blah blah blah | 13 March

Dear colleagues,

What a fortnight! The 2026 NRL season has kicked off the way 2025 ended, with disappointment for Cowboys fans, although I can’t help myself, I’ve tipped them again for this weekend. It’s been great to welcome back the many staff that made the trek over to support the team. While the Cowboys might not have had the best start it was wonderful to see the Fire have the best possible finish, taking home the Grand Final in game 2 in Perth. The whole game was edge-of-seat material and watching their never-ending hustle, competing for every small opportunity, was inspiring stuff. Also inspiring was this week’s International Women’s Day event in the RDA. Headlined by the amazing Claire Grant KC who provided some insight into her trailblazing path to becoming Queensland’s only female silk outside of Brisbane, and followed by a panel discussion including Claire, Dr Michelle Harfield, Dr Susannah Bond and NUM Kylie Perry. I was in awe of the experiences being shared by these amazing women. A wise woman once told me that IWD events aren’t just for celebrating the achievements of women, but also about educating men! So next year I will have to do my bit for promoting more of the blokes I know to attend.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the strategic planning consultations. After all of the feedback from the first round of consultation was collated I was presented with the first draft of our new strategic plan on Monday morning. We’ve had the chance to consult on that draft with about 200 people already, taking our total engagements on the process so far to more than 1,000. We should all be proud of the collective contribution to this process. There are further consultation sessions planned in the next few days and I will make the draft available on QHEPS along with a short survey until early next week. Please take the opportunity to look at the draft and provide your feedback. I will be seeking Board approval and then submitting to the Department of Health at the end of this month.

I am excited about the prospect of having a strategic plan that so many of us have participated in developing, mostly because this makes it much more likely we will succeed in delivering the plan over the next four years.

Our first senior leadership engagement forum for 2026 was held this week. It was a good opportunity to provide key updates on our activity as a health service and to reinforce the opportunities to check in on the actions following our Just 12 survey last year.

Next week I will be travelling with the Board Executive Committee to Richmond. I always value the chance for regional visits; my thanks to Judy Brown our Director of Nursing for her assistance in organising this particular visit.

Entries for our Staff Excellence Awards closed last week. We’ve broken another record this year with 262 nominations. I’m expecting my nominations book (it’s probably more appropriately a compendium at this size) before I head into the weekend. I will have to leave my new Jane Harper novel alone while I work my way through the pack. It says a lot about our organisation that so many of you have taken the time to recognise a colleague or a team for the work they do. Thank you to all that took the time to do so; without you these awards aren’t possible.

kk

Townsville staff step forward in the fight against type 1 diabetes

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff will join the local community for Breakthrough T1Ds (type one diabetes) One Walk at Jezzine Barracks, standing alongside families living with type 1 diabetes.

The event, on Sunday 29 March, will feature a 3.5-kilometre accessible walk and aims to raise funds and strengthen awareness of type 1 diabetes.

One Walk was first introduced in Townsville in 2025 after local parent Sara Mein advocated to bring the national event to the region.

Sara said her son Mason’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age eight highlighted the need for greater community understanding.

“Education and awareness needed to be shared with the wider community,” Sara said.

“As a mother, the hardest thing to watch is your child faced with a challenge like this but these children truly are superheroes and show their strength and resilience every single day.

“Breakthrough T1D is a leading national organisation supporting research, advocacy and improved access to care for people living with type 1 diabetes.

“One Walk events across Australia raise more than $1 million annually, with the inaugural Townsville event attracting more than 120 participants and raising nearly $10,000.

“Hosting this event with the support of amazing local people and businesses, family and friends is my way of giving back and helping other families facing diabetes.”

Townsville diabetes and endocrine centre nurse manager Angela Hubert said her team saw firsthand the daily challenges of patients with type 1 diabetes.

“Our staff support children and adults managing diabetes through clinical care, education and long-term management planning,” Angela said.

“People with type 1 diabetes work incredibly hard every day to manage the condition - there is no break from diabetes, it affects every moment of someone’s day.”

Angela said events like One Walk helped move the community closer to a future without the condition.

“For those living with the constant demands of type 1 diabetes, a life free from the condition remains the ultimate goal.”

Sara said she remained hopeful that the research at Breakthrough T1D would one day lead to a cure.

