort that includes doctors, nurses, allied health clinicians, psychologists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, all working together,” she said.
“Ultimately, though, this is about Marj, our wonderful patient who has waited a long time for this moment, and to now see her glowing with health is incredible.”
To learn more about organ donation, visit https://www.donatelife.gov.au/learn
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Marj and her husband John with the treating team on her final day at TUH
NQKTS theatre team
NQKTS team in Acute Admission Unit
Health service champions belonging this Inclusion at Work Week
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service will join workplaces across the country to celebrate Inclusion at Work Week (17–21 November), a national initiative led by the Diversity Council of Australia that recognises the strength that diversity brings to Australian organisations.
Throughout the week, teams across the health service will take part in activities that celebrate inclusion in the workplace.
Director of human resource services Aubrey Murakami said the week was an opportunity for staff to reflect on how everyday actions can make workplaces more inclusive.
“Every one of us brings a unique story, background, and perspective to our work; Inclusion at Work Week is about recognising that diversity, and making sure every person feels safe, seen, and valued in their workplace,” Aubrey said.
As part of the celebrations, Aubrey said the health service would promote its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and encourage staff to complete or update their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) data through myHR.
“One-third of staff have yet to complete this information, and staff who have previously completed the survey, may need to update their data,” Aubrey said.
“Updating your EEO data helps us better understand and support the diversity of our workforce.
“It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference.”
Online sessions during the week will also allow managers and staff to explore inclusion through different lenses.
Organisational Development Consultant Erin Greig will present ‘Mind the (Generational) Gap’, examining how five generations now work side by side, and sharing practical ways to strengthen teamwork and communication.
Multicultural health liaison officer Raj Mudanzi will lead ‘Bridging Cultures in Building Inclusive Teams’, highlighting how cultural diversity enriches our teams and improves patient care through respect and connection.
You can access the online sessions at these links:
• 17 November (10am) - Working with disabilities
• 18 November (12pm) – Neurodiversity awareness
• 19 November (10am) – Mind the generational gap
• 20 November (12pm) – Cultural Competency
• 21 November (12pm) – LBGTIQ+ awareness
Staff are also invited to join our Diversity and Inclusion Network. Email THHS-diversityinclusion@health.qld.gov.au to get involved or share your ideas.
Aubrey Murakami, Stevie-Lee Defranciscis, Michael Illin, Tegan Ely, and Erin Greig
Health service to launch Deadly Decisions framework to improve cultural safety
As part of Inclusion at Work Week, Townsville Hospital and Health Service will launch Deadly Decisions, a new framework designed to help staff make culturally safe choices in the workplace.
The initiative is the first major milestone under the Two Worlds, One Health System – Eliminating Racism Together strategy, which aims to create a workplace where staff, patients, and visitors feel safe, seen, and respected.
Indigenous health principal project officer Tegan Ely said the framework would help transform good intentions into meaningful and consistent action.
“Eliminating racism isn’t a one-off initiative or an HR project, it’s a shared responsibility that belongs to every leader and every team,” Tegan said.
“In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, the word deadly means excellent, strong, and proud.
“The Deadly Decisions framework gives us practical tools to make strong, culturally safe choices that build trust and respect across our health service.”
Tegan said the framework would help create a culture of confidence rather than blame.
“This is about giving staff the confidence to speak up when something’s not right, to support a colleague or patient who’s been impacted, and to hold each other accountable in a respectful way,” she said.
“This framework is about making choices grounded in respect, empathy, and accountability.
“Ultimately, every decision, clinical, operational, or cultural, can be a Deadly Decision.”
Deadly Decisions introduces two practical tools for staff to use: the ‘CARE Framework’ (Call it in, Address it, Review it, Ensure Safety), which guides how to respond to incidents or concerns, and the ‘That’s Deadly / That’s Not’ compass, which helps staff recognise safe and unsafe behaviours in real time.
Staff can access all Deadly Decisions resources on QHEPS when the framework launches during Inclusion at Work Week.
Tegan Ely
Laying strong foundations for long-term change
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is embracing a new statewide initiative aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and long-term health for women and families.
The Supporting Healthier Pregnancies (SHPI) initiative places a clinical midwife consultant (CMC) in each Queensland health service to improve population health and wellbeing.
HHS SHPI CMC Shannon Lambert said the initiative was about creating long-term, sustainable change for women and families and promoting healthier beginnings for families.
