blah blah blah | 10 April

Dear colleagues,

Since my last column, many of you were able to take a break over Easter. I enjoyed some special time with family and I hope you were able to as well. For those who worked through, thank you for keeping our facilities running and supporting our community across the extra long weekend.

We’re starting to see some welcome change in the weather as we move towards the end of the wet season, but we’re not there just yet. Our emergency preparedness teams are keeping a close eye on Tropical Cyclone Maila. The forecast for Maila has changed more times in the past week than I care to count, but modelling suggests it may impact the far north. Our thoughts are with those communities, and we remain prepared in the event our region is impacted.

This week we welcomed the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls to north Queensland. At Townsville University Hospital (TUH), he visited our maternity ward and announced a statewide midwifery clinical facilitator program. In simple terms, the program creates more senior roles in regional areas and gives experienced midwives the chance to mentor those coming through as graduates. It was great to meet graduate midwives Megan Schmidt and Nikola Williams, along with clinical facilitator Amy Watson, and hear firsthand how the program is benefiting our team here in Townsville.

We also visited the Ingham Health Service, where the team led by medical superintendent Dr Carmel Cockburn and director of nursing Janine Johnson gave the Minister a tour the facility. The Minister heard firsthand about the expansion of elective surgery using the local operating theatre. This means more procedures are now being delivered closer to home, reducing travel, easing waitlists and helping attract and retain skilled staff in the region.

During the visit, he also toured the site of upcoming staff accommodation upgrades and met with members of the Consumer Advisory Network, who continue to play an important role in shaping our services in the Hinchinbrook. I will also acknowledge and thank all of the staff that responded to the water leak late on Good Friday; I’m advised the team did a terrific job in responding quickly and making repairs, well done to all.

The Ministerial visit culminated in a sod turn linked to the new multi-storey car park at TUH. Works are progressing well to expand the eastern campus staff car park, which will deliver an additional 328 spaces. This will ultimately free up the main site for construction of the multi-storey carpark, which will provide an additional 1,145 spaces and improve access, safety and traffic flow across the campus. Work on the multi-storey carpark project is expected to start in July.

As we look ahead, I want to remind you of the upcoming ANZAC Day Dawn Service, which will be held at 5:50am on Saturday 25 April in the front garden at Townsville University Hospital. Staff, patients, visitors and families are all welcome to attend as we commemorate the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women. Guests are welcome to lay a wreath or book during the service.

Finally, as shared in my all-staff forum last week, I recently had the privilege of chairing the judging panel for the 2026 Staff Excellence Awards and reviewing all 262 nominations. The standard was exceptional and a great reflection of the work happening across our organisation. Congratulations to all finalists, who will be recognised at the awards ceremony on 5 June. A reminder that voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award. This is your chance to have your say. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the finalists and cast your vote. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday 1 May. You can view the finalists and vote via QHEPS here.

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Peter ROMPs in new medical physicist certification training

The Townsville University Hospital (TUH) medical physics team has celebrated a major achievement after registrar Dr Peter Stokes officially become a certified radiation oncology medical physicist (ROMP).

Peter is the second medical physicist to complete the Training and Education Program (TEAP) at TUH since the department received its medical physicists training accreditation in 2020.

The intensive three-year clinical residency requires candidates to hold a master’s or PhD before undergoing intensive training as well as final oral and practical examinations.

Acting director of medical physics Dr Ariadne Brodmann said the qualification was a incredible achievement for Peter, the department, and the Townsville Cancer Centre.

“In radiation oncology, we work as a multidisciplinary team and the role of the medical physicist is behind the scenes ensuring things like the linear accelerators for treating cancer patients operate to a safe and precise standard,” Ariadne said.

“The work our team does is important to making sure our treatment of cancer patients is effective and safe.

“The time and dedication needed to get ROMP certification is immense and Peter has done a fantastic job.

“I am incredibly proud of the work he has put in throughout his training.”

Ariadne said TUH was the only accredited training site in north Queensland for ROMP certification.