“In the meantime, the more people are aware and the more money we can raise means more people affected by type 1 diabetes will benefit,” Sara said.

Staff can get involved by attending the walk or donating to Breakthrough T1D here.

Celebrating women, celebrating success on International Women’s Day

Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff proudly celebrated International Women’s Day on 11 March, honouring the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women across our organisation.

Centred on the theme of giving back, this year’s event highlighted the importance of mentorship and the role women play in supporting emerging leaders.

Keynote speaker Claire Grant KC, the first woman appointed King’s Counsel outside Brisbane, highlighted how generosity, mentorship, and shared knowledge have shaped her career and personal journey.

“The law, like medicine, was once overwhelmingly male dominated,” she said.

“Today, more than 50 per cent of law graduates are women.

“We’re living in an unprecedented time that reflects decades of advocacy, reform and cultural change but representation at entry level does not automatically translate to representation at the top.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“In Queensland, there are 1,239 barristers. Of those, only 20 are female silks and I’m currently the only female silk based outside Brisbane.

“Those numbers are not shared to diminish the achievement; they’re shared to illuminate the reality.

“For more than 10 years, I was the only woman in my chambers.

“Today, I’m fortunate to have five female colleagues and I’ve been privileged to have mentored some of them through their readership training years, equivalent to an internship, through the Bar Association of Queensland.

“That’s what progress looks like; not just opening the door but widening it.”

A panel that included Claire, nurse unit manager Kylie Perry, kidney transplant service clinical director Dr Michelle Harfield, and psychiatrist and director of clinical training Dr Susannah Bond took questions from the audience for an entertaining and illuminating Q&A.

A photo gallery from the event is available on QHEPS. Thank you to all who attended.

International Women’s Day at Townsville University Hospital

Community hearing screening clinic improves access for Townsville families

A community hearing screening clinic at the Kirwan Community Health Campus is providing free, fast and easy hearing checks for children across north Queensland to ensure hearing doesn’t impact learning and social success.

Townsville University Hospital advanced audiologist Lisa Forrester said the goal was simple; to give families a convenient, child-friendly option for hearing checks.

“The clinic was set up to make hearing screening easier for our community,” Lisa said.

Women’s and children’s services medical director and paediatrician Dr Jason Yates said that early screening for hearing loss made a significant difference to longer-term speech and cognitive development.

“Screening clinics also improve school readiness for children and provide extra comfort for parents,” Jason said.

“Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s confidence and ability to engage in the classroom from day one.

“The more effort we put into early screening programs, the more impact we will see on positive learning outcomes for children in the region.”

Allied health assistant Tegan Kiehne joined the team when the clinic launched in late 2025, and said families appreciated the more relaxed environment and the demand was evident.

“It’s a nice setting and parents don’t have to come into the hospital, which can be stressful for children,” Tegan said.

“The community clinic involves a screening completed by an allied health assistant with oversight from an audiologist.

“Hearing screening helps determine whether a child has sufficient hearing for speech and language development.

“Any time there are changes in speech, less responsiveness or recurrent ear infections, it’s a good idea to get their hearing checked.”

Looking ahead, the team said they hoped to expand the clinics and provide school-based screening.

“Hearing matters, especially in the crucial early years of learning, speech, and development,” Lisa said.

For more information, contact the community hearing screening team via email TUHCHS@health.qld.gov.au

Humans in Health launch spotlight powerful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff stories

“Walking in someone else’s shoes provides a powerful perspective and it takes strength to speak about experiences of racism and discrimination.

“This campaign is taking us to a place where we call out racism, stand beside our colleagues, and make cultural safety part of how we work every day.”

Project lead Mick Illin is one of the ‘Humans in Health’ who has shared his story.

“Sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff experiences helps colleagues understand the realities people bring to work and builds a safer, more respectful health service,” he said.

‘Humans in Health’ forms part of the broader Two Worlds. One Healthcare System initiative, which promotes understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and culturally safe behaviour.

Health – Making Deadly Decisions’ campaign launching on 20 March, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The campaign is a significant step in strengthening cultural safety, promoting inclusivity, and actively addressing racism.

It includes a curated photographic installation in the main hospital walkway, linking to videos where staff share their stories.

Executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Amanda Cooms invited all staff to engage with the campaign via the launch, photographic installation, and videos.