“We want to improve pregnancy outcomes through embedding and sustaining guideline-recommended preventative health practices during routine antenatal care,” Shannon said.
The initiative focuses on addressing modifiable health risks during pregnancy with four key priorities:
• Reducing smoking in pregnancy
• Reducing alcohol consumption in pregnancy
• Increasing awareness around proper nutrition and physical activity in pregnancy
• Improving uptake of pregnancy-related vaccinations
Shannon said the current phase of the initiative was about laying strong foundations.
“We’re making sure our documentation is thorough, and our clinical practice is evidence-based, so we can draw accurate data and understand where we’re starting from,” Shannon said.
“From there, we’ll be engaging in community consultation and working with key stakeholders to co-design initiatives that are practical, personcentred, and sustainable.
“Representation from First Nations leadership will be an integral element of the work, alongside THHS executive leadership, model of care experts, subject matter experts, primary health, and child health services.”
Child, youth and family health nursing director Pamela Hueber said she was passionate about the potential of the initiative to drive meaningful change.
“I’d love to see the gap between Indigenous health outcomes and the rest of the population close significantly,” Pamela said.
“The initiative also emphasises the importance of collaboration with child health services to ensure that the healthy foundations laid during pregnancy continue well beyond birth.
“We want to build solutions with people, not just for them.”
Staff interested in learning more can reach out to Shannon via Teams or email.
Pam Hueber and Shannon Lambert
From strength to strength TropiQ research symposium celebrates researchers
Challenges in regional healthcare, integrated support, and translational health science were the key themes of discussion as Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) researchers took centre stage at the annual TropiQ Townsville Research Symposium.
Hosted in the Robert Douglas Auditorium, the depth and breadth of research being undertaken across the HHS was on display before the day concluded with the research dinner and awards at Bridgewater restaurant.
Invited plenary speaker, director of indigenous research at Mater Research and the University of Queensland Professor Kym Rae said she was impressed by the quality of projects being undertaken by health service researchers.
“We’ve seen some incredible presentations from early childhood leukaemia through to frailty in old age, and seen some really amazing evidence about how we can improve practice regionally,” Kym said.
Director of the Greater Brisbane Clinical School at the University of Queensland and professor of military medicine and surgery at the Defence Force Joint Health Command Professor Michael Reade said he was pleased to see how research provided clinicians with data to inform their decision-making.
“Research provides the mechanism to allow people to not accept the status quo,” he said.
“The second thing I think research adds to any hospital is it attracts people who think like that, who then build the culture of the hospital such that it’s a learning, self-improving organisation, rather than one that just does what it’s told.”
Townsville HHS director of clinical research and nephrologist Professor Andrew Mallett said he was proud to see interest in research growing within the HHS.
“These last few years, we’ve really seen a steep incline of staff leaning in,” he said.
“It’s a way for them to come and show the things they’re finding, so we’re delivering evidencegenerating care, moving on from that paradigm we’ve previously had of evidence-informed care.
“One by one, we’re encouraging staff to see the bigger picture of how they’re not just delivering healthcare but also defining what that should look like.”
Professor Andrew Mallett, Professor Kym Rae, and Professor Michael Reade
Physio bros are on the mo
Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) physiotherapy department is once again about to be taken over by an influx of hairy caterpillars… of the upper lip variety!
The annual Movember fundraiser has seen physios adorned with all varieties of moustache shapes, sizes, and degrees of furriness.
Physiotherapist Damian Coe said the team always took pride in showcasing follicular prowess every November, all in the name of men’s health awareness.
“We’re lucky to have a few team members with a natural talent for growing moustaches and an even greater flair for creativity,” he said.
“Over the years we’ve seen some unforgettable designs: Monkey Tail, The Riddler (complete with question mark), The Briefcase, and Jerry Maguire featuring a ‘show me the money’ dollar sign.”
Over the course of the month, as moustaches bed themselves in, Damian said the conversations generated by the lip warmers reminded them of the cause.
“The moustaches are great conversation starters, whether it’s in the hospital corridors or even with patients,” he said.
“They often lead to light-hearted chats that naturally evolve into more meaningful discussions about men’s health, mental wellbeing, and the importance of checking in with each other.
“It’s a simple but powerful way to break down barriers and get people talking.”
Last year, the department raised $5,000 for the Movember Foundation which has set the benchmark for 2025.
“The trivia night continues to be our biggest fundraising event and we’re hoping to build on its success again this year to support Movember’s vital work in men’s health,” Damien said.
