Today marks the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II. Remarkably, there are now close military, economic, and social ties between our two countries. When I think about how harrowing the experience of war must have been, not only for our soldiers but those they fought for at home, and the subsequent joy and hope that peace must have brought, I hope that those in our world today that are perpetrating conflict look at the relationship between Japan and Australia as an example of the prosperity that peace brings. Lest we forget.
This week, I had the opportunity to introduce Rex O’Rourke to those of you who joined in our all-staff broadcast on Wednesday. Rex is the chief executive of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service and will be covering for me when I am on leave from late September for a month. I know he is looking forward meeting many of you and I am sure everyone will make him feel welcome. On Wednesday, I also mentioned our upcoming multicultural day on 10 October, to be held in the RDA. Nearly 15 per cent of our workforce speaks a language other than English at home, and our cultural diversity is an asset for our organisation, so let’s all join in the celebration.
With the 2024-2025 financial year now behind us, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the year that was. As always, it was a busy year for us; we had six per cent growth in our outpatient volumes, six per cent growth in elective surgery, outsourced elective surgery increased by four per cent, and emergency surgery was up by five per cent. ED volumes across our non-TUH sites were up nearly three per cent, and at TUH they decreased by two per cent. Our elective surgery long waits were reduced over the year; however, we saw an increase in the specialist outpatient long waits notwithstanding our volume growth. Even though our ED presentation volume was slightly lower, we have seen significant pressures with overcrowding at TUH, and this must remain a key focus for us.
During the first half of 2025 we have made significant inroads into reducing the number of long-stay maintenance patients (in the order of 30 per cent), and we have sustained that, which is a phenomenal achievement. Despite this our inpatient-flow pressure has persisted, hence the reason for continued focus. Amongst all of that we have also delivered a balanced financial position.
It’s very pleasing to see the work happening on the refresh of our clinical service plan and master plan for TUH. This is occurring at an incredibly fast pace, and I want to thank everyone involved for making themselves available in a rapid cycle of meetings. At the moment, the team is working through a series of different options to narrow this down until one option is preferred, which can then be worked up for an investment decision for the government toward the end of this year. This is not just about beds (important as they are), but also ensuring we plan for the associated support infrastructure as well, such as energy plants, loading docks, and planning for pathology growth and biomedical engineering space (yes, Keith, I haven’t forgotten). It’s kind of like a multi-dimensional Tetris, just with very expensive cubes. Work is progressing for the Charters Towers CT scanner, construction will soon start for Ingham’s CT, and planning works are progressing for one in Ayr.
Looking forward, this year we will be renewing our strategic plan for 2026-2030 which we will begin with a review of the current plan later this year. When that occurs I will be inviting feedback from across the organisation not only on the last plan, but also on the views for the next plan.
Lastly, congratulations to Dr John Masson on his retirement. John was the winner of the Vision award at our Staff Excellence Awards in 2017; no one has embodied our vision more than John. Thank you, John, and enjoy your well-earned next chapter.
Until next time, kk
20+ years’ event
Wednesday 29 October - 10am Western Terrace, Level 1, The Townsville University Hospital
See all staff receiving a length-of-service award here.
Please contact townsvillehhs-engagement@health.qld.gov.au if you haven’t received your invite.
Dr John Masson retires after illustrious career
After 40 years in medicine, almost 30 of them at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, pioneering gastroenterologist Dr John Masson is hanging up his stethoscope.
On his final day at the health service, the highly respected clinician was celebrated by colleagues and patients for the significant contributions he’s made to healthcare in North Queensland.
John said he was retiring with a deep sense of gratitude for his supportive family, the people he’s worked alongside, the patients he’s cared for, and the opportunities his career has given him.
“My final day is actually a special date because it marks 40 years since I graduated from medical school in the UK and started my first job as a doctor,” John said.
“I’ve been winding down for the last couple of years, so I’m not upset to be leaving just proud; it feels like the end of a very rewarding chapter.
“I’ll miss my medical colleagues, the nurses, the admin staff, and everyone who has been so kind and supportive over the years, but I probably won’t miss the middle-of-the-night phone calls – 40 years is enough of those, I think.”
John first arrived in Townsville in the 1990s as the hospital’s first full-time gastroenterologist.
Since then, he has helped shape this vital service in the region.
“When I first arrived, there wasn’t a hepatitis clinic, so we set one up, and I’ve watched the treatments evolve and outcomes improve dramatically since then,” he said.
