Next Monday, September 15, we’re launching our staff engagement survey Just 12. I know surveys have become a way of life; we get them after we take a flight, book into a hotel, or head to the polls. Surveys matter because they provide insights, create opportunities, and track progress. Just 12 is a survey that has been used by analytics giant Gallup for more than five decades, right across the world. It’s designed to measure how engaged teams are both at work, and with their organisation’s goals, and to support the creation of a workplace where individuals and teams can thrive.
This special Just 12-themed blah introduces you to the survey and to our engagement ‘influencers’. It highlights the questions and, importantly, explains what we’ll do with the results. Thank you to our staff who agreed to be engagement champions and to our managers and leaders who have taken part in the engagement webinars.
When you receive your survey, please take a few minutes to complete it. In addition to the email, there will be QR codes on QHEPS, and on posters in staff areas. There are some deal sweeteners including our daily prize draw of $50 gift cards, sponsored by RemServ, and sweet treats at the staff BBQ next Friday, September 19.
Speaking of the BBQ, it’s one of my favourite days of the year. I love the opportunity to get on the tongs and meet our staff in a relaxed, informal atmosphere (although it usually takes me a couple of rinses to get the smell of sausages out of my hair). To our staff in the rurals, we’re also looking forward to celebrating the work you do with visits to your facilities for lunch soon (in fact I will be in Richmond and Hughenden today when this blah comes out).
Yesterday, staff across the health service marked R U OK? Day. It’s a reminder of how powerful it can be to check in and start a conversation with someone who might be doing it tough. In our health service, we celebrated with R U OK? cookies across our sites and a morning tea at the Kirwan Health Campus. I encourage you to explore the resources on the R U OK? website and, more importantly, keep looking out for one another. Sometimes a simple ‘are you okay?’ can make all the difference for someone in a rough patch. In the past two weeks I was the beneficiary of someone taking the time to check in with me so I can attest to the benefits of being asked R U OK?
Last week, the Minister for Health visited Townsville to announce a new Youth Step Up Step Down mental health facility for the city. The six-bed service will offer short-stay, intensive support for young people in a residential setting, which will help bridge the gap between hospital services and community care. More details will come in due course; this is an exciting announcement for our region to expand the mental health services available close to home for our community.
This will be my last blah for a few weeks. Alison and I are heading for our first trip to Europe, something we’ve been promising ourselves for a long time (also because I bought us a tent for our 25th anniversary so I needed to step up for our 30th). We’re leaving our adult children in charge of the house and, more importantly, Bentley. The health service will be in the capable hands of Rex O’Rourke, who joins us from his role as HSCE of the Torres and Cape HHS, during my leave period.
Until next time. kk
Three minutes. Twelve questions. Your workplace, your say.
Scan the QR code to complete the survey from Monday 15 Sept
Health service to Gallup into engagement survey
Do you know what’s expected of you at work? Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day? Have you had the opportunity to learn and grow at work in the past 12 months?
Next Monday, September 15, the Townsville HHS will pose these questions to all staff to measure how engaged they are at work.
The confidential survey asks ‘Just 12’ questions, powered by global analytics firm Gallup, to gauge the satisfaction, commitment, and morale of staff at work.
Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the survey was key to measuring ‘thriving at work’ versus ‘workplace needs’.
“Gallup developed these 12 questions more than five decades ago and they are highly predictive of team performance,” he said.
“Engaged employees and engaged teams are enthusiastic about their work, they’re in roles that use their talents, and they look for new and innovative ways of achieving.
“Ultimately, we want coming to work to be a satisfying, purposeful endeavour and if that isn’t the case we need to understand why and work to improve on that experience.
“We want people to feel they are serving a purpose but also finding joy, validation, and social capital at work.
“This is critically important in a health environment where job satisfaction and engagement correlate to safe patient care.”
Kieran said the question he was most often asked about staff surveys was ‘what will you do with my feedback?’
“And it’s a fair question,” he said.