The 16th annual physio Movember trivia night is happening Saturday 29 November at the West End Cricket Club. To register your team email Liam. Phelps@health.qld.gov.au.
Donate to the TUH Physio Movember page here: https://movember.com/t/tuh-physiotherapymovember?mc=1
Back: Luke Ibell, Damian Coe, Thomas Cole, Ben Phillips.
Front: Kyle Whebell, Jordan Rycen, William Morrissey, Luke Sherwood
HHS put to the test in disaster simulation
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) recently tested its emergency response procedures as part of a large-scale, multiagency mock disaster event at the Townsville Local Disaster Coordination Centre.
The exercise, an annual event coordinated by the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG), saw the Townsville HHS join agencies including Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue, Townsville City Council, Biosecurity Queensland, and Ergon Energy.
This year’s scenario involved a simulated avian bird ‘flu pandemic that had impacted Townsville, leading to more than 10,000 bird deaths and the disease spreading from birds to humans.
Townsville HHS chief operating officer Susan Freiberg said the exercise was a crucial opportunity to pressure test the region’s disaster response plans and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
“This training was our chance to come together, act out a complex scenario, and ensure our plans were robust and integrated,” Susan said.
“Practising together means we can identify any gaps, understand each other’s roles and responsibilities, streamline communication, and
build the professional relationships and muscle memory we will all rely on before an actual emergency occurs.
“While this event was focused on responding to a pandemic-style event, coming together and working as one will help us in our preparation for other events like cyclones, floods, fires, and more.
“It’s vital work to ensure we are ready to protect the community.”
Townsville Public Health Unit acting director Dr Kate Murton said the simulation provided a realistic and complex challenge for the public health team.
“A disease rapidly passing from animals to humans could place significant pressure on our health system and contact tracing capabilities,” Kate said.
“From a public health perspective, our focus is on rapid surveillance and detection, managing potential exposures, and providing clear, timely health advice to the community to prevent further spread.
“The disaster simulation allows all member agencies of the TLDMG to refine their emergency procedures ahead of the upcoming high-risk weather season.”
Susan Freiberg and Dr Kate Murton
Zoe looks forward to social life after social work
After 27 years with Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS), social worker Zoe Gordon has called time on her career to spend more time with the grandkids.
An already experienced social worker, Zoe began with Townsville HHS in September of 1997 at the old Kirwan Hospital for Women.
“I was in the maternity ward, neonatal intensive care unit, and gynaecology ward,” she said.
Now with more than three decades of experience under her belt, Zoe said the social work landscape had changed incredibly.
“Growth and development within maternal fetal medicine brought more patients requiring assessment, review and treatment,” she said.
“Their needs were many and varied as they left their usual support networks and were often separated from their children and families.
“Additionally, women’s and children’s social work staffing increased as referrals for domestic violence, child protection, homelessness, drug and alcohol misuse, premature births and pregnancy loss increased.”
One of Zoe’s fondest memories was the time she photographed an impromptu wedding in Federation Gardens.
“There was a couple who were about to have a very premature baby that was unlikely to survive, and their wedding was organised out here,” Zoe said.
“I took some photographs for them; I’ve got a bit of a passion for photography and sewing and I’ve made quite a few little outfits for the tiny babies, photographing them and capturing those memories so that the parents have something.
“My goal was to provide the parents with support and guidance through their most difficult times of their lives and create memories of their precious baby.”
Zoe said she planned to spend more time with her two grandchildren and take time to travel in the camper trailer but would miss the company of her colleagues.
“I’ll miss talking to professional colleagues from various disciplines and working with the patients,” she said.
“I’ve been in contact with some very interesting people over the years and I hope that I’ve given back to them what they’ve given to me.”
Zoe Gordon with colleagues from across TUH
Melbourne Cup 2025
It was fashions on the wards as Townsville University Hospital staff dressed up for the race that stops a nation.