“The installation and videos are memorable and insightful and the launch in the front garden is a chance for us to all come together,” she said.

“Through ‘Humans in Health’, we’re affirming our commitment to actively eliminating racial discrimination and institutional racism and building a culturally safe health service for both staff and community,” Amanda said.

Chief executive Kieran Keyes encouraged staff to attend the launch and engage with the campaign.

“The exhibition is creative and thought-provoking and it’s simple for staff to engage via QR codes to the videos and QHEPS page,” he said.

“Thank you to all our ‘humans’, our First Nations staff from across service streams, who have shared their stories.

“Let’s come together on 20 March in the front of the hospital to celebrate our shared workplace and focus on the choices we can make day to make it safe, welcoming, and supportive for all our staff.”

The launch will feature dancers, traditional smoking ceremony, and morning tea.

Staff can learn more about the campaign and access resources on QHEPS here

Humans in Health Launch Making Deadly Decisions

20 March 2026 10:30-11:30am

Front Garden TUH - Morning tea provided

International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Join us as we come together to connect, listen and learn.

Discover the Humans in Health stories, reflect on what it means to make a Deadly Decisions in our everyday work, and enjoy morning tea with colleagues.

Free Deadly Human socks available for early arrivals

Townsville specialist warns of increase in choking cases in young children

North Queensland parents and caregivers have been urged to familiarise themselves with choking hazards after a higher-thanusual number of young children have been seen at Townsville University Hospital after inhaling objects.

Six children have been treated for inhaled airway foreign bodies in the past six weeks - a significant increase from the usual rate of about one case every month.

Paediatric respiratory and sleep specialist Dr Dustin Mills said most cases involved toddlers and preschool-aged children.

“Children under five account for the majority of choking incidents, with the highest risk between one and three years of age,” Dustin said.

“At this age they are mobile and curious, they

explore the world with their mouths, and they don’t yet have fully developed molars or mature swallowing coordination.

“A child’s windpipe is about the size of their little finger which makes them more susceptible to choking, or worse.”

An inhaled airway foreign body happens when food or a small object goes down the windpipe into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the stomach or coughed out.

Common items included nuts, popcorn, grapes, hard pieces of meat, raw carrot, and apple, as well as small plastic objects such as beads and toy parts.

Dustin said not all choking episodes were obvious or seen.

“Sometimes there isn’t a clear choking event,” he said.

“If a child suddenly develops a persistent cough, wheeze, or noisy breathing without signs of a cold or fever, parents should consider whether something may have been inhaled.

“Even when the airway is not fully blocked, a foreign body left in the lung can lead to chronic infection, recurrent pneumonia, and permanent lung damage.”

Dusitn said prevention was key to reducing the risk of choking.

“People should become familiar with what can be a choking hazard, and they should know first aid,” he said.

“Always supervise young children while eating, make sure they sit upright and eat calmly, cut grapes lengthwise and modify hard foods, avoid whole nuts in young children, and keep small objects and toys with removable parts out of reach.

“If a child has a choking episode and ongoing cough or breathing symptoms then take them to the emergency department.

“If they are not breathing then call 000 right away to get them to hospital.

“The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has a collaborative model of care inclusive of paediatric anaesthetists and ENT which aligns with the standard of care in a major children’s hospital.

“This means we can accept referrals from across north Queensland to enable earlier intervention and avoid transfers to Brisbane.”

Seeing orange raises awareness for delirium

A couple of days on from World Delirium Awareness Day, Eat Walk Engage team lead Lauren Matheson has encouraged staff to keep the conversation going.

Wards across Townsville University Hospital turned orange on Wednesday, 11 March, to raise awareness and spark a conversation between staff, patients, and visitors about delirium.

Lauren, who is the health service’s standard lead for delirium and cognitive impairment, said it was vital to keep talking about delirium as it remained one of the leading complications in a hospital setting.

“Delirium is a very common and distressing change to a person’s mental state that develops quickly, which can cause clouded thinking, confusion, and a change in behaviour in patients.” Lauren said.

“It can often go unrecognised, so it was really encouraging to see so many teams across the hospital take part and help us start those important conversations among colleagues as well as families and visitors.”

To celebrate the day, ward staff were invited to take part in the ‘Delirium Day Bingo’ challenge, where they worked together to tick off delirium prevention activities fundamental care goals.