“Once we receive the survey data from Gallup, we’ll start sharing the results both organisationally and across teams, reviewing what the data tells us about where staff needs are being met and where they’re not being fulfilled.
Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes
“Managers will get access to the Gallup platform which provides resources and tools on employee engagement.
“Through the platform, managers will be able to understand their teams’ results and, using that information, work with their teams and the HHS engagement champions to develop meaningful action plans.
“We will also look at what the data tells us on an organisational level and implement actions that seek to improve employee engagement.
“Acting on the results, not just measuring them, is the goal.”
Kieran said the previous surveys had led to significant improvements in areas like line manager training.
“The feedback from our staff in previous surveys was that we needed to invest in our leaders’ capabilities, and the award-winning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Course and Medical Managers Development Program were a response to this,” he said.
Kieran said Gallup had been engaged to do the Just 12 survey for the next five years.
“We’ll adapt the questions as we go along but it’s important that we establish the baseline and then track trends and improvements over a five-year period,” he said.
“It’s also important we identify any teams who go backwards in their scores to make sure we’re working in those pockets with less-engaged employees.”
Kieran said Gallup had a strong track record in understanding employee engagement.
“Gallup has worked with everyone from ANZ to the United Nations and I’m pleased our HHS is partnering with them,” he said.
“I’d encourage every one of our staff to participate in Just 12 either via the email you’ll receive in your inbox or via the QR Code on screensavers, QHEPS, and posters in your staff rooms.
“I’m also excited about the daily participation prize draw of $50 gift cards courtesy of our survey sponsor RemServ,” he said.
“My impassioned plea to you is to take three minutes to honestly complete the survey; knowing how engaged you are at work –whether it’s very or not at all – helps us create a better, safer, happier workplace for us all.”
Just 12 opens on Monday, September 15, for two weeks.
HHS joins global community to thrive at work
Claire De Carteret, Gallup’s managing director, is passionate about what ‘Just 12’, a survey that will be rolled out to the Townsville HHS workforce on 15 September, can do.
“Gallup studies life at work globally and the impact of work on a life well lived,” she said.
“Thousands of organisations across Australia including governments, mining companies, hospitals, banks, and schools have asked the same questions we’re asking your health service to measure thriving at work and workplace needs.”
Claire said the 12 questions were developed 50 years ago and had their origins in company staff opinion surveys that routinely ran to more than 100 questions.
“Typically, when those companies received the huge volume of results, they didn’t know where to start.
“The results would go in the top drawer and, the next time they surveyed staff, things were worse because the staff would say ‘well, I gave you my opinion last time and nothing changed’.
“Gallup then started devising questions about the things that mattered.
“We were looking for the prevailing and consistent conditions that sorted high-performing, energised teams from the rest.
“It turned that there were 12 factors and three criteria – they had to be able to sort between the highly energised teams and others; they had to be locally owned and managed; and they had to link to results like safety, productivity, and quality.
“These factors form the basis of ‘Just 12’.”
Claire said the questions were tested every year using a meta-analysis.
“We test the questions’ utility and whether they still matter to performance, to people’s lives, and to joy at work.
“And we know they do.”
Claire said staff completing the survey would help Gallup measure the experience of different workgroups at the HHS.
“If you liken it to a health check, it’s like getting the bloods and blood pressure done to understand where things are today, where we’re going in the right direction, and where some treatment might be needed.
“Each work group’s experience will be different, so the survey is giving data to understand whether groups are doing better, staying the same, or needing to focus on something specific.”
Claire said satisfaction and engagement at work were linked to overall wellbeing.
“The average Australian spends around 82,000 hours in their lifetime working,” she said.
“Why can’t that experience fulfil a sense of purpose, serve a community, and find joy, connection, and validation?”
‘Just 12’ runs from Monday, September 15, for two weeks.
Managing director Gallup, Clare De Carteret
Got a work bestie? Just 12 asks the question linked to workplace wellness
Got a work BFF? If you do, you’re more fulfilled at work, you’ll stay longer in the job, and you’ll find more joy in the workday.