Cassandra Kal, John Rigbye, and Shirani Williams
Danny Akins
Lauren Buckland
Claire Harding, Lisa Field, Jackie Palfrey, and Rosanna Maicle
Hayley Mobelli, Emily Ryan, Michelle McDonald, Amanda Govan, and Kylie Van Leeuwen
Sandra Brown, Christine Heffler, Elderence Brostrom, Betty Sayce, Ann Madin, and Jan Walden
THANK YOU
Join us to celebrate Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s outstanding performance in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Home Hill Health Service | 10 September | 2.30pm
Ingham Health Service | 11 September | 12noon
Richmond Health Service | 12 September | 9.30am
Hughenden 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
Charters Towers Health Service + Eventide Aged Care Facility + Charters Towers
Rehabilitation Unit (joint event) | 8 October | 12noon
Parklands Aged Care Facility | 9 October | 10.00am
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
Joyce Palmer Health Service | 26 November | 10.00am
Occupational therapy in action
Creating space for honest conversations
Last week, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service celebrated Occupational Therapy Week.
Director of occupational therapy Michelle Watson shared what the week meant to the health service.
“This week is all about celebrating the history of our profession, the work we do with patients, and the vital role occupational therapists play in a hospital setting,” Michelle said.
“This year’s theme, “Occupational Therapy in Action,” highlights the diverse and dynamic roles OTs play every day.
“Celebrations consisted of ward-based engagement activities, fun games, and daily emails sharing the profession’s rich history with staff across the health service, and a morning tea celebration to round off the week.”
A big shoutout to all our occupational therapists and thank you for the meaningful difference you make every day.
The latest Schwartz Rounds event, themed “When Caring Feels Daring,” brought together a diverse panel to highlight diverse experiences of occupational violence across the health service.
The event was a safe space for staff to share personal stories and explore how experiences of violence in the workplace have impacted them.
Townsville University Hospital staff specialist Dr Susannah Bond said the theme was chosen to spark honest reflections about the tension between compassion and self-protection.
“It’s about asking how we continue to provide care when we don’t always feel safe, and what we can do collectively to change that,” Susannah said.
“There was a real sense of solidarity in the room and important conversations in building a safer, more compassionate workplace.”
The next Schwartz Round is themed “This wasn’t in the manual: when expectation and reality collide” and will take place on Wednesday 19 November in the Robert Douglas Auditorium from 12:30pm –1:30pm.
Harrison Lassig, Michelle Watson, and Annie Small
Steven Crowley, Katrina Giles, Dr Rajesh Sehdev, and Dr Susannah Bond
Clinicians get dose of patient perspective in face-to-face meeting
Patients, survivors, treating physicians, and nurses have come together for the first time face to face to help shape the future of care and research for head-and-neck care in north Queensland.
The meeting provided a platform for consumers to discuss issues with care both pre and post treatment, share their perspectives on new research projects, and offer feedback directly to the treating teams.
Airlie Beach resident Andrew Cook, who travelled to Townsville for the meeting, was one of the survivors at the meeting. Andrew has been in remission since 2022 after he was treated for throat cancer.
“From the moment of diagnosis, the treatment was full on and just hectic. It was scan after scan,” Andrew said.
“My treatment involved seven weeks of intensive radiation and chemotherapy in Townsville, meaning I had to relocate from home for a while.
“I was motivated to come to the meeting to give back to the team that cared for me and to help future patients.”
Radiation oncologist and chair of the head-and-neck multidisciplinary clinic Associate Professor Daniel Xing said consumer engagement was vital for improving how the service is run.
“By developing our service, we’re not sure whether we really meet the needs of the patient because we are always doing things from our perspective,” Daniel said.
“The kind of feedback we get is very useful for us to improve our service, particularly for patients in northern Queensland.
“Townsville is the only head-and-neck cancer centre in the whole of north Queensland,” he said.
Daniel said virtual meetings had become common after Covid but the value of face-to-face interaction was irreplaceable.
“A lot of consumer engagement in Australia is very metro-centric and when it comes to regional centres like ours, it’s a bit quiet,” he said.
“We can do lots of things virtually, but I still feel that there was a lack of real in-person contact. We hope this meeting is the start of raising more awareness and building a strong partnership with our consumers to develop our services together.”
Professor Andreas Lopata, Dr Paul Chapman, Associate Professor Daniel Xing, Annette Oar, Robert Oar, Deborah Galbraith, Sarah Deacon, Danielle Seden, Andrew Cook, Catherine Hobson, Professor Ulf Schmitz, and Kerrin Gregory
A Note...Brighter
Brighter lives raises $27k for breast cancer equipment
During the month of October, Brighter Lives fundraised for breast cancer equipment for Townsville.
The fundraiser was held in collaboration with the Beach Hotel, which turned pink for the month, alongside the Brighter Raffle, concluding with the Century 21 Aaron Moon Realty Brighter Brunch.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said the foundation successfully raised more than $27,000 to fund a new Scout machine for Townsville University Hospital, equipment that will help over 300 women in north Queensland.
