A big thank you to everyone involved in organising this year’s Talkin’ Table Tennis competition. Every year this competition helps to shine a light on men’s health and brings together blokes from many different parts of the health service. I enjoy making new connections and catching up with familiar colleagues in a different setting. It’s great to see some teams turning up with matching uniforms, and rumour has it there are a couple of serious contenders bringing their own paddle. As for my prospects this year, well, I’ve already booked a spot at the grand final on 27 November, unfortunately, in the audience.
I recently had the opportunity to listen to Professor Brian Dolan discussing valuing patients’ time and how to reframe the discussion around patient flow. Brian has a background in emergency and mental health nursing, is well published on patient care, and is behind the end PJ paralysis movement and the focus on the last 1,000 days. A quick Google search will bring up several of his publications, including his recent talk at the Queensland Clinical Senate. Brian challenged his audience to ask themselves if they only had 1,000 days left, how many of them would they choose to spend in a hospital? I think this is particularly poignant given the current focus on the shortage of aged care beds and the impact this is having on people in busy hospital wards who are waiting to access aged care. However, there are also patients who aren’t destined for residential aged care, but we keep them in the hospital due to concerns about risk and safety. Brian challenged his audience again with a reminder that there is no ‘no risk’ and ‘safe.’ There is no ‘lower risk’ or ‘safer.’ Instead of asking ‘is this patient safe to be discharged,’ it might be better to ask ‘is this patient safe to be admitted?’
Around the time this blah is published, I will be at Kirwan celebrating the milestone completion of the roof on our new community building. It is great to see the progress, and we are on track for completion in mid-2026. I mentioned last fortnight that we had finalised our refresh of the master plan and submitted it to the Department. Well, this fortnight we have been meeting with the expert panel engaged by Treasury to review our submission. It’s a bit of a nerve-wracking process, to be honest.
There’s a lot riding on this plan, and of course, the fresh perspective brought by people not involved in the process means you get asked some unexpected questions. Still, it was a good opportunity to showcase the depth of work that has gone into our plan, and I’m hopeful we will hear soon about the outcome. In the meantime, it’s good to also see progress on our CT builds at Charters Towers and Ingham, as well as getting the approval to proceed with the CT at Ayr. These will be game-changing outcomes for our regional hospitals.
While on the topic of Ayr, last week I was down in the Burdekin to help celebrate the length of service of some of our staff. A couple were celebrating more than four decades of work in healthcare, which is an incredible achievement. It was an honour to go along to the event and be there in person to acknowledge all the hard work they have done in caring for the community. Congratulations to everyone in the Burdekin and across the health service who has celebrated a milestone year of service in healthcare. kk
kk with Ian Condon
kk with Joanna McBow, Donna Kohn, and Marilyn Newberry
Men's Health Table Tennis Tournament
2025 Grand Final
Thursday 27 Movember 2025 12:15 – 1:00pm in RDA
Come watch the thrilling finale to Townsville University Hospital’s 6th annual Talkin’ Table Tennis tournament and connect with fellow staff. There’ll be light refreshments, men’s mental health talk with Dr Raj Sehdev and a table tennis demonstration with Olav Dahl from the Townsville Table Tennis Association.
Team Townsville celebrates as Stevie’s set to be home for Christmas
While Stevie O’Reilly, born at just 22 weeks and two days and believed to be one of the most premature babies in Australia ever to survive, lay snugly in her neonatal cot in her hometown of Perth, the neonatal team at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), where Stevie was born four-and-a-half months early, have celebrated her latest milestone.
TUH director of neonatology Dr Gary Alcock, who was part of the team that cared for Stevie and her twin brother Adrian, who sadly died 18 days after birth, said he believed she was a record breaker.
“Twenty-two weeks is very, very early; most babies born at less than 23 weeks don’t survive,” he said.
“I didn’t think she would be born alive; to see her today is nothing short of miraculous.”
The incredible back story belongs to Stevie’s mother Bree Basille who was pregnant with the twins when she boarded a flight with her family, partner Jake and children Isaac, Summer, and Harlow, on July 13, for a holiday in Cairns.
Arriving at their city accommodation, Bree horrifyingly realised she was already in pre-term labour.
The next few days were a blur of steroid injections, antibiotics, and an urgent medical transfer to Townsville as doctors desperately tried to keep the twins in utero as long as possible.