Gallup managing director Claire De Carteret said the statement, ‘I have a best friend at work’, part of the Just 12 survey, was a measure of social capital.
“The nuance of ‘a’ best friend as opposed to ‘my’ best friend is important,” she said.
“The presence of a best friend, not your best friend from childhood, but someone you can talk to, trust, and rely on links to less absenteeism, less turnover, and more joy at work.”
Claire said having a best friend at work was also linked to workplace wellbeing, stronger team engagement, and higher productivity.
“Having a best friend at work means a person who is your safe space, a listening ear, and someone to laugh with,” she said.
Advanced screening physiotherapist Vanessa Kennedy and senior musculoskeletal physiotherapist Cat Renton can attest to the benefit of having a bestie at work.
“Cat is currently operating in a similar role to what I used to do; we met through work, and I was involved in a little bit of her orientation when she started,” Vanessa said.
“She shadowed me initially, and after a couple of chats I think we knew early on that we would be good friends.
“We both have dogs we love, we like riding bikes, getting outdoors and trail riding, so we have a lot of similar interests.”
Cat said there was a lot of value having a close friend at work to debrief the day.
“It’s comforting having someone who can relate to the scenarios and challenges you go through on a daily basis,” Cat said.
“The highs and the lows, any stresses that you experience at work, and how to deal with those tricky situations are easier for someone who already has the context.”
Vanessa added that it made coming to work more fun.
“It’s more enjoyable coming to work when you know you have friends that you get to catch up with,” she said.
“When you’re working with people you get along with, morning teas and lunchtimes are better when you’re spending time with people whose company you enjoy.”‘
Just 12 runs from Monday, September 15, for two weeks.
Physiotherapists and work besties Cat Renton and Vanessa Kennedy
Meet the engagement influencers
Monique Du’Cane – Psychologist
Why should staff complete Just 12?
Great workplaces are built on honest conversations. Our workplace shouldn’t be created for us, but by us.
What motivates you at work? My patients and their families, and the colleagues who make coming to work enjoyable.
What would you like to see more of at work? Stronger collaboration between inpatient and outpatient services to give patients continuity of care.
One word to describe working at the Townsville HHS? Engaging
Michael Illin – Program Manager ATSI WAES
What motivates you at work?
Helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and working alongside non-Indigenous champions for better outcomes for all.
How does it feel when feedback is acknowledged? It makes us feel heard, validated and respected, which encourages us to contribute more.
Why should staff complete Just 12?
It’s how we celebrate our wins and identify where we can improve, but only if everyone has their say.
How would you describe your team? A culturally strong, multidisciplinary team embedding Indigenous knowledge into hospital practice.
Amanda Bell – Admin Officer, Children’s Ward
How would you describe working at the Townsville HHS in one word? Connectivity
Why should staff complete Just 12? Don’t just give it lip service; have your say.
How would you describe your team? A close-knit team who support clinicians, patients and families every day.
Jeffrey ‘JJ Jarrott – Townsville Cancer Centre enrolled nurse
One word to describe working at the Townsville HHS? Gratifying.
Why should staff complete Just 12? It’s your chance to engage for change, to raise safety, wellbeing and workplace concerns that impact everyone.
What would you like to see more of at the Townsville HHS? Opportunities for staff to connect, support each other, and celebrate the great work happening across the health service.
Alec Stevens – Assistant Manager, Food Services
How would you describe your team? A diverse mix of cultures, ages and experiences; everyone brings something unique.
How does it feel when feedback is acknowledged? It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling, especially when patients tell us directly that we’ve made a difference.
Why should staff complete Just 12?
It’s your opportunity to be heard, to say what works, what doesn’t and what we can do better.
One word to describe working at the Townsville HHS? Rewarding
Dr Lauren Bosley – Townsville HHS medical intern
Why should staff complete Just 12?
This is our opportunity to have our voices heard so get involved, share what matters to you, and help make change happen.
How would you describe your team? My team is really supportive. Even as the most junior doctor, they value my opinions and get me involved.