“The peak medical physicist body, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, requires a ratio of two qualified physicists per trainee, meaning Peter’s certification directly increases the hospital’s capacity to train future specialists.”

Peter, who has juggled full-time clinical responsibilities alongside his studies, said the support of his colleagues was instrumental in reaching the finish line.

“It was definitely a challenge performing clinical duties with the training requirements, but it flew by in the end,” Peter said.

“I had a lot of support from Ari and our director, Dr John Baines.

“It’s a lot off my shoulders now and I’m looking forward to having my weekends back.”

HSO’s holding hand leads to patient calm

A health security officer’s instinctive actions of kindness and compassion recently calmed an aggressive, elderly patient at Townsville University Hospital prompting the patient’s treating doctor to say he had never seen a patient deescalated with ‘so much tenderness and compassion’.

Resident medical officer Dr Matt Jenkins said security had been called to the ward because the patient, who was suspected of having undiagnosed dementia and was likely delirious at the time, was being aggressive and abusive, posing a risk to herself and others.

“The patient had been brought in because of escalating behaviour as result of delirium superimposed on a possible vascular dementia,” he said.

“We’d made multiple, ineffective attempts at verbal redirection and patient was becoming more and more agitated, pacing, and crying loudly, lashing out at staff who tried to approach her.

“She was causing the patients in her bay a lot of distress and everything we tried didn’t work, so we had to call security to support administering some medication to calm her down and keep her safe.”

Matt said by the time health security officers Shane Cannon and Michael Formilan had arrived, the patient had made her way down to the end of the corridor resisting any attempts from staff to engage with her.

“She’d taken a particular dislike to me after multiple attempts at redirection, so I stayed at the other end of the corridor while I spoke to Shane and Mike to discuss further de-escalation and harm minimisation,” Matt said.

It was then that Shane decided to chance his arm at deescalating the situation.

“We’d seen the patient a few days’ beforehand and I knew what was going on,” he said.

“I asked Mike to give me a chance to have a chat with her, so I went along the corridor and sat down next to her.

“I told her I knew she was having a hard time and if she needed someone to talk to, I was there and ready to listen.

“She asked who I was; I said I was a security officer, and I was there to help her.

“She asked if she could hold my hand, so we sat there for about 10 minutes, hand in hand, and talked.

“After a while I mentioned she looked really tired, and a good sleep might be the best thing for her.”

Matt said Shane’s intervention was transformative.

“He spoke softly and gently to the patient before calmly walking her back to her bed, holding her hand.

“He sat next to her while nursing staff were able to offer her medications, which she accepted with Shane’s prompting.

“Then he tucked her in, and she fell asleep.

“I have managed many behaviourally disturbed patients on these shifts over the past few years, yet I have never seen a staff member de-escalate a patient with so much tenderness and compassion.”

Shane said the end result was more than he could have hoped for.

“It was really lovely to see the outcome, and it felt good to know that somehow I had connected with her, and we turned the whole thing around,” he said.

Manager health security Chris Laurent said while security in a health setting was challenging, there was always a place for compassion.

“Patient centred de-escalation is the gold standard, and Shane’s actions were proof positive of the benefits of that approach,” he said.

Warm welcome extended to Minister for Health

The Townsville HHS welcomed the Minister for Health Tim Nicholls to Townsville University Hospital and the Ingham Health Service on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The Minister met with staff in maternity where he announced the statewide midwifery clinical facilitator program, visited staff in Ingham, and turned the sod to herald the next stage in delivering the multi-storey carpark.

Chief executive Kieran Keyes said the Minister thoroughly enjoyed his visit and the opportunity to meet so many staff.

“The visit was a great chance for us to showcase the wonderful work we’re doing in caring for our communities, and a big thank you to all our staff for making the Minister feel so welcome,” Kieran said.

Addiction education strengthens nursing workforce

A series of specialised training sessions at Townsville University Hospital is helping to strengthen nursing capability and confidence across wards.