Stevie and Adrian were born two days after Bree arrived at TUH, on July 17, weighing a breathtaking 500g and 520g respectively.
“Even though they were so very small, not once did I think anything other than ‘they’re our babies and we’re completely in love with them’,” she said.
Both babies were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit in a critical condition and intubated to keep their airways open.
Bree said while losing their little boy was heartbreaking, the neonatal team made sure the family had precious time together and a chance to say a proper goodbye.
TUH NICU team with Stevie
“We were told the day before that Adrian wasn’t going to make it, so we stayed at his bedside, holding him, loving him, doing everything we wished we could do in the outside world,” she said.
“He loved it, too.
“We also had our first and only twin cuddles.”
While bravely dealing with the loss of their little boy, Bree and Jake put all their passion and energy into baby Stevie.
Their warrior girl spent the next 14 weeks battling sepsis, a dangerous complication of infection that can lead to organ failure or death, a collapsed lung, and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease in preterm babies that causes bowel tissue to die.
“When Stevie developed sepsis, within hours of us losing Adrian, I don’t think anyone in the unit thought she would make it,” Bree said.
“But after everything that we had gone through, the doctors and nurses fought so hard to keep her there for us.
“Later when she needed emergency surgery for NEC, I was in a flood of tears.
“Gary just came over to me and said, ‘I’ll see you both tomorrow’,” she said.
“No one would give up on her.”
Gary said Stevie was a fighter with everyone in the unit clambering to look after her.
“We were amazed that she recovered from the bowel perforation; she did amazingly well with no other significant complications,” he said.
“Full credit goes to our paediatric surgeon Dr Brendan O’Connor who repaired Stevie’s bowel in a single operation that ensured her recovery was smooth and she avoided many of the serious complications we see in premature babies who have had bowel surgery.”
After more than three months at TUH, Stevie was stable enough to be medivaced back to Perth.
A medical and nursing team from King Edward Memorial Hospital travelled to Townsville last month transferring her back to the Perth where she continues to be cared for in the hospital’s neonatal unit.
“Now that we’re back in Perth, at home and with family, we’re able to fully reflect on the past few months and can focus on getting Stevie home, hopefully in time for Christmas,” Bree said.
She said Townsville and the neonatal team at TUH would always hold a special place in her heart.
“I’m overcome with gratitude for all of them, especially the neonatal team,” she said.
“I’ve thought about it a lot and I truly believe we were meant to be in Townsville for the birth of our babies.
“The hospital put its arms around us, my daughter attended school at the hospital school, and the staff at Ronald McDonald House were amazing.
“If I’ve learned anything from this experience it’s that babies are stronger than we can ever comprehend and that there are many, many good people in the world.”
Gary paid tribute to the entire team that cared for Stevie.
“Stevie was looked after by almost the whole neonatal team and it was hard for all of us to say goodbye when the family returned to Perth,” he said.
“I’m proud of our care of Stevie, Adrian and their family.”
Jake O’Reilly and Bree Basille with Stevie
What’s the “Chatter” in the Townsville Cancer Centre?
Townsville Cancer Centre’s (TCC) entrance has had a glow-up thanks to a mammoth fundraising effort, spearheaded by one of TCC’s most prolific staff members.
Enrolled nurse Jeffrey “JJ” Jarrott said fundraising began over two years ago via Brighter Lives’ Giving Day, with a vision to create something calming and tranquil for patients and visitors.
“Some people come in here on their worst days or darkest days, and it can be quite daunting,” JJ said.
“We wanted to create an ambient, tranquil entry to the TCC and alleviate their anxiety about coming here.”
Local artist Jo Lankester’s tender bid was successful and was commissioned to create the artwork, entitled “Chatter”, which has been proudly on display in the TCC entrance.
Jo, whose father was previously a patient in the cancer centre, said the artwork was inspired by her morning and afternoon walks along The Strand.
“On The Strand, we’ve got the black cockatoos that come and open up the beach almonds and then come back a week later to eat the fruits on the ground,” she said.
“In this artwork, we’ve got them up in the trees, opening up those nuts and dropping them on the ground.
“It’s like a community, they’re in flocks, the young are really raucous, and the older ones are a lot calmer.
“It’s about community and chatter and a bit like people coming into the TCC and sitting down, people of all ages, hopefully connecting and chatting and having that sense of community.”
TCC nurse unit manager Briana Fidoe said the artwork had positively changed the way patients experience entering the centre.