“The hospital itself has grown massively to meet the needs of the community; I started work at the old hospital in North Ward, and funnily enough, that building is now apartments, and my wife and I have downsized and moved in there, so it feels like things have come full circle.”
Dr John Masson leaves today after close to three decades at TUH
Among his distinguished career highlights, John was awarded the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Mentorship Award, and was instrumental in leading training for nurses to perform colonoscopy, an innovative move that helped pave the way for nurse-led endoscopy services in Queensland.
And as those close to him can attest, John has no plans to slow down in retirement.
The keen cyclist is preparing for the London to Paris charity ride for the British Legion, which will coincide with his 40th medical school reunion in the UK.
“The good news is I won’t need to check my on-call roster before planning a ride anymore. And that’s the great thing about retirement; I’m really looking forward to more travel, more charity rides, and just enjoying this next phase of life.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief medical officer Dr Niall Small said John had made an indelible mark on healthcare in North Queensland.
“John is widely regarded as an excellent clinician
and a calm, collaborative colleague,” Niall said.
“He’s held numerous leadership roles at the health service over the years and he has been a longstanding member of our physician leadership group.
“His work in championing nurse-led endoscopy has changed service delivery in a very real way that benefits patients.”
Niall said his friend and colleague would also be remembered for his warmth and humour.
“Not many people know this, but John comes from a proud brewing family and in his younger days he was the Yard of Ale champion at Glasgow University,” Niall said.
“He’s also one of the fittest people I know, and his cycling feats are legendary.
“At one point, I thought riding to Cairns sounded ridiculous, until John made me consider doing it; that’s the kind of influence he has.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service blah blah blah
Dr John Masson through the years
Townsville HHS’s graduates top class at NQ training awards
While Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s traineeship graduate Baylee Gray was happy to win a training award, her real prize was seeing the pride on her friends’ and family’s faces.
The 17-year-old Deadly Start graduate was recently named Student Apprentice or Trainee of the Year at the North Queensland Training Awards, beating more than 750 other nominees.
Fellow Townsville HHS trainees Lillianne Lenoy and Sophie Johnson were also nominated, with Lillianne winning the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year and the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year awards.
Baylee said it was unexpected to hear her name announced as a winner.
“I was even a bit surprised when I was told I was a finalist for the award, so to win it was really unexpected,” Baylee said.
“A lot of people have a lot of faith in me, and to be able to repay that by working hard and showing that with an award was really special.
“My friends and family are really proud of me, and I know I wouldn’t have won the award without their support.”
Lillianne also said the support from her colleagues, community, and family was a major factor in being able to excel during her training.
“The level of support has been incredible, and I really want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way,” Lillianne said.
“For the longest time, I have wanted to pursue something that involved my love of sport as well as being able to help people and working within healthcare and physiotherapy has helped me achieve that.
“I am very thankful for the opportunities, and I am very proud to have won two awards, especially being up against a high calibre of nominees.”
Both Baylee and Lillianne have now set their sights on continuing their studies in healthcare.
Baylee wants to pursue qualifications to become a pharmacist or pharmacist assistant while Lillianne will study physiotherapy at university when she finishes her traineeship at the end of the year.
Townsville HHS traineeship graduates
Lillianne Lenoy and Baylee Gray
Certified F.A.S.T-acting stroke unit
As National Stroke Week rolled around last week, it was a double reason to celebrate for the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) stroke unit.
Having already received gold status from the World Stroke Organisation Angels earlier this year for excellence in stroke care, the team received comprehensive stroke unit certification from the Stroke Foundation.
Stroke unit clinical nurse consultant Nerida Myers said achieving certification was a huge milestone for the team.
‘We were awarded a 12-month certification previously with some recommendations,” she said.
“This led to the creation of a stroke certification working group to work through the recommendations and improve our service, which we have completed with better service and processes than before.
“As a result, we have been awarded a full four-year certification.”
Stroke unit certification is a requirement for the national 30/60/90 targets set by the Australian Stroke Coalition to provide best-practice, timecritical stroke care, and reduce avoidable strokerelated deaths and disability.
TUH is home to just one of three comprehensive stroke centres in Queensland, and one of nine within Australia to have gained this highest level of certification, something Nerida said was a great achievement for the team.
“Our team has made huge strides in stroke care to ensure the best for our patients,” she said.
“We have developed new procedures and pathways which have helped us achieve a decreased time to treatment, which gives our patients a better chance of recovery.
“Another thing we’re looking at is creating a stroke newsletter to report on any quality improvement projects to inform people about what stroke education opportunities, like webinars and conference workshops, are coming up.”