What motivates you at work? I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. I love learning, helping people, and making a difference each day.
How does it feel when feedback is acknowledged? It feels great to know our voices are valued and that leadership cares about what we have to say.
The patient I’ll never forget
A new initiative aimed at humanising healthcare and building deeper connections among staff has officially launched at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
In a first for regional Queensland, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service held its inaugural Schwartz Rounds event themed “The patient I’ll never forget.”
The event marked the beginning of a series designed to bring clinical and non-clinical staff together in a safe, reflective space to share personal stories.
Developed in the United States and widely adopted across Australian metropolitan hospitals, Schwartz Rounds offer a structured forum for healthcare workers to reflect on the emotional aspects of their roles.
TUH staff specialists Dr Raj Sehdev and Dr Susannah Bond led the introduction of Schwartz Rounds in Townsville and said stories that shone a light on the emotional experiences of working in the medical field were often hidden behind clinical matters.
“The theme for this round recognised that in the course of our work in clinical medicine, and in healthcare work in general, we have interactions with other humans and there are connections that form and leave lasting impressions,” Raj said.
“It’s about recognising the importance of connection, and the component of humanity in our work.”
Susannah said the model consisted of a small panel of staff in varied roles sharing reflections about patients who had left a lasting impact on them, followed by an open discussion with attendees.
“The idea of having panellists sharing stories is to give permission to the audience to then also share their stories,” Susannah said.
“There was a large turnout from across departments, with many staff members engaging in the open-floor discussion.
“The stories shared really shone a light on the similar experiences around the organisation in both clinical and non-clinical contexts.”
Raj said Schwartz Rounds aimed to cultivate a culture where emotional wellbeing was acknowledged and supported.
“It’s a proven formula and holds a lot of potential for our organisation, especially following the success of the first session,” Raj said.
“We look forward to future events and encourage all staff to attend.”
The next Schwartz Round will take place on Thursday, October 30 from 2pm to 3pm in the Robert Douglas Auditorium with the theme “When caring feels daring.” No registration required. Townsville
Dr Rajesh Sehdev, Dr Farah Aga, Dr Susannah Bond, Amanda Bell, and Dr Craig Costello
TGI fry-day celebrations for TUH staff
Townsville University Hospital staff will be able to snag lunch with friends as part of next week’s Staff Thank You barbecue.
The annual staff appreciation event is an opportunity for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s leadership team to get behind the grill and serve lunch to staff, thanking them for their hard work throughout the year.
Medical service group director Dr Kelvin Robertson will be on the grill and said he was looking forward to putting on an apron and serving up some food.
“While healthcare can be a rewarding job, it can also be tough and everyone in the health service has been working hard during the year to care for the community,” he said.
“These Staff Thank You events, not only at TUH but across our patch, are just a small show of appreciation for everything staff have done during the year.
“Our health service is held in high regard across the community for the incredible job we do, and that’s thanks to the staff.”
Kelvin said the barbecue was also an opportunity to talk with people from across the hospital.
“One of the highlights is being able to talk with colleagues outside of a clinical setting,” he said.
“This year, we will also be giving staff the opportunity to complete the Just 12 survey while they wait.”
This year more than 120kg of steak, 80kg of sausages, 1000 bread rolls, and a Castle Hill’s worth of salads and condiments have been ordered for the barbecue.
A huge thank you to our food services team and BEMS for their efforts.
The TUH Staff Thank You barbecue is on Friday, September 19 at Federation Gardens from 11am to 1pm.
Dr Kelvin Robertson is ready to get on the grill for next week’s Staff Thank You barbecue
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
Parklands Aged Care Facility | 9 October | 10.00am
Charters Towers Health Service + Eventide Aged Care Facility + Charters Towers
Rehabilitation Unit (joint event) | 8 October | 12noon
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
North Queensland breast screening pioneer says farewell after 23 years
Townsville’s BreastScreen Queensland’s dedicated team has farewelled breast imaging director Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Phillips, whose 23-year legacy helped shape breast cancer screening locally and across the country.