Led by addictions clinician clinical nurse (CN) Loretta Woodford within the consultation liaison psychiatry (CLP) and addictions team, 16 wardbased education sessions were delivered in March to support nurses responding to substance-related hospital presentations, addiction, and withdrawal management.

Loretta said the program was developed with a core focus on educating and supporting ward nurses and had been refreshed to better reflect what staff were currently seeing in practice.

“Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, ward CNCs were consulted directly about their learning needs,” Loretta said.

“In response, the training was tailored to cover the most requested topics, including alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine withdrawal.

“The sessions focussed on equipping nurses with practical skills to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based care, and the confidence to recognise withdrawal early, manage it safely, and know when to escalate care.

“One of the key goals of the clinical nurse role is to educate staff on the wards, and this program really grew from that.

“The sessions are informal and practical, sometimes we’re sitting in a tearoom, or standing in a fishbowl, and working through real patient scenarios.”

Loretta said while alcohol withdrawal education remained a common focus, the inclusion of cannabis and methamphetamine withdrawal reflected changing patient presentations across the hospital.

“Substance dependence is a very common comorbidity in hospital, and it’s essential we’re caring for the whole patient not just the reason they were admitted,” Loretta said.

“The education also highlights the consultation liaison psychiatry and addictions team which supports the treating teams on the ward through consultation on assessment and pharmacological management when cases become more complex.”

Loretta said the feedback had been positive, with wards already requesting ongoing sessions and training for new staff.

“There’s a real sense that education like this empowers nurses and reassures them that they’re doing a great job in a really challenging environment,” Loretta said.

“Plans are underway to expand the program to additional wards and explore further education opportunities, as part of an ongoing commitment to workforce development and improved patient outcomes.”

To organise a training session for your team, contact Loretta Woodford via email loretta. woodford@health.qld.gov.au or the CLP team tsv-mh-clp@health.qld.gov.au

Dawn Service

Townsville Hospital and Health Service invites you to join us at a dawn service to commemorate past and present service men and women

Saturday, 25 April at 5:50am

Townsville University Hospital Front Garden

Guests are welcome to lay a wreath or book

TUH pharmacist prescribed to perform at Anzac Day dawn service

For Townsville University Hospital’s Kym Hosking, this year’s Anzac Day is a merging of two worlds.

Kym plays in the Townsville Brass Band and is also an advanced pharmacist for the health service, and this year she will perform the Last Post and Reveille at the health service’s Anzac Day dawn service at Townsville University Hospital.

Kym said she has been a member of the brass band for more than three decades, and being able to do the bugle call at the Anzac Day service was a significant milestone for her.

“The only other performance of the Last Post was during the Covid lockdowns in 2020, where I played from my driveway for my neighbours,” Kym said.

“It is a real honour and privilege to be asked to perform, and it is bringing together two important parts of my life - my work and music.

Kym said she had spent a lot of time practising.

“I am naturally a tenor horn player, so playing the bugle is something I have had to learn and become comfortable with,” she said.

“I have spent the past few months learning the ropes on a cornet, which I used at the Australian National Band Championships last week, and I’m excited to be able to perform at the dawn service.

“It’s a tricky instrument with a completely different technique, but practising for the nationals has put me in good form.

“The Last Post and Reveille are such well-known, iconic pieces of music and while I’ve attended many ceremonies in our garrison city, being able to perform them on such an important day will be very special.”

Staff, patients, and families are invited to join the dawn service at TUH on 25 April, starting from 5.50am.

Teen volunteer uses origami to bring comfort to oncology patients

A 17-year-old St Margaret Mary’s College student has helped Townsville University Hospital oncology patients find a moment of peace and comfort through the art of origami.

Chloe Lone has spent part of her school holidays volunteering with Brighter Lives on the oncology ward, teaching patients how to transform simple squares of paper into intricate cranes and flowers.

The initiative was deeply personal for Chloe after she lost her best friend, Jordan, to cancer nine years ago.

“This is something that is very close to my heart,” Chloe said.