Recognising the signs of stroke: Think F.A.S.T
Face - Check their face. Has their face drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 immediately.
Clinical director neurology Dr Andrew Charmley and CNC Nerida Myers
LEGENDS LEGENDS LEGENDS
Make everyday legendary, says Sarah
Hoping to bring about a cultural shift around “constant, low-level positive feedback” is the aim of a new staff wellbeing initiative launched only a few short weeks ago.
Pioneered by experienced community general practitioner Dr Sarah Kleinman, who recently returned to the hospital system to undertake psychiatry and medical education training, Everyday Legends has given staff an outlet to provide positive feedback about their peers.
“I’ve had a number of on-call shifts, where somebody has been awesome and really helped me with patient care or morale and made coming to work slightly better that day,” Sarah said.
“There was no mechanism for me to let their clinical directors or other people within their teams know what a stand out that person had been.
“I’ve been in medicine a very long time and unfortunately, as doctors, we’re not very good at providing feedback to each other; often, no news is good news.”
Since inception, Everyday Legends has received significant buy in and ownership from mostly junior doctors.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO NOMINATE A LEGE YOU HAVE WORKED WITH RECENTLY!
“The name was voted on by the RMO (resident medial officer) cohort, which was a suggestion from Dr Joanne Kaczmarek, and they’ve really taken ownership as the program started,” Sarah said.
“Since we announced the program, we’ve had great responses, submissions, and feedback from every level of the hospital.
“What we found is people who have had positive feedback respond extremely well to it, but also line managers have loved hearing that their team is performing well.”
Everyday Legends is being piloted just for doctors, but Sarah hoped other departments and service areas might adopt the program as well.
“But if other teams within the health service, nursing or allied health or support services, feel like the program is something they want to introduce we could certainly help with launching the program in their service group,” she said.
To nominate an Everyday Legend scan the QR code or get in touch with Sarah if you want to talk about how you can introduce the program to your team via email: sarah.kleinman@health.qld.gov. au
Dr Sarah Kleinman
Lifesaving service reaches thousands of women across the north west
BreastScreen Queensland’s newest van, the Lilly Pilly 2, has screened more than 3,400 women across the state’s north west during its first eight months of operation.
The high-tech van was designed to bring vital screening services to rural and remote communities, and has already visited towns including Charters Towers, Greenvale, Ingham, Cloncurry and Mount Isa.
In Mount Isa alone, 481 women were screened during June – among them was local woman Rita Plameras, who said the van had the potential to save lives in rural areas.
“This is such an amazing service because it helps women find out early if something is wrong, like if they have breast cancer,” Rita said.
“Early detection means you can get treatment straight away, which we know can save your life.
“I came from the Philippines, where many women died from breast cancer, so I’m very happy to be living here in Mount Isa where I can access screening for free.”
Fellow Mount Isa resident, 70-year-old Betty Kiernan, has been using the service every two years since 2009.
Betty said the mobile unit helped regional women overcome the barriers of accessing vital healthcare.
“For us, having the BreastScreen van come here means there’s less reason to leave town and your support systems, especially if you’re older or unwell,” she said.
“That kind of travel can be daunting; we live in such a vast area and to have a service like this come to us means everything.
“This service is specifically designed for rural and remote women, and it runs like clockwork. You go in, you get screened, and within a couple of weeks, you have your result.”
BreastScreen Queensland Townsville service manager Greg Shephard said the service was also focusing on increasing screening among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
“We had a very successful First Nations Group Screening Day recently in Mount Isa in partnership with Gidgee Healing, where 20 First Nations women were screened in a single day,” he said.
“We’ve also worked with Lake Nash Health Service across the NT border, who chartered flights to ensure women there could access our screening services.”
The launch of Lilly Pilly 2 forms part of the Queensland Government’s BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan 2025–2032, which aims to boost participation rates and reduce the burden of breast cancer across the state.
The plan sets a target of 60 per cent participation by 2032 and focuses on four priority areas: service delivery, client experience, workforce development, and innovation.
Lilly Pilly 2 will remain in Mount Isa until 14 August, before continuing its journey through Julia Creek, Richmond, Hughenden, Pentland, Ravenswood and Charters Towers to round out 2025.
North-west residents Pania Enoka and Rita Plameras have benefited from the Lilly Pilly 2
Retirement’s nice when it happens thrice
At some point, retirement comes knocking, opening the door to the next chapter of life after full-time employment.