Celebrated by her colleagues on her final day, Liz was recognised as a driving force behind Townsville’s long-standing record of achieving some of the highest breast screening participation rates in Australia, including among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Liz said she was humbled by the opportunities and experiences she’d had across the journey.
“I just feel in awe that I’ve managed to work with such great people over the last 23 years,” she said.
“We’ve always worked as a team, and that spirit has kept me going and inspired us to keep trying new initiatives.
“The service has expanded and evolved over my time here, but at the end of the day it’s all about our ladies and making sure they’re happy and getting the best possible care.”
Among her many achievements, Liz played a central role in developing outreach and promotion strategies that brought screening services closer to women in regional and remote areas.
“We all contribute to health promotion by being visible and approachable, whether it’s chatting to people in the store at Mount Isa or stopping to talk with the ladies on Palm Island; just being seen and making those connections is important.”
BreastScreen service manager Greg Shephard said Liz’s career had left an indelible mark on breast cancer screening in the region.
“Liz is nationally recognised, on state committees, quality management and accreditation bodies, and internationally through conference presentations; Townsville is on the world stage in no small part because of her,” he said.
Liz may be stepping back from full-time work, but she said retirement wasn’t on the cards just yet.
“I just need a bit of a break; I just want the freedom to do things when I want to do them.
“Finally, I’d just like to thank the women of north Queensland for accepting me and letting me help them over the past 23 years.”
Liz Phillips and her BreastScreen colleagues
Care closer to home for Ayr, Ingham locals as surgical services expanded
More north Queensland locals can now access surgeries closer to home after the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) expanded its surgical services to Ingham and Ayr.
The additional services are focused on delivering surgeries locally, reducing the need for patients to travel to Townsville and increasing capacity at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
Chief executive Kieran Keyes said the service expansion was a significant step forward for local healthcare.
“We are now able to perform a range of planned, simple, and low-risk surgeries for Hinchinbrook and Burdekin locals,” Kieran said.
“We have highly capable staff in our regional locations who will work with TUH staff to deliver these elective surgeries once a month.
“Our staff have undergone extensive training to ensure this service runs smoothly, from our rural generalist with advanced specialist skills in anaesthetics to our dedicated nursing team.
“This is a win not only for residents in those regional centres, but also for TUH and being able to create more surgical capacity in the Townsville HHS region.”
Kieran said the HHS has made a significant investment in both the Ingham and Ayr health services to expand their capacity to take on the surgeries.
“That includes upgrading the medical equipment sterilising capabilities at both sites and purchasing new laparoscopic equipment to allow for a wider range of procedures,” he said.
“This new equipment is helping to bring more capacity and capabilities to regional health services within the Townsville HHS area.”
Ingham Health Service director of nursing Janine Johnson said this was welcome news for the community and regional health workers.
“Many of our staff are already highly skilled, and this gives them an opportunity to use their existing skills to benefit their own community,” Janine said.
“It’s a point of pride that this service is delivered by locals for locals.
“These increased surgical services are not only about treating people closer to home but also encouraging more healthcare professionals to work in regional settings.
“With access to work like this it will help us to attract and retain staff in locations like Ingham and Ayr.”
Ingham’s director of nursing Janine Johnson and Townsville HHS chief executive Kieran Keyes
Rubber hits the road at new Kirwan car park
In exciting news, the new staff car park at the Kirwan Health Campus has officially opened, providing over 100 new parking bays right next to the facility (93 staff, 8 fleet, 2 disability).
This upgrade has replaced the old dirt car park and will significantly improve access and convenience for staff.
The temporary gravel car park will remain available as overflow.
Executive director infrastructure program delivery Tom Hegarty said the carpark project had been a true test of resilience for all involved.
“It can’t be understated the resilience it took to get this project completed from contractor changes, re-tendering, floods, a cyclone, and groundwater issues,” Tom said.
“We want to sincerely thank all staff for their patience during the construction and the ongoing upgrades at Kirwan.