Surgical Ward 1 took out the top spot, followed by Medical Ward 1 and Medical Ward 4, with prizes funded by Brighter Lives and OMG Decadent Donuts which included pizza vouchers and new patient engagement resources.

“Evidence-based prevention strategies are things such as supporting nutrition and hydration, movement, mobility, and meaningful cognitive and social engagement,” Lauren said.

“It takes the whole team working together to get it right.

“From the ‘Fact in the Foyer’ stall at the entrance of the hospital to Medical Ward 4’s crazy hair day, the goal was to catch people’s attention and remind them that we all play a part in reducing delirium and its negative impacts for our patients.”

Lauren said that while the awareness day was a success, the focus on education remains a yearround priority for the health service.

“If improving a patient’s experience means ensuring they have their glasses and hearing aids, or simply engaging them in social interaction, then those are the wins we are looking for every day,” she said.

If your team is interested in learning more about delirium or the Eat Walk Engage program, contact Lauren at lauren.matheson@health.qld.gov.au.

Townsville University Hospital gears up for lifesaving year of plasma donations

Townsville University Hospital (TUH) staff once again proved their generosity during Lifeblood’s recent visit, with 12 new donors registering in just two-and-a-half hours.

Lifeblood North Queensland relationship manager Gwen Camaret visits TUH regularly and said plasma donations from the community played a critical role in Australia’s healthcare system.

“In Australia, one plasma donation is needed every 33 seconds and can be used in 18 different life-giving ways,” Gwen said.

“It is the most needed donation type in Australia and worldwide, and Townsville has a dedicated plasma centre.

“Plasma is used to support patients in dozens of ways from trauma and burns care to immune disorders, pregnancy complications, and rare diseases.”

Gwen said demand for plasma continued to rise, with some specialised medicines requiring significant donor contributions.

“It can take up to 13 plasma donations to make a single vial of some plasma medicines, which is why so many donors are needed,” she said.

“Across the country, donors in Australia gave 905 tonnes of plasma in 2024-25 which is an amazing effort.

“Plasma has also played a crucial role in maternity care, with more than two million Australian women welcoming healthy babies into the world thanks to anti-D.

“With plasma donations allowed every two weeks, up to 26 times per year, many donors find themselves reaching huge milestones quickly.”

Gwen said last year the health service contributed significantly to the national effort.

“In 2025 Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff donated 369 times, saving up to 1107 lives,” Gwen said.

“I’m looking forward to visiting TUH again in winter and meeting more wonderful staff.”

The Lifeblood Townsville donor centre is located at Domain Central and open six days a week.

2026 National Day Event

Community Voices:

The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing

This gathering brings Elders, community organisations and health service staff together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and continue the journey towards a healthier future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Thursday 19 March 2026

9:00am - 12:00pm

Townsville University Hospital

Robert Douglas Auditorium

Andrew wants you: Step up to make kids hospital stays more comfortable

Townsville University Hospital occupational services officer Andrew Rigney has put the call out to health service staff to put on their runners and join him for this year’s Starlight Super Steps challenge.

Last May, the medical imaging support services worker walked more than 512,000 steps and raised $3,500 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which was used to buy resources to make hospital visits more comfortable for kids.

“Hospitals can be a confronting and daunting space for children,” Andrew said.

“I do shifts right across the hospital, and sometimes you see these kids who are just feeling overwhelmed and nervous about being here.

“It was great to be able to raise as much money as I did last year, but this year I want to go bigger and better.

“I’m looking to get a crew together to help raise much-needed funds to ensure the hospital is a happy, safe, and welcoming environment for sick kids.”

The Starlight Super Steps challenge is an annual fundraising event where people commit to walking 10,000 steps or more every day throughout the month of May while also raising money for the foundation.

Andrew said the impact of the funds went directly toward improving the emotional well-being and physical recovery of children in care by providing resources that reduce fear and anxiety.

“By improving their experience, it can help them not view the hospital as this scary and overwhelming environment,” he said.

“If getting some more toys or resources means I have to park the car a little bit further away or take the stairs instead of the elevator, then I’m happy to do it.

“I want to get a team finalised before the end of the month so we can begin the fundraising push and get the word out across the health service.”

To join the team or find out more about the challenge email Andrew.rigney@health.qld.gov.au.