For nursing director prisoner health services and specialist community services Helen Holzwart-Jones, retirement came knocking not once, not twice, but three times!
Having started her nursing career in Brisbane, Helen criss-crossed the country between Queensland and Western Australia and held numerous nursing director and managerial roles over her career.
“I was working in a senior project role for Western Australia country health services when I decided to come back to Queensland and retire,” Helen said.
“That was 2007.
“I got bored after three months, came here (Townsville) and said, ‘what have you got?’ and ended up taking on a project for mental health and one for medical services.”
During her time with Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Helen took on a role with the clinical networks for north Queensland, a clinical business improvement role, and periodically stepped into nursing and midwifery director roles with health and wellbeing, and women’s and children’s service groups.
“In those days, prison health was in the midwifery and community nursing director role, so I became very familiar with prison health, BreastScreen, and sexual health despite my substantive being clinical business improvement,” she said.
Just about ready to retire for the second time, Helen didn’t want to let one last, exciting opportunity slip past her.
“They split the midwifery and community nursing director role, and I decided to put my hand up for the prison and specialist community services part,” she said.
“As the inaugural nursing director for prisoner health and specialist community services, I’ve had the privilege of spending two years working with and developing exceptional teams and leave knowing they will continue to evolve and pursue their respective strategic directions, taking their services to higher levels of excellence.”
Helen has assured her colleagues this retirement will stick, with travel plans and grandchildren to care for the top of her retirement to-do list.
“I had a trip to Africa planned for September, but my youngest found herself pregnant again and is due around then so that’s been postponed,” Helen said.
“It’s still on my list, I haven’t seen half of what I want to see in South America, and I could tour Europe so much more.
“I absolutely love my job and I’m really sad to retire, however, I can’t stop the aging process, so I think that I probably need to not come back this time.”
Helen Holzwart-Jones (centre) celebrating her third retirement with colleagues
Where every culture is celebrated, and everyone belongs
Enjoy live performances, delicious food and music while exploring the diverse cultures that make up our health service community
Want to showcase your culture at this event?
To host a stall or present on the day, scan the QR code to complete the EOI form by Friday 12 September
More care for less clicks with ieMR update
For Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s nurse manager Meg Naughtin, the upcoming changes to the integrated electronic Medical Record (ieMR) will be more than just a software update.
The extensive refresh is the result of five years of consultation, prototyping, and testing to make caring for patients simpler and smarter.
Meg has been part of a small group at the Townsville HHS which has been working with other health services across Queensland to help refine what will be the biggest change to ieMR since its introduction more than a decade ago.
She said the changes will give multidisciplinary teams a “one-stop shop” for comprehensive assessment and care planning.
“For the first time, we’ll have a single-view care plan that everyone involved in a patient’s care, from doctors to nurses to allied health, can access,” Meg said.
“It means we can all see the same risks, goals, and interventions in one place, which is a huge step forward for patient-centred care.
“It will also reduce the number of admission data points from the more-than 1,000 currently to just 200, removing a lot of duplication and keeping the focus firmly on the patient.
“We believe this will improve communication, save staff time, and lead to better patient outcomes.”
Clinical nurse consultant Donna Waterhouse is also part of the Townsville HHS ieMR working group and said there would be plenty of support for staff when the rollout happens.
“Testing has finished at the state level and the focus now is on preparing policies, training, and support to ensure a smooth rollout later this year,” Donna said.
“Ahead of its introduction there will be training and resources for all staff who currently use ieMR, including in our rural areas.
“Change is coming, it’s good change, and there will be plenty of support available to help everyone get on board.
“Staff will be able to access training videos through the Learning On-Line (LOL) platform next month with interactive demonstrations scheduled ahead of the go-live date later this year.”
Robyn Copley, Miriam Chin, Meg Naughtin, Vanessa Ernst, Donna Waterhouse, Brendan Darr, Bridgett Tyrrell, Dr Dougal Brown, and Dr Ranga Sendanayake
Richmond’s oasis in the outback
Anybody who has ever stepped foot in the Richmond Multipurpose Health Service (RMPHS) would have noticed how immaculate the grounds have been kept, and it’s mostly thanks to one operational services officer’s meticulous work.
Leanne Tsaousis has been with RMPHS for 13 years, spending the past few years tending to the grounds surrounding the facility, attracting admirers and compliments from near and far.
“Our director of nursing Judy Brown told me the other day there was some feedback from the Governor of Queensland, who visited recently and complimented the gardens,” Leanne said.
