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blah blah blah | 14 August

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14 AUGUST 2026

Staff the faces of new codesigned community messaging Read the full story on page 4

PAGE 8 Kirwan joins TUH in hosting Staff Thank You BBQ

PAGE 11 Burdekin delivers busiest baby boom


Dear colleagues I’m back warming the chief executive seat while Peta takes five weeks of a pre-planned break in Spain and Brazil. There is a lot happening around the health service, as seems to be the case at this time of year in north Queensland. I’m sure Townsville University Hospital staff have noticed the construction happening in car park 3, behind the Medilink building, the site of the multistorey car park. Once completed, the car park will unlock more than 1,000 parking spaces for our staff and the public. Thank you to everyone who has accommodated the new parking arrangements following the closure of car park 3, as another project benefitting patients, staff, and visitors takes shape on our campus.

Finally, I wanted to acknowledge health security officer Shane Cannon who was recently recognised for exceptional service by the Queensland Health DirectorGeneral on International Security Officers Day. I was delighted to present Shane’s award on behalf of Dr Rosengren. Have a lovely weekend, Shellee Chapman Acting HSCE

Another exciting development for the HHS is the completion of the new Kirwan Dental and Maternity Clinic. The team has been busy preparing the new building to welcome its first patients from next Monday, 17 August, and I know everyone is so excited to move in. This will be the new home for community maternity clinics and community oral health services, and I wish everyone the best for Monday. The official opening will happen on 1 September. Just like the rest of north Queensland, it is events season for the HHS with several exciting staff events and activities happening in the coming weeks. The Multicultural Day at TUH will be held on 28 August showcasing the many diverse cultures that make up our health service. I’m looking forward to the showcase in the Robert Douglas Auditorium which will include musical and dance performances from our staff and, of course, amazing food. It’s lovely to see our staff showcase their many other talents outside of their clinical duties. Our staff ‘Thank You Events’ are also about to begin across the health service and I’m looking forward to connecting with our staff to thank them personally for the great work they do every day delivering care to the people of north Queensland. These events are important for the leadership team to acknowledge staff on the frontline, and I know many of us are excited to break some bread with you. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Your culture belongs here! Multicultural Day 2026 Friday 28 August 2026 Robert Douglas Auditorium 12-2pm

Food Music Performances Connection

Enjoy live performances, delicious food and music while exploring the diverse cultures that make up our health service community

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Lauren Stitt and Dr Matt Jenkins

Respecting each other key message in new rollout Resident medical officer Dr Matt Jenkin and clinical nurse Lauren Stitt are two faces of the health service’s new suite of decals, lanyards, and badges to send the message to the community that workplace aggression and violence towards staff are