“Since Jordan’s passing, I have been looking for meaningful ways to give back to those who have been facing similar battles.

“I had been involved in an international not-forprofit youth program called ‘Origami for Good’ which gave me the idea of getting involved in an origami workshop for oncology patients.

“Hospitals are busy environments for patients and there is always a lot going on.

“Something like origami is simple, which helps to slow down the brain and let people just focus on what they’re doing.”

The workshops are run in collaboration with Brighter Lives as part of the ‘Brain Buggy’ initiative, a mobile activity station designed to keep oncology patients cognitively active during their stay.

Clinical nurse Jessica Cashford, who initiated the Brain Buggy concept, said maintaining cognitive function was important for patient recovery.

“There is a lot of research around trying to maintain a patient’s cognitive baseline rather than allowing it to deteriorate while they’re in hospital,” Jessica said.

“I came up with the concept of the buggy and took it to Brighter Lives, who were on board from the start and helped to fund some of the activities that are in it.

“Patients can find activities like origami, puzzles, and card games, which help them stay engaged, which can ultimately help them get home faster.

“It also gets everyone out of their beds and into the family room to get them talking and meeting each other rather than just staring at four walls.”

“The health service is lucky to have volunteers like Chloe donate their time.

“They help to bring a smile to patients’ faces during what can be some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

Four weeks, a lifetime of skills for Heather

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) welcomed Mount Isa Hospital registered nurse Heather Leahy for specialised renal training throughout March, strengthening cross-service collaboration.

After discovering a passion for renal nursing as a student, Heather secured a role in the Mount Isa renal unit before being offered the opportunity to take on further dialysis training at TUH.

Heather said the four-week experience had significantly strengthened her confidence and skills.

“Throughout my placement I’ve gained broad clinical exposure and worked alongside the highly experienced dialysis nurses at TUH,” Heather said.

“It’s been really wonderful, the training has been great, and being here has given me exposure to things I wouldn’t normally see in Mount Isa.”

Heather said one of the most notable differences at TUH was the strong nurse-led approach, with nurses actively involved in troubleshooting and clinical decision-making.

“Everyone here is so skilled, most of the nurses I’ve worked with have at least 10 years’ experience and know the machines back to front,” she said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to build knowledge in areas like medication management, cannulation, access devices, and dialysis troubleshooting.”

Townsville HHS nursing director Mary Leech said Heather’s placement formed part of a broader commitment to supporting rural and remote services.

“We collaborate with other health services and hospitals to support the training needs of their staff because it’s vital that we support our colleagues, especially in rural and remote settings,” Mary said.

“A key goal is that Heather will feel confident to take what she’s learnt back to the team in Mount Isa, use those skills on the floor, and share her enhanced knowledge with others.”

On her return to Mount Isa, Heather said she looked forward to completing further orientation before working in outreach dialysis services for remote communities including Doomadgee, Julia Creek, Mornington Island, and Normanton.

“I’m grateful for my time at TUH and would encourage other nurses, particularly new graduates, to pursue training outside of their comfort zones.

“I was nervous at first, but I feel so confident knowing that I will be able to take what I’ve learnt in Townsville back home.”

Thursday 7 May 2026

Robert Douglas Auditorium

Townsville University Hospital

12:00-14:30

A Microsoft Teams appointment will be organised for staff wishing to join via teams.

A Note...Brighter

Tess Thompson Memorial Fund scholarships awarded

Three nurses have recently been awarded scholarships from the inaugural Tess Thompson Memorial Fund.

Tess Thompson was a dedicated nurse for more than 30 years, with her last role being critical care outreach nurse at Townsville University Hospital.

After completing her shift and heading home in April 2024, Tess was brought back to the hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit. Sadly, Tess passed away from a suspected heart attack.

The Tess Thompson Memorial Fund was established with funds from Tess’s estate to help fellow nurses develop further skills and knowledge with professional development.

The scholarship is open to nurses employed at Townsville University Hospital who have worked for longer than five years, working towards leadership roles in critical care.