From lush green lawns to neatly trimmed hedges and a vegie patch, Leanne said it gave her a sense of pride to hear positive feedback from the community, and the Governor, about her work.
“Patients come down and enjoy the gardens and some of the long-term residents will come down to do some gardening as well,” she said.
“I enjoy seeing the residents enjoy their time in the garden; it gives me a sense of happiness that I have done something for them to enjoy.”
With a range of plants, flowers and vegetables regularly rotating through the garden beds, Leanne said the gardens provided her with many special moments she’ll remember forever.
“One memory I will never forget was when Ian, a registered nurse, and I took one of our long-term residents, Harold, fishing by the lake,” she said.
“I’ll never forget the smile on Harold’s face when he caught not one, but two fish; that’s been the highlight of my time working at RMPHS.”
Leanne Tsaousis
The RMPHS grounds are situated next to the recreation lake
Lion-sized donations boost patient care in Ingham
Staff at the Ingham Health Service have welcomed generous donations from the local Lions Club, which has funded the purchase of vital new equipment for both the emergency department and allied health team.
Lions Club members visited the hospital to see the new items in action, which included new laryngoscopes for emergency care and Q-pads to assist with patient rehabilitation.
Ingham Health Service medical superintendent Dr Selina Porter said the donations would make a real difference to patient care.
“These new tools help our clinicians deliver faster, safer and more effective treatment; we’re extremely grateful to the Lions Club for their ongoing support,” Selina said.
“Laryngoscopes are essential in emergency medicine; they allow us to safely and quickly secure a patient’s airway, which can be lifesaving in critical situations.
“The donated Q-pads are used by our allied health team to help patients build strength, improve mobility and recover function after illness or injury.
“Both pieces of equipment are practical, hands-on tools that directly improve patient outcomes.”
Selina said the donations reflected the strong relationship between the hospital and the local community.
“The Lions Club’s generosity shows just how much our community values local health services,” she said.
The Lions Club has a long history of supporting health services in the region, with members raising funds through community events and initiatives.
Lea Cavalli, Lorenco Lazzaroni, Dr Erin Mogg, Colin Dallavanzi, Dr Selina Porter, Dr Michael Berkley
ATODS celebrates third year of World Hepatitis Day initiative
For the third year running, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service (ATODS) marked World Hepatitis Day with a community health initiative promoting hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment.
Hepatitis B and C are serious viral infections that affect the liver, impacting thousands of Queenslanders each year.
In Queensland alone, around 35,000 people live with hepatitis B and 13,000 with hepatitis C, with many unaware they have the virus.
Left untreated, viral hepatitis can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer, but prevention and effective treatment are available.
This year’s theme, “Defeat Hepatitis – Take Action Now,” reinforces the urgent need for awareness and early intervention.
ATODS team leader Marta Bogacz-O’Malley said the ATODS team partnered with the needle syringe program to deliver 100 liver-friendly snack packs throughout the week to people more vulnerable to contracting hepatitis.
“Providing a liver-friendly snack pack is a simple but powerful way to highlight this important health issue,” Marta said.
“By sharing these packs, we’re not only providing healthy snacks and useful resources but we’re also making sure people know that safe, effective, and affordable treatment for hepatitis C is available.
“Each pack contains healthy snacks, recipes for liver-friendly meals, and accessible information on hepatitis testing, vaccination, and treatment.
“It raises awareness of hepatitis risk factors and symptoms while encouraging those at risk to get tested and treated.”
Harm reduction officer Brent Fergusson said hepatitis B and C remained the most common forms of viral hepatitis, yet myths and stigma could deter people from seeking help.
“Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and sexual fluids, while hepatitis C spreads via blood-toblood contact,” Brent said.
“Through initiatives like this, we hope to continue to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and empower people to act against hepatitis.”
Find out more about testing, treatment, and prevention at Hepatitis Queensland online.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service (ATODS) team
Music therapy student brings healing harmonies to patients
Support for patients at the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) rehabilitation unit has struck a new chord, bringing evidencebased healing through song, rhythm, and connection.
Western Sydney University (WSU) Master of Music Therapy student Katy Prideaux FrewenLord returned to her hometown of Townsville for a clinical placement at the rehabilitation unit, marking the first music therapy student placement of its kind in regional north Queensland.
Katy’s placement was supported by the TUH rehabilitation unit in collaboration with the WSU music therapy education team and local clinicians.