“We absolutely love it and the patients love it too,” she said.
“It’s softened the entry way, gives people a sense of calm, and has brought the outside, natural world into the centre to take the edge off the sterile, clinical environment.”
The artwork installation was made possible thanks to Brighter Lives’ Giving Day and fundraising efforts of JJ, staff and the general public.
TCC director Kylee Burton, JJ, Briana Fidoe, and Jo Lankester
Jack takes the shield at ANZCA conference
One of Townsville University Hospital’s junior doctors has taken out a top award at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) rural SIG meeting in Airlie Beach.
Resident medical officer Dr Jack Hopkins won Best Poster and Oral Presentation for his presentation on pre-operative health disparities for First Nations patients at the conference, which brought together professionals from regional and rural anaesthetics.
Jack said his topic was inspired by the stark differences he noticed in First Nations health care after completing his studies on the Gold Coast and moving to Townsville for his intern year.
“There was less exposure to the challenges First Nations people face compared to communities in north Queensland,” Jack said.
“It’s about both the department and the individual looking at ways we can provide culturally safe and sensitive care to people who have differences.
“Despite earlier interventions for First Nations patients for conditions like diabetes, we’re still seeing significant disparities pre-operative control; my presentation discussed what other factors needs to be optimised.”
Jack said the feedback from peers at the conference validated his findings in the presentation.
“I was presenting from a Townsville point of view, looking at the catchment of where our patients come from,” he said.
“Attendees from Mackay, Cairns, other regions of north Queensland, as well as rural parts of New South Wales all said our data, presented anecdotally, seemed to be reflected within their practice as well.”
Jack said he hoped the win would prompt further research and development into best practices for First Nations patients.
“The plan would be to look at our findings and identify what we can actually change,” he said.
“Then touching base with our non-anaesthetic teams and asking what we can optimize and make it a multi-disciplinary project.”
Dr Jack Hopkins with his award
Staff, patients and visitors across our facilities paused on 11 November to mark Remembrance Day and honour all who have served.
At Townsville University Hospital, staff gathered in the front garden for a moving ceremony led by Veterans’ Liaison Officer Anthony Andrews.
The service included a reading of The Ode by Jeffrey “JJ” Jarrott and In Flanders Fields by enrolled nurse Liam Orphin.
DVA Veterans’ Chaplain David Kelly delivered a poignant commemorative address, before wreaths were laid by representatives from across our community.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful tribute.
Townsville HHS remembers them
Jessica Lamb, Ethel Quilala, Anthony Andrews, Mary Leech and Heath Cooper
Anthony Andrews
Liam Orphin
Jeffrey Jarrott, Liam Orphin, Dr Kunwarjit Sangla, Kieran Keyes and Anthony Andrews
Jeffrey Jarrott
Dave Kelly
Mary Leech and Jessica Lamb
Dr Kunwarjit Sangla
First Nations trainee program just what the doctor ordered
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) Administration Traineeship Program has proved to be a successful launchpad for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander careers, with former trainee Jason Taylor now on the path to becoming a registered nurse.
Entering its fourth year, the program has provided a pathway for participants to enter the workforce, offering full-time employment and cultural support while they complete a Certificate III in Business Administration.
For Jason, who started his traineeship in 2021, the program was more than just an office job; it was the inspiration he needed to pursue a clinical career.
Now enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing and a successful candidate for the 2026 First Nations Cadetship Program with Townsville University Hospital, Jason said his time in administration was the perfect entry point into the complex world of healthcare.
“I started with the hospital as an admin trainee and sitting in my office space and watching the health workers do their thing was inspiring,” Jason said.
“During the traineeship I also recognised the importance of culturally appropriate care and how I could support that.
“The admin traineeship was a good entry position just to get my bearings of everything and how things in the hospital function and it gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone.”
Indigenous workforce coordinator Alisha Kyle said the program played a vital role in growing and retaining First Nations representation across the health service’s administration workforce.
“Administration roles are often the first point of contact for patients beginning their health journey,” Alisha said.
“Having First Nations representation in these positions helps create cultural safety and connection from the very first interaction.
“This program helps participants to reach their full potential through full-time employment while receiving cultural support and on-the-job training.”
Jason said applying for the program was one of the best decisions he had made and encouraged other First Nations people to look at it.
“Just apply. It is such a great opportunity,” he said.
“You get the education from TAFE and a lot of the skills people learn on the job can carry on to other places.”