Linda Foster, Rachel Whyte and Larissa Pattel were awarded the Tess Thompson Memorial Scholarship for this year.

“I am very grateful to be among the first to be awarded the scholarship, thanks to Tess Thompson,” clinical nurse Rachel Whyte said.

“I will be attending a two-day paediatric advanced life support program, which will help give more knowledge in the emergency management of paediatric patients.”

ICU nurse unit manager Amanda Krauklis said Tess’s memory would live on through her memorial fund to help passionate nurses develop their skills further.

Applications for 2027 scholarships will open towards the end of this year. Interested nurses should contact Amanda Krauklis for more information.

Title Title

“During and after the surgery, Dr Sakata personally communicated with me about my husband’s condition. His professionalism and compassion provided comfort at a time of immense stress, and we are deeply grateful for his skill and humanity.”

COLORECTAL SURGERY

“RN Renae worked tirelessly to get a very frightened unwell patient hoisted into a chair to join the ward surrounding the patient with valuable human interaction.

I was so moved by her ability to encourage the team to engage in gold standard of care. It was incredible, the patients whole demeanour changed when he knew he was seen and being cared for.”

INFECTIOUS DISEASES WARD

Resident’s husband expressed his gratitude for how kind and caring the staff are to his wife. He stated the staff are very attentive and pick up on her needs and attend to them.

PARKLANDS AGED CARE

Capital works update

Works currently underway

Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Works on the way

Project: Multi-storey car park

Work location: Townsville University Hospital

Project: TUH Transit Lounge

Work location: DDU and Social Work Area

Project: Charters Towers Staff Accommodation

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Palm Island Staff Accommodation

Work location: Palm Island Health Service

Have any questions?

Project: Ingham CT Scanner

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Carpark 17 expansion

Work location: Adjacent TecNQ

Project: Ingham Staff Accommodation

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Ayr CT Scanner

Work location: Ayr Health Service

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 week Roasted vegetable frittata

Laugh of the blah

Ingredients

FOR FRITTATA:

• 350G ORANGE SWEET POTATO, PEELED, CUT INTO 3CM PIECES

• 1 RED CAPSICUM, CUT INTO 3CM PIECES

• 2 RED ONIONS, CUT INTO WEDGES

• 2 ZUCCHINI, CUT INTO 3CM PIECES

• OLIVE OIL COOKING SPRAY

• 6 EGGS

• 1/3 CUP SKIM MILK

FOR SALAD (OPTIONAL):

• 100G BABY ROCKET

• 20G PARMESAN CHEESE, SHAVED

• 1/4 CUP WALNUTS, ROUGHLY CHOPPED

• 1 TABLESPOON BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Method

1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Grease a 6cm deep, 20cm (base), 8-cup capacity square ovenproof dish.

2. Line a large roasting pan with baking paper. Place sweet potato, capsicum, onions and zucchini in pan. Spray lightly with oil. Spread out in a single layer and roast for 30 minutes or until light golden and tender.

3. Spread vegetables over base of prepared dish. Reduce oven to 190°C. Whisk eggs, milk and pepper together in a jug. Pour egg mixture over vegetables, shaking dish gently to allow egg to spread to base. Bake frittata for 25 minutes or until top is golden and centre is set. Set aside for 10 minutes. Cut into 4 pieces.

4. Place rocket, parmesan and walnuts in a bowl. Toss to combine. Divide salad and frittata between serving plates. Drizzle 1 teaspoon vinegar over each salad. Serve.

Classifieds

FOR RENT

Lease Break, roommate wanted. Unit - 3

Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, 1 car space, across from Rosslea Golf Course. Available April. $280 p/w excluding utilities. Lease ending 25th Jan 2026. Spacious unit, airconditioned, complex pool. Unfurnished bedroom with built-in wardrobe, accompanying bathroom and toilet. Sharing with 28yr male roommate and whippet dog. Contact Sean 0447027093. (18/3)

Short term rental. Self-contained fully furnished 1 bedroom Granny Flat located in Mt Louisa. (19/3)

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.