Music therapy is a research-based clinical practice where trained professionals use music to support therapeutic goals such as improving communication, emotional expression, cognitive function, and physical coordination.
In a rehabilitation setting, this can mean supporting goals relating to rehabilitating functional speech and language, supporting motor function, stimulating memory and executive functioning, and enhancing mood and emotional wellbeing.
Katy said therapy sessions ranged from expressive language and memory recall groups to social singalongs that fostered spontaneous engagement and connection, as well as tailored individual settings.
“The feedback from patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with increased engagement across disciplines and a growing appreciation for the therapeutic value of music,” Katy said.
“We’ve seen striking breakthroughs, like non-verbal patients singing lyrics during social sing-along sessions.
“We’ve also created space for cultural expression and identity, especially among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.”
One patient who experienced the benefits first-hand was Vince Higgins, who joined Katy’s sessions after suffering multiple strokes.
Previously withdrawn and struggling with mood and memory issues, Vince said music therapy had been “brilliant.”
“I’ve always loved music, playing drums, listening to the radio, and going to concerts like Air Supply and Pink Floyd,” Vince said.
Master of Music Therapy student Katy Prideaux Frewen-Lord, Vince Higgins, senior occupational therapist Michaela Grant, senior occupational therapist Nicole Broom
As part of his therapy, Katy and Vince co-wrote a song titled ‘A hurdle in life, a determination to go on’, drawing on Vince’s own words and experiences.
“Don’t dwell on the things in the past, think about the good times, be grateful for what you have,” Vince said, quoting lyrics from his song.
Katy said Vince’s engagement with music therapy marked a turning point in his recovery.
“Vince’s mood, engagement, ability to express emotions, and overall wellbeing have increased significantly,” she said.
“He’s told me on many occasions that writing and singing his song has given him a sense of purpose and pride during his time in the unit.
“Vince was seeking a platform to describe his rehabilitation experience to his loved ones, and recording the song means that Vince and his family have a tangible artefact.”
Vince said the experience helped him reconnect with memories affected by his strokes.
“Music brings back memory, it’s like a broken brain lighting up again,” he said.
“I plan to share the song we wrote with my children, Jasmine and Matthew, as a keepsake.
“I’m proud of what we’ve created, and hopeful Katy can come back to help other patients like me.”
TUH rehabilitation unit staff specialist Dr Anana Kumar said there was significant clinical proof of the impact music therapy could have across hospital settings.
“Music therapy is globally recognised as an effective treatment for various rehabilitation needs including cognitive, physical, behavioural, speech, and musculoskeletal,” Anana said
“There’s growing momentum to explore how music therapy can be offered for patients, and having students undertake their placements here is one small way to achieve that.
“Staff and patients have already witnessed improvements during the placement as the therapy complements traditional rehab streams like physiotherapy and speech therapy.
“With this holistic approach, patients are more likely to engage with their recovery and have positive outcomes.”
Katy Prideaux Frewen-Lord and Vince Higgins
Nurses’ true colours shine through to improve mental health
Hanging on the wall of Townsville University Hospital’s oncology ward staff room is an ever-evolving colourful reminder to ‘know your why’.
A large adult-colouring poster has been put on the wall of the break room to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and promote reflection among staff.
Registered nurse and health and wellness champion Rachel Edlington came up with the concept and design of the poster, hoping it would enhance mindfulness with her colleagues.
“The idea is to come into the staff room, grab a pen, and colour in as little or as much of the poster as you want and just take some time for yourself,” Rachel said.
“At its centre are the words ‘know your why’ and is a reminder for us to reconnect with the purpose behind our work: to make a difference, to bring comfort, and to support our patients and their families.
“Remembering our why keeps us motivated on tough days and reminds us of the positive impact we make.
“Nursing can be a challenging job and every day we carry the weight of our patients’ and their families’ stories, emotions, and some of their most difficult moments. Nursing is a deeply meaningful profession, where we spend so much time caring for others.
“The idea behind the giant colouring poster was inspired by the many studies that link mindfulness and colouring.
“Having this poster in the tearoom gives nurses a chance to take a break from the intensity and emotional demands of their shift and add a bit of colour to their day.”
Nurse unit manager Ramana Butters said the poster had been a welcome addition to the ward.
“Every day you see the poster change and evolve as a little bit more of it is coloured in,” Ramana said.
“It is a beautiful collaboration and has become a bit of a talking point among the staff in the oncology ward.
“By also having that time and activity to be able to switch off for a little bit from work to reflect and recharge can be powerful in improving mental health and wellbeing.