Visit the Queensland Health Careers website to find out more.
Jason Taylor
Saying thanks for the gift of life
DonateLife’s annual Thank You Day was marked this past Sunday, and one Townsville family has opened up about their unique experience with Townsville University Hospital’s DonateLife team.
Jessie Naumann’s daughter, Oakley, was born with a congenital heart defect, which resulted in multiple open-heart surgeries including a heart tissue transplant.
“Our journey with DonateLife has been deeply personal and emotional,” Jessie said.
“Oakley’s life was saved because of the incredible generosity of another family who made the decision to donate.
“Knowing that someone else’s selfless choice gave Oakley the chance to grow and laugh, and life means more than words can express.”
Sadly, a few months after Oakley’s second surgery, Jessie’s partner and Oakley’s dad, Alex, passed away. He had just made the decision to become an organ and tissue donor, inspired by the gift of life that had been afforded his daughter.
“DonateLife supported me through the process, and it brought comfort knowing that even in our loss, Alex was giving others a chance to live, just like someone had done for our little girl.”
For Thank You Day, Jessie wanted to express how grateful she was, not just to Oakley’s donor family, but to the families who have benefitted from her late partner’s gifts.
“Not a day goes by where we don’t think of Oakley’s donor, their family, and the gift they gave,” she said.
“Their decision has forever changed our lives; because of them, Oakley has a future, and that’s only possible because of their courage and compassion during an unimaginably difficult time.
“To the recipients of Alex’s organs and tissues, I want to say how grateful I am that his gift has helped you.
“It helps me to know that a part of him lives on, and I hope those who received his donation know how loved he was and how proud I am that his final act was helping others.”
Townsville donation specialist nurse Meagan Baldwin said DonateLife Thank You Day was about showing gratitude for the generous gift given by organ and tissue donors and their families.
“Their generosity lives on in young children like Oakley who can return to their lives, school, friends, and grow up normally,” she said.
“Our organ donors truly do transform tragedy into healing and sadness into hope.”
Meagan Baldwin, Oakley Naumann, and Jessie Naumann
Kealey just keeps swimming
Early starts, long days, late finishes, and demanding schedules are all part of the day to day of a registered nurse.
For Kealey Cussen, that’s just the morning at the pool before she’s even started her shift on surgical ward 2 at Townsville University Hospital.
A competitive swimmer since she was a child, Kealey recently returned from Singapore where she competed in the World Aquatics Masters Championships.
“I had a bit of a break from swimming after uni and got back into it around 2021, competing with Masters in both open water and the pool,” Kealey said.
“I travel around Australia doing competitions; I was in Melbourne for nationals at the beginning of the year where I placed and qualified for the Australia team.
“In Singapore, I competed in the 200m backstroke in the 25-29 age category and placed 15th.”
Kealey said it was a bit of a balancing act, trying to fit a gruelling training schedule around shift work.
“I usually train before and after work, in the gym and I run as well,” she said.
“It’s pretty much seven days a week, and it is hard around shift work but I’m currently on light duties so it’s a little bit easier.
“I’ve been competitive swimming since I was about 10 so you get used to those 4am wake ups.
“But work has been good, I can use my annual leave to go to comps or schedule days-off for the shorter comps and everyone has been really supportive about it.”
Kealey Cussen
CACP-tivating upgrade to ieMR looks to improve patient care
Clinical collaboration and patient-centred care planning have received a major boost with the introduction of the new Comprehensive Assessment and Care Planning (CACP) framework into ieMR.
The system-wide update is set to launch on 26 November and is one of the most significant upgrades to the ieMR since its introduction.
Clinical nurse consultant Abbey Ammenhauser, project lead for the rollout at TUH, said it was designed to streamline documentation, create a single source of truth for patient care, and significantly reduce data repetition.
“This is a huge step forward for our multidisciplinary teams,” Abbey said.
“For the first time, we will have a single view care plan that acts as a single source of truth for all recent documentation, and it will make it easier for clinicians to work together on patient care.
“A new feature will be the ability to add patientcentred goals of care at any time, which supports a shared approach to the patient’s journey and helps us with meeting national health standards.”
Project co-lead clinical nurse Matt Lawrence said the focus was also on saving time for clinical staff by streamlining assessment processes.
“This new framework has condensed the number of data points from around 1,000 down to just 200,” Matt said.