“We hope staff enjoy having a great new facility to park right next door to their workplace.”
For any questions about the new Kirwan car park or ongoing construction works, please contact thhsinfrastructureredevelopment@health.qld.gov.au.
Check out our Townsville University Hospital staff proudly wearing their team colours last week to support Jersey Day, an initiative by the Nathan Gremmo Community Network in partnership with DonateLife.
Jersey Day is about starting the conversation around organ and tissue donation.
Talk to your loved ones. Consider registering.
Sign up at donatelife.gov.au
Harry Lynch, Shelley Bolt, Tom Hegarty, Roderick McHugh, and Andrew Watkins
TUH DonateLife team in their jerseys
R U OK? Day around Townsville HHS
Are you ok? It’s a question that could change a life.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff embraced the simple but powerful question for yesterday’s national R U OK? Day.
Teams from across the health service dressed in yellow and came together for morning teas to help raise awareness about the importance of connecting and checking in with people who may be struggling. For more information visit ruok.org.au.
Indigenous health worker Terzah Menzies and the team at Kirwan Health Campus
Reeanen Knight, Amanda Bell, Jo Hawkins, Lynda Briggs, Kathryn Purt, and Sam Stevens
Members of 5AVN with Jo Hawkins, Sam Stevens, and Reannan Knight
Jo Hawkins, Sam Stevens, and Reannan Knight with Bandi Bear
TUH occupational therapy team
Local authors bring Book Week magic to Townsville University Hospital
Local authors and proud Townsville University Hospital employees Sarah Hodgson from the library and research team, and physiotherapist Emily Pomfrett shared their love of books for Book Week by donating copies of their three children’s stories to the children’s ward and the Townsville Hospital School.
They were warmly welcomed by teachers and spent time with three students, reading their latest title, Book Your Ticket to Adventure, which was written especially to tie in with this year’s Book Week theme.
Sarah said she felt honoured to share their stories with children and families in the hospital.
“We wanted to create stories that spark imagination but also provide comfort,” she said.
“Sharing them with children in hospital made the experience even more meaningful.”
Sarah and Emily also donated their Wally Wombat series, including Anxiety Body Clues and Anxiety Strategies.
The stories support children by helping them recognise the body clues that signal worry and by offering practical calming strategies, which are much-needed resources for young people in hospitals.
Emily said the donation was about giving back to the community they both cared deeply about.
“Our hope is that these books can support children and families during tough times,” she said.
“If they can help even one child feel more confident or calm, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
To keep the Book Week spirit alive, the library team also reached out to staff across the hospital, handing out cards with a friendly reminder: No matter your role, the library is here for you – come and see us any time!
This simple message reinforced that the library is an inclusive space for everyone, whether you’re seeking information, resources, or just a quiet place to recharge.
To find out more about Sarah and Emily’s work, visit: sarahandemilyauthors.com
To learn more about the Staff Library, visit: Library Information
Emily Pomfrett and Sarah Hodgson
Laminectomy L3,4,5 by Dr Eric Gauzzo, Nick and staff. Awesome job, after 1 week I am in much less pain, the wound is healing well. Thank you to everyone, excellent treatment.
NEUROSURGERY AND SURGICAL 3
I would like to thank all nursing and doctors’ teams while I was admitted on the maternity ward. Special shout out to midwife Susanne, Dr Sky, Dr Watson and Dr Betts. It was a very confronting and emotional experience, but everyone was so caring and comforting during a very difficult time. I was extremely anxious due to complications from a previous pregnancy, everyone just took such great care of me. Also the team at the MFM clinic, everyone there was so lovely and helpful. Many thanks from myself and my family.
MATERNITY, MFM TEAM AND ANAESTHETIC DRS
I would like to formally express my appreciation for Dr Iyer. He is a highly skilled, compassionate surgeon who dedicates his career to helping women with complex gynaecological conditions — including patients like me. I am proud to be under his care and have full confidence in his abilities.