“I would like to thank all nursing staff for my post operative care. I cannot commend them enough for their knowledge and understanding of medical issues and patient requirements.”

PPU

“Our midwife was absolutely incredible and deserves the recognition. She delivered my son after a 24-hour labour, she was with us from the start and I’m so thankful she was a part of our team. By the end of our time together, she felt like family. In such a vulnerable and scary time, she was a light. I will never forget how she helped us and made us feel supported.”

BIRTH SUITE

“I cannot speak highly enough about the care my husband and I (carer) received from Kirwan OPMHS. They were very attentive when things weren’t going well – thank you.”

OLDER PERSON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE

A Note...Brighter

Murray makes Milos’s day

The children’s ward in Townsville had a special visit this week from North Queensland Cowboys’ player Murray Taulagi.

The footballer chatted to families spending time in hospital, handing out Cowboys merchandise and signing autographs.

“It means a lot to be able to come and put a smile on the kids’ faces,” Murray said.

“These visits are really important to me; I really want to come in and try to take the kids’ minds away from where they are at this time.

“It’s a tough place to be in sometimes and to be able to help do the little things to help brighten their day means I have done my job well.”

While in the children’s ward, Murray visited 13-year-old Milos Milanovic who was involved in a motorcycle accident late last year and has been in hospital ever since.

Milos is due to be discharged this week and will be returning to his hometown of Ingham.

The visit is part of Cowboys in Capes, a joint initiative with Sun Metals, North Queensland Cowboys and Brighter Lives.

Brighter Lives chief executive officer Stephanie Naunton said the foundation was grateful for Cowboys players for giving up their time to visit patients in hospital.

“The families enjoy meeting a celebrity, but more importantly, it gives a much-needed distraction from what can be a difficult time in hospital,” she said.

Capital works update

Final stages for Kirwan expansion

Since it marked a major milestone in November with the completion of the roof on the new building, the Kirwan Community Health Campus (KCHC) expansion project has entered its final stages ahead of an expected midyear handover.

Executive director infrastructure program delivery Tom Hegarty said there was still much that needed to be done before the estimated practical completion.

“Since the roof went on last year, the rest of the internal structures have started to take shape which is exciting for our staff,” Tom said.

“We should have the formal approval for the new building name by the end of the month and, all things going well, the building should be ready for a handover by the middle of the year.

“Once we reach that milestone, we’ll have a period of about eight weeks to commission the space, move our teams in, and commence services from the new building.”

The new standalone KCHC two-storey outpatient building will be the new home of oral health services and women’s services, including antenatal, midwifery, obstetrics, gynaecology, sexual health, and post-natal services.

Children’s Health Queensland arts in health manager Bonnie Melrose was joined by members of the KHCH expansion project working group and consumer Vicki Katthagen to tour the new facility to help curate a welcoming environment.

Consumer and community engagement advisor Melissa Gebert said it was a good opportunity for the team to get a visual of the layout of the building to help inform their artwork choices.

“By understanding patient flow and confirming where each service will be located, we gain a better understanding of potential artwork locations and where it can be placed appropriately,” Melissa said.

“It was also an opportunity to hear feedback from consumers and staff about how the rooms will be used and what they want the space to feel like, helping guide both placement and subject matter.”

Once completed, the new KCHC building will have a 5-star Green Star Building accreditation, in line with Queensland Health’s commitment to climate resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable infrastructure.

Capital works update

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

Project: Ingham CT Scanner

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Works currently underway Works on the way

Project: Multi-storey car park

Work location: Townsville University Hospital

Have any questions?

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 week

Laugh of the blah

Roasted vegetable frittata

Supplied by TUH dietitians

Ingredients

• 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

3 Bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 3 car spaces, large front veranda with great city view in Wulguru. The house is located on a hill, every room has aircon, fan and wardrobe. House is unfurnished but includes dishwasher and oven. Close to the shops, schools and hospital. $650 per week. Contact Sev, 0414 479 589 (11/2)

OTHER NOTICES

Looking for someone to foster (6-12months) or adopt my beautiful female cat Penny whilst we do long term travel. She is around 3 years old, desexed and low maintenance. Unsure of breed but looks like a russian blue or similar. Please contact samantha.hunt@health.qld.gov. au if interested.

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.

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