“Staff will also see that we’re replacing the Waterlow assessment with a more up-to-date version, and there will be a new Comprehensive Care admission rule, which will help standardise our processes.”
Abbey and Matt have made themselves available to ensure a smooth transition for all teams.
“We know this is a significant change, but we are here to support every team through it,” Abbey said.
“All impacted areas should have a nominated superuser who will be an on-the-ground resource for their colleagues.”
Matt suggested staff get in contact with any questions they have.
“Support will be available via a hotline on 4433 1363 for any immediate issues,” Matt said.
“We also have a suite of resources available online right now, including videos, learning modules, and quick reference guides.
“Links to these are in the CACP spotlight on the QHEPS homepage. We encourage everyone to look at these before the go-live date to familiarise themselves with the new workflows.”
CACP project leads Abbey Ammenhauser and Matt Lawrence
Glowing reunion for families and staff
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) celebrated World Prematurity Day 2025 with a heartfelt reunion between families whose babies began life in the neonatal intensive care unit, and the staff that cared for them.
On 17 November, Townsville landmarks including Queensland Country Bank Stadium and the Townsville sign glowed purple in honour of tiny miracles, with staff and families heading along to see the lights, and each other.
TUH neonatal intensive care unit clinical nurse Brianna Schipper said the annual event was a great opportunity for staff to see how much the little fighters they cared for had grown.
“This is one of the most special days of the year for us,” Brianna said.
“Seeing these babies thriving after such a challenging start is incredibly rewarding.
“This year’s theme, ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future,’ highlights the importance of ongoing research and care.
“Every premature baby has a unique journey, but what they all need is the best possible start.”
Community partners including Life’s Little Treasures, Miracle Babies Foundation, and the Australian College of Neonatal Nurses (ACNN) provided support for the annual day, including a morning tea for families with babies currently being cared for in the TUH neonatal intensive care unit.
“It’s a true community effort,” Brianna said.
“We’re so grateful for the partnerships that make events like this possible.”
ACNN also presented the annual ACNN Family Appreciation Award which provides an opportunity for families to nominate nursing staff who had a profound impact on their stay in neonatal units.
Brianna said the award and the nominations recognised the impact that nursing staff had on delivering family centred care to patients.
“TUH clinical nurse Helena McInnes was nominated this year for her nursing care and for going above and beyond for the families,” Brianna said.
“Helena continues to provide supportive care to the families she cares for, and it’s wonderful that she has received this external recognition from families.”
To learn more about World Prematurity Day, head to https://www.miraclebabies.org.au
Helena McInnes (centre) with he rcolleagues from the Townsville University Hospital NICU team
Send in the Calvary
A thoughtful donation from a local church has brought comfort and a welcome distraction to oncology patients at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
Calvary Care, through the Calvary Christian Church, donated several care packs filled with snacks, treats, tea, coffee, and activity books to give to cancer patients.
Calvary Care coordinator Kara Moseley said they came up with the idea after chatting with the Eat Walk Engage (EWE) team about what they could do to bring a bit of comfort to hospital patients.
“The EWE team suggested we put together these little packs to hand out, and we were thrilled to be able to do something to give back,” Kara said.
“To be able to do anything to help people when they’re going through this difficult time is wonderful.”
For oncology patient Ed Kilpatrick, who had been in the hospital for nearly 15 weeks following complications from chemotherapy, the simple gift was a huge comfort.
“My taste buds have changed, so things like the lollipops were perfect to suck on,” Ed said.
“It’s just that thoughtful little gesture. It helps to brighten up and get through another day, especially when you’re having those hard days.”
Ed said that while he was lucky to have a strong support network, the packs were significant for patients who may not have regular visitors.
“They give us something to do and help us to take our mind off things, which is huge when you’re going through something like cancer treatment.”
TUH dietitian Anastasia Freeman said hearing positive feedback from patients like Ed made working in Townsville Hospital that much more rewarding.
“It’s what makes us come to work every day. To know that these packs can provide even a small amount of comfort and brighten their day is just fantastic,” Anastasia said.
Kara Mosley, Ed Kilpatrick, and Anastasia Freeman
Making feet the focus
Last week, Townsville University Hospital podiatrists made feet their focus for the second annual Diabetes Feet Day.
According to Diabetes Feet Australia, an estimated 510,000 people live with diabetes-related foot disease.
Director of podiatry Trent Johnston said despite the far-reaching impact, more awareness was needed about the condition.