GYNAECOLOGY
A Note...Brighter
AngelEyes keeping families connected
When the babycam pilot was first launched at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) back in 2018, in partnership with James Cook University, CSIRO, and Optus, the idea was simple but powerful - to help families connected to their baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), even when they couldn’t be there in person.
The camera system, also known as AngelEyes, allows parents to securely log in and see their baby in real-time on the phone or home computer when families are away from the hospital.
Nurses can also share one-way messages, photos, and video updates, giving families peace of mind during one of the most stressful times in their lives. Last year, the program was expanded thanks to a generous donation of over $110,000 from Glencore Australia via Brighter Lives and funding from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
TUH’s NICU rolled out the AngelEyes cameras to all 50 cots in the ward.
For the more than 800 pre-term babies who pass through the unit each year, and their families, the technology has become a vital connection.
Anneka and Justin Smith, parents of premature twins Clara and Grace, said the cameras were a lifeline.
Born at just 33 weeks, the sisters faced very different journeys.
Grace was able to go home after a short stay, but Clara, born at just under a kilo, needed to stay in NICU until she could grow before her next journey to Brisbane for further treatment.
Both school teachers, the couple were able to stay by Clara’s side every day, but when life pulled them away, the camera helped keep them connected.
“It was really hard, but the cameras really helped,” Anneka said.
The family’s gratitude for the technology only deepened when they travelled to Brisbane with Grace as the hospital in Brisbane not yet equipped with AngelEyes cameras.
After receiving treatment in Brisbane, Clara has made great progress in her recovery, with both twins back at home in Townsville now.
This has only been made possible due to the generosity of donors like Glencore, who have helped brighten the lives of patients and staff across the hospital.
Thanks to donors like Glencore, the addition of the cameras, parents report less anxiety and reassurance when they cannot be physically present.
Since the cameras were installed, more than 600 families have used the system, streaming over 3,000 hours of footage, with more than 100,000 separate viewings.
Justin Smith, CN Helena McInnes, Anneka Smith and twins Clara and Grace
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 Speedy Beef Teriyaki
Supplied by TUH dietitians (Ana’s favourite)
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients
TERIYAKI BEEF
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (EXTRA LEAN) beef or Vegetarian substitute (can use cube 1 inch blocks of tofu)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) storebought teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp cornflour(cornstarch)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
Method
TO SERVE
•Steamed rice (medium grain or jasmine)
•1 carrot, finely sliced (I use a grater!)
•½ cup (75 g) frozen edamame beans, thawed and drained
•¼ red cabbage, finely shredded
•1 tsp sesame seeds
•1 spring onion, finely sliced
•4 tsp whole-egg or Kewpie mayonnaise
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the beef/ substitute of choice and cook, breaking it up as you go, for 3–4 minutes, until the beef begins to brown.
4. Add the teriyaki sauce directly to the beef. Cook, stirring, for a further 1–2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine the cornflour and water in a cup or small bowl, then add this mixture to the pan and stir it through. Cook for a further 1–2 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
6. Divide the steamed rice, carrot, edamame beans and shredded cabbage among four bowls. Top the rice with the teriyaki beef.
7. Sprinkle the beef with the sesame seeds and sliced spring onion. Serve with a dollop of mayonnaise on the side.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Miniature chiweenie (dachshund x chihuahua) puppies for sale. 1 x male black and tan and 1 x male tan. Microchipped and vet checked. Has had two vaccinations, third due mid-September. Comes with 12 months Healthy Pets Plus. Happy to do meet and greets. BIN0014474060040. Contact Angie - 0422 510 128
FOR RENT
Private room in Aitkenvale. $300 per week inclusive of electricity and internet. Seeking a mature female, non-smoking tenant in fulltime employment. Sharing with owner, retired female professional. Private, spacious fully furnished master bedroom with ensuite, and a garage space for your car with internal access to the home. Large fully equipped kitchen and dining area, you have your own fridge and pantry in the kitchen, laundry, various lounging areas. Contact Terri on 0423810662. Sorry – no fulltime night shift workers or pets. (12/9)
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