“The poster has been a hit with staff and has helped to bring our team together even more.”
Registered nurse Rachel Edlington colouring in a poster at the TUH oncology ward break room
Allied health careers take centre stage
Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) allied health staff came together recently to inspire students at the Townsville Careers Expo held at Townsville Stadium.
The event welcomed around 3,000 students, offering a chance for them to explore future career options.
Townsville HHS radiographer Leone Abercrombie said the event was a refreshing break from clinical work and a great way to connect with the community and young people who may be interested in a career in healthcare.
“The allied health booth featured props like ultrasound machines, prosthetic limbs, Geiger counters, ear-pressure checks, and a grip-strength meter which was a crowd favourite,” Leone said.
“Our team guided the students toward professions that matched their interests and discussed pathways that would work for them, for example traineeships, cadetships, and First Nations programs.
“We wanted to place professions with workforce shortages like social work, podiatry, nuclear medicine, and sonography at the front of the booth to raise awareness.
“Innovative local study options were also promoted, including podiatry and nuclear medicine programs where students combine online study with on-site learning a couple of days a week at TUH.
“The team did a brilliant job representing the 20 allied health professions we have in our health service so that students left our booth with a broader understanding of health careers and a clear sense of direction for how to become a health professional.
“The expo is always a good opportunity to raise the profile of allied health in the community, especially for the younger generation.”
Leanie said plans were already underway to make next year’s booth bigger, better, and even more interactive.
Back: Megan Harbourne, Markus Sedlmeier, Samuel Philip, Hannah Gow, Anneke Wake, Tyson Czinege
Front: Jasmine Delle Baite, Kady Delle Baite, Meagan Hanks, Raelee Mcnab, Michaela Thomas, Leone Abercrombie
New pathway goes nuclear for students to train locally
A groundbreaking partnership between Townsville Hospital and Health Service and RMIT University is giving local students the opportunity to obtain their Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine) while staying close to home.
Nuclear medicine scientists play a vital role in healthcare by injecting radioactive substances to patients, enabling advanced imaging techniques to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.
The Nuclear Medicine Scientist Embedded Student Program allows students to complete theoretical studies online with RMIT while gaining hands-on experience at local Queensland Health facilities, including Townsville University Hospital.
A yearly scholarship is also offered by Queensland Health to eligible participants to assist with the costs of being a university student.
RMIT student Nikisha Budhai said the opportunity to complete her training in Townsville was too good to pass up.
“Being embedded in the hospital two days a week gives you time to hone your skills which means, by the time you’re assessed, you’ve already had months of invaluable hands-on experience,” she said.
“Nuclear medicine is a fascinating and fast-evolving field, with real-world applications in areas like oncology, renal transplant imaging and hybrid imaging technologies.”
Townsville HHS nuclear medicine technologist Raelee McNabb, graduated from RMIT in Melbourne.
“Nuclear medicine was previously only available in Adelaide, Melbourne and Newcastle universities, but the new program supports Queenslanders to enter this fascinating career,” she said.
“You can learn a lot from books, but things like patient handling, real-life care, and responding to individual needs is something that has to be learned in person, and placement is where that real learning happens.
“Everyone at TUH is so supportive, from nurses and admin to doctors; we work closely together, and there are always opportunities for professional development through seminars and conferences.”
Applications are now open for students to join the Townsville University Hospital team in 2026 through the program.
For more information and to apply, visit the Queensland Health website before applications close on 21 September 2025.
Raelee McNabb and Nikisha Budhai
I attended an appointment in July 2025. The appointment was excellent from start to finish. I walked away from the appointment in good spirits and confident that my health was in good hands.
HAEMATOLOGY
I would also like express my profound gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion that was provided to my husband during his time in the Intensive Care Unit. The dedication and professionalism displayed by each of team made an immeasurable difference in our lives during a profoundly difficult time.
To the Staff at Ingham Hospital, many thanks for your medical care & compassion towards my mother and her family as well, as we journeyed through Palliative Care. Thank you for all your support.
ICU INGHAM HEALTH SERVICE
A BrighterNote...
Brighter Lives hole in one at Charity Golf Day
The Shine Lawyers Charity Golf Day has once again shown just how powerful our community can be, raising an amazing $26,000 for Brighter Lives.
The annual fundraiser raised more than double the donations from the past two years, all thanks to the generosity, energy, and commitment of the day’s incredible supporters, particularly the team at Shine Lawyers.