“Most of the time feet can go unnoticed and it’s not until you catch your little toe on the corner of the coffee table or you feel a blister forming that most people take a closer look and think about their valuable feet,” he said.
“Diabetes Feet Day is about making feet the national focus and advocating, educating and spreading awareness to help improve foot health outcomes for people living with diabetes.”
Allied Health better value care showcase
The final allied health showcase for the year took place this week at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), with the theme “Better Value Care”.
Four presentations were delivered to the audience and judges, with Townsville Community Allied Health Service clinical lead Kerri Ireland taking the win for her presentation on group allied health therapy sessions.
Kerri said the group sessions not only provided better value care by allowing clinicians to see more consumers at once, but the consumers were getting more out of the group sessions too.
“We found that people just enjoy it more when they’re engaged with peers; people who are in a smiliar boat to them and had shared experiences,” she said.
Excited about taking home the win, Kerri also said it was nice to connect with her peers at TUH.
“We are based out at Kirwan Health Campus, so it can be a little bit isolating and detached from the hospital, so it was nice to have the recognition and come to the big house and showcase what we do,” she said.
Nerida Caden, Trent Johnston, Christine Hobbs, Yechan Park, Henry Wang, and Jacqui Harbour
Kerri Ireland, third from left, with her trophy from the allied health showcase
Paws for a cause fundraiser raises more than $3,100 for Canteen
Townsville University Hospital registered nurse Georgia Lutz has gone above and beyond to make a difference for young people impacted by cancer, raising more than $3,100 for Canteen.
Georgia said the idea grew from her day-to-day work in the Cancer Centre, where she sees firsthand the resilience of patients navigating treatment.
“You see the strength of patients and their families every day,” she said.
“It really motivates you to want to help however you can.”
Wanting to create something fun yet meaningful, Georgia coordinated a series of activities to engage both staff and patients.
One of the highlights was a pet-themed competition where colleagues submitted photos of their furry friends proudly wearing Canteen bandanas.
Patients and staff then voted for their favourite entry, with the winning pet taking home bragging rights for a very good cause.
“The pet competition was such a hit; everyone was laughing, comparing photos, and getting into the spirit. It really brightened the unit,” Georgia said.
“It turned into something really meaningful and brought a lot of joy to the unit; I didn’t expect it to grow the way it did.”
Georgia said she was grateful for the support from her colleagues and hoped the funds would help Canteen continue their important work.
“Canteen do incredible things for young people facing some really tough challenges,” she said. “If this helps even a little bit, then it’s all worth it.”
Townsville Hospital
Townsville Cancer Centre staff
Bandana Day pet wall display
Experts take a deep dive into hyperbaric medicine at TUH
Townsville University Hospital has further enhanced its reputation as a leader in hyperbaric medicine, successfully hosting the 2025 HTNA Hyperbaric Technicians and Nurses Association annual general meeting.
The event brought 57 national and international delegates and experts to Townsville, with delegates travelling from as far as Hong Kong, Singapore, and New Zealand, as well as from across Australia.
The conference featured world-renowned keynote speakers, including venom expert Professor Jamie Seymour, acclaimed underwater filmmaker Richard Fitzpatrick, and commercial diver Chris Tanti.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s hyperbaric medicine unit’s clinical director Dr Stephan Roehr said the event was a significant opportunity to showcase the region’s unique expertise.
“Our specialty in north Queensland is unique, particularly with diving incidents from the reef,” Stephan said.
“With our experience in this area we were able to share some of our knowledge and expertise on diving incidents.
“Our registrar, Dr David Harper, presented a case on a time-critical retrieval from Cairns involving a patient with a gas embolism.
“It was a great example of the work we do and highlighted our unit’s role as the mainstay of treatment for these complex cases.”
Stephan said the ability to network was one of the most significant takeaways from the conference.
“ I have already had calls from colleagues in other units asking for advice on chamber safety and wound care,” he said.
“It builds a national and international community where we can share expertise on rare conditions, discuss the latest research and ensure we are all aligned on best practices.”
Stephan said the impact of the conference is set to continue.
“The delegation from Hong Kong was so impressed they are planning a return visit to TUH unit next year to organise a staff exchange,” he said.
“For Townsville to host this event shows the high regard our unit is held in.
“It truly solidifies our role as a key tertiary centre for hyperbaric medicine in Australasia.”