“Thank you to everyone who came to Brighter Brunch, donated or bought a raffle ticket. We are very grateful to our sponsors – the Beach Hotel, Century 21 Aaron Moon Realty and all the sponsors and donors who contributed to making this fundraiser successful,” Stephanie said.
“Thank you also to Rotary Townsville Sunrise that donated $10,000 to support the cause.”
The Scout machine is an advanced breast cancer diagnostic tool that uses precise imaging technology to provide clear, accurate results.
The machine will enhance the hospital’s ability to conduct biopsy guidance procedures with minimal discomfort.
Breast surgeon Dr April Miu the equipment would help people with breast cancer from across north Queensland.
“While we did have access to a Scout previously on loan from another hospital, we will now own the upgraded new technology with the latest equipment and probes that will benefit local patients.” April said.
Kate Jeboult, Brighter Lives’ new ambassador and breakfast announcer of Triple M, emceed the brunch.
“Breast cancer is a huge issue for women over 40 and helping support Brighter Lives fundraise for equipment that helps local women here is so important to me,” Kate said.
The new equipment will be operational at Townsville University Hospital from early next year.
Brighter Lives helped turn the Beach Hotel pink to raise vital money for equipment to help NQ breast cancer patients
“I am in awe at the incredible work that the nurses and doctors are doing. I feel that my partner is receiving excellent care.”
MED 1
“I wish to commend ALL the staff, everyone was very friendly and really cared about you as an individual. From the doctors to the nurses, catering and cleaning staff. Everyone greeted you with a smile. It made my stay a very pleasant experience.”
The staff bring joy to their vocation. The ward is in pristine condition, Hygiene is excellent, Consideration for patients is first class, staff well trained and professional.
SURG 1
CHARTERS TOWERS
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 Creamy zucchini lasagne
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
• 9 dried lasagne sheets
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 700g courgette grated
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 250g tub ricotta
• 50g cheddar cheese
Method
• 350g jar tomato sauce for pasta
1. Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Put a pan of water on to boil, then cook the lasagne sheets for about 5 mins until softened, but not cooked through. Rinse in cold water, then drizzle with a little oil to stop them sticking together.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan, then fry the onion. After 3 mins, add the courgettes and garlic and continue to fry until the courgette has softened and turned bright green. Stir in 2/3 of both the ricotta and the cheddar, then season to taste. Heat the tomato sauce in the microwave for 2 mins on high until hot.
3. In a large baking dish, layer up the lasagne, starting with half the courgette mix, then pasta, then tomato sauce. Repeat, top with blobs of the remaining ricotta, then scatter with the rest of the cheddar. Bake on the top shelf for about 10 mins until the pasta is tender and the cheese is golden.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
2009 Toyota Prado GX Turbo Diesel Auto long range fuel tank. 341000km. Well taken care of with heaps of extras - spot lights, bulbar, tow ball, rhino roof racks, awning, cargo barrier, new tyres, UHF radio, + more $21000 ONOContact Nic 0402 254 551 (10/10)
Scrubs for sale size Medium in good condition with Queensland Government Embroidered on left side. Contact: Sonya - Pharmacy Department. Phone: 30478. $40 each set
FOR RENT
Newly built house, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and 1 garage for rent $550 per week in Condon. No pets allowed. Spacious bedrooms and outdoor area. Shed included and fully fenced. Available for moving in from November, Please contact Margaret on 0403 733 929 if interested. (10/10)
3 bedroom house available now in Wulguru. Close to the hospital. Fully furnished. $400 per week. Phone Karen for further information 0450 476 798 (10/10)
Lodgings urgently needed before end of October; short to medium term; safe and suitable for single quiet lady; does not need to be furnished. Granny flat, unit, house sitting with secure/off street car parking would be great. Previous homeowner recently relocated to Townsville. Clean and tidy. Contact Rebecca 0428633843 or email Rebecca.Schaffer@health. qld.gov.au (10/10)
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)
House sitter wanted. 22 Nov – 9 Dec. Kirwan. 1 Cat and 10 x plants to be cared for in exchange for accommodation for 2.5 weeks. Spacious 4-bedroom house with internet, aircon, garage storage for car and streaming services. Contact Sonia 0410 679 481 for further info. sonia.morshead@health.qld.gov.au. (13/10)
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