Shine Lawyers went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect for golfers to enjoy the day and raised funds for Brighter Lives in the process.
Brighter Lives chief executive officer Stephanie Naunton said the foundation was thankful for all the players, sponsors, and businesses who donated prizes to make a real difference for local patients and health services in north Queensland.
“The incredible result at this year’s golf day will make a real difference to healthcare in north Queensland,” Stephanie said.
“We couldn’t have done it without the tireless efforts of Shine Lawyers, as well as the sponsors and every single person who took part.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Thank you to the generous sponsors: Explore Property, COEX, Carmichael Ford, Sherriff Electrical, Queensland Country Bank, Morgans Financial, Bend Orthopaedics, Bright Property Townsville, MLEA, Fulham Consulting, and to Townsville Golf Club for hosting the event with such warm hospitality.
As a thank-you for providing excellent healthcare for north Queensland patients, sponsors Gray & Gray paid the entry fee for four Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff to enjoy some time on the green.
Every dollar raised will go directly towards improving health services and patient care in the region, helping brighten time in hospital for local patients.
Stephanie Naunton with Andy, Mark, Stephen, and Ty from Townsville Golf Club, and Shine Lawyers NQ general manager Garreth Turner
Capital works update
Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service
Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Work location: Various locations in TUH
Project: Hybrid Theatre
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade
Work location: Medilink building Level 2 current NQPMMS suite
Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner
Work location: Charters Towers Health Service
Works currently underway Works on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Have any questions?
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Project: Multi-storey car park
Work location: Townsville University Hospital
Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.
To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those teams who will be impacted by works undertaken at TUH.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any proposed changes, please contact the chief operating officer via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
Recipe of the blah Pumpkin fritters with tomato salsa
Laugh of the blah
Supplied by TUH dietitians
Ingredients
SALSA
• 2 green tomatoes
• 2 ripe red tomatoes
• ½–1 fresh red chilli
• 4 spring onions
• 1 lemon
• ½ a bunch of fresh basil
• olive oil
FRITTERS
• 250g roasted butternut pumpkin
• 250g ricotta cheese
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 2 wholewheattablespoonsself-raising flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
Method
1.Chop all the tomatoes, some roughly and some finely so you’ve got a range of shapes and textures, then scrape into a bowl.
2.Deseed and finely slice the chilli and trim and finely chop the spring onion, then add to the bowl. Squeeze in half the lemon juice.
3.Pick and roughly chop the basil leaves, then add to the tomatoes along with a good pinch of sea salt, some black pepper and a drizzle of oil. Mix well.
4.Roughly chop the leftover pumpkin, scrape into a large bowl, then add the ricotta, allspice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5.Crack in the eggs and whisk to combine, then fold through the flour and baking powder.
6.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add 6 large spoonfuls of batter and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the bottom. Flip the fritters over and fry for a further 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
7.Serve immediately with a generous dollop of tomato salsa, then repeat with the remaining batter.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
2022 Black Subaru WRX $45,000.00 2.4L Turbo Boxer engine, manual 6 speed. Black interior/ exterior, 271 horse power, ODO: 21,000km still has factory warranty. Quad exhaust/factory rear spoiler, black 18” alloys. Contact: Ogi 0455678925 (15/8)
2019 Hundai Venue 1.6L ODO 68k, 6 month rego, current road worthy, new service, Nudge bar, smoke free. Asking price $18,500, please contact Bijo- 0473 095 197 (15/8)
FOR RENT
Room to rent in modern fully furnished 3 br unit including queen bed. Sharing with two other females in quiet, secure complex with a pool. Non-smoker/vaper, no pets, employed, clean and tidy. On street parking or walking distance to public transport. $235 per week including Wi-Fi. Call Kodee 0429 376 676 or message Sandi 0409 756 487 if interested. (1/8)
Fully furnished room available now, in a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house in a quiet part of Kirwan, great neighbourhood and friendly neighbours. Sharing with 1 other tenant, a 23y.o female, working and studying with 2 friendly outdoor dogs. Power is split evenly between 3. $250 each per week, plus bond. New tenant will have to be approved by real estate.
Email chloe.elliott@health.qld.gov.au (15/8)
Email classifieds to tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au with subject ‘Classifieds’. Do not send classifieds as attachments.
Photos will not be included. Submissions for classifieds should be no longer than 50 word in a plain-text email. Classifieds longer than this will not be included.
Classifieds will stay current for two issues of the blah. If you would like your ad to be continued after this time please resend the ad. We do not advertise services in the blah.