Bruce Miller-Smith, Gigi Fischer, Dr Stephen Roehr, Angela Gilham, Dr David Harper, and Richard Turk
Shining a light on a growing threat
World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, held annually from 18-24 November, shines a spotlight on the growing threat of drug-resistant infections. Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, and are vital for treating infections.
However, when resistance develops, these treatments can become ineffective, making infections harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.
This year’s theme, ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,’ was a reminder that AMR is not a distant problem; it’s here, and action is critical.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) infectious diseases physician Dr Mallory Morton said every inappropriate use of antimicrobials increased the risk of resistance and it was important to preserve these medicines for future generations.
“Within the Townsville HHS, the antimicrobial stewardship team works tirelessly to educate staff and monitor antimicrobial use,” Mallory said.
“Our goal is simple, to only use antimicrobials when necessary and follow evidence-based guidelines.
“Staff can help by prescribing responsibly, practicing hand hygiene, and educating patients.
“The community can also play a role by avoiding antibiotics for colds and flu, taking medicines as prescribed, and never sharing leftover antibiotics.
“Together, we can slow AMR and ensure lifesaving treatments remain effective.”
Townsville
Dr Joshua Sia
Navigating the gap between expectation and reality
The final Townsville University Hospital (TUH) Schwartz Round event for 2025 explored the theme ‘This wasn’t in the manual; when expectation and reality collide,’ with a focus on the gap between what we anticipate at work and what actually happens.
TUH staff specialist Raj Sehdev said when reality falls short of expectations, feelings of frustration, overwhelm, and exhaustion can take hold.
“Worst of all, we can feel all alone,” Raj said.
“Our panellists shared their personal stories of navigating these challenges and the importance of connection, not just so we can ask for help when we’re struggling, but so someone who truly understands can bear witness to that struggle.”
Raj said discussions at the event centred around the importance of fostering connections at work and building capacity for creating those connections.
“Feedback from the first three Schwartz Rounds has been overwhelmingly positive,” Raj said.
“The Schwartz Rounds provide a psychologically safe environment where both panellists and participants can share their vulnerability, and in doing so, work towards healing for themselves and others.
“Me and my co- facilitator, Susannah Bond, are pleased to have been part of the launch of this initiative at TUH, with the help of colleagues that form the organising committee.
“After a festive break, we look forward to recommencing monthly rounds in 2026, from the end of February.”
Keep an eye out for the announcement of the 2026 Schwartz Round themes and timetable!
Final Schwartz round for 2025
Dr Poonam Kumar Meet
Can you share a project or initiative the Clinical Council is working on that you are excited about?
Tell us about your role
As a clinician, I provide ultrasound and imaging services while supporting and mentoring my team. What I enjoy most is making a real difference for patients and helping junior staff grow in their skills and confidence.
One initiative I’m particularly excited about is the Council’s work on strengthening clinical engagement across services. It’s about creating better connections between clinicians and decision-makers, so that frontline insights shape service design and improvement.
What is something you feel passionately about that you’ve brought/want to bring to the Clinical Council?
I’m passionate about workforce development and creating supportive environments where clinicians can thrive. At the Council, I want to champion initiatives that strengthen training, mentoring, and retention, because investing in our people ultimately improves patient care.
Tell us about your role
Meet
Dr Timothy Leow
I have the privilege of serving as a psychiatrist for some of the most vulnerable individuals across North Queensland - within local communities and extending into rural and remote regions.
Supported by a multidisciplinary team and a collaborative model of care, I find deep meaning in listening to patients’ stories, understanding their concerns, and walking alongside them and their families on the path to recovery.
What inspired you to join the Clinical Council?
I believe everyone within the health service plays a vital part in a patient’s journey. As a psychiatrist, I see patients not in isolation, but as individuals embedded within families, communities, and systems. The Clinical Council offers a unique opportunity to bring diverse voices together to improve the services we provide.
What would you like from your peers to take to the Clinical Council?
I welcome insights from my peers on the challenges they face in day-to-day practice, and ideas for strengthening communication, collaboration, and patient care. I’m particularly interested in models that promote integrated care and open lines of communication across disciplines. Honest feedbackon what’s working and what could be improved - helps us advocate for meaningful, clinician-led change.
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
A Note...Brighter
No Fowl Play; Brighter Lives new ambassador Alex Fowler
Brighter Lives made an exciting announcement this week, unveiling Townsville Fire player, Alex Fowler, as their newest ambassador.
The Townsville local has visited Townsville University Hospital twice in the past few weeks, including the children’s ward and oncology ward.
Alex said she hoped her visits helped lift the spirits of patients spending time in hospital.
“Visiting the children’s ward and seeing the difference Brighter Lives makes has been really inspiring,” Alex said.
“These kids are so tough, and if I can help make their day a bit better, that’s something I’m really proud to be part of.
“I’m so excited to have this opportunity with a charity that’s all about making spending time in hospital better for people across north Queensland.
“Brighter Lives does such important work, whether it’s helping fund new equipment and research, or being there with volunteers, they make such a difference for patients in north Queensland.”
After her basketball career took her overseas, Alex returned back to her hometown of Townsville to play for the Fire.
Alex expressed how passionate she was about giving back to the local community and was very excited to be involved with Brighter Lives.
“Becoming an ambassador for Brighter Lives felt like a natural step for me being that the charity is 100% local,” she said.
“Growing up in Townsville, it’s important to me that Brighter Lives is north Queensland based and directly helping locals.”
Alex said she was keen to get involved with the foundation, from helping with their fundraising and awareness campaigns to spending time with patients in hospital.
“For me, being an ambassador is about more than just showing up, it’s about standing behind a charity that genuinely cares for our community,” she said.
“Brighter Lives supports people when they need it most, and I’m honoured to help share that message.”
Anastasia Slatter, 11, and Alex Fowler
Consumer wanted to convey their many thanks to ED ACT Clinician. He highly valued her input and found her to be amazing. She was extremely caring, understanding, compassionate and kind and cannot stress how much he appreciated their help in ED.
TUH ED ACT CLINICIAN
I would like to take to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional support provided by the social work assistant, Amanda. During an incredibly difficult time, Amanda went above and beyond to ensure that both Mum and I felt heard, supported, and understood.
Amanda’s kindness and dedication made an immeasurable difference to our family, and I believe her work truly deserves recognition.
TUH SOCIAL WORK
I would like to thank doctors medical staff and others for their recent attention and care given to my injured hand. In particular Dr Seraman Mayooran whose efficient, informative and friendly services were most outstanding.
AYR HEALTH SERVICE ED
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 Pesto Pasta Salad
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
• 4 cups uncooked fusilli pasta (use rice pasta for wheat-free version)
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green olives or olive tapenade
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
Method
• 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted (or fresh if you can get them)
• 200g assorted cherry tomatoes, halved
• Several fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1. Cook pasta according to instructions on the package. Make sure the water is salted (one and a half teaspoons per quart). Remove pasta from heat and strain when pasta is cooked, but still firm (al dente).
2. While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a small pan over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on them because pine nuts can go from lovely and toasty to acrid and burnt in seconds.
3. When most of the nuts have a blush of golden brown on them, move them to a cool bowl or plate to rest. They will burn if you leave them in the pan.
4. Mix the salad pasta: Put pasta in a big bowl. Mix in fresh basil pesto, green olives, and pine nuts. Gently toss in cherry tomatoes, peas, fresh basil leaves, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Note: For pasta salads, it’s best to use a dry pasta rather than fresh pasta. Dry holds its shape better when tossed with the other ingredients.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Scrubs for sale size Medium in good condition with Queensland Government Embroidered on left side. Contact: Sonya - Pharmacy Department. Phone: 30478. $40 each set
2018 Mazda 6 GL1032 Touring Sedan 4dr SKYACTIV-Drive 6sp 2.5i, 91000 kilometres, 1 owner, in good condition. Grey colour, tinted windows, leather seats, road worthy certificate, registered until January 2026. $21,500 OCO considered. Contact Michelle 0401231193 (21/11)
WANTED
Moving boxes and packaging. Contact Pam 0488 934 924 (21/11)
FOR RENT
Modern 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in the secure Abode Apartments. $500 per week. Ideal for a professional couple, featuring open plan living, air-conditioning, and a large patio with park and city views. Includes ensuite, dishwasher, dryer, secure parking with storage, and lifts. Walking distance to the Stadium, CBD, and The Strand. Contact: catherine.macleod@ hotmail.com (23/10)
Flatmate wanted Wulguru, Townsville. Looking for single person to share 3 Bdrm Duplex with single 23 yr old male. You would have sole use of large, unfurnished Master Bdrm with own ensuite. $225/week + utilities. No pets. Available now Ph: 0414 817 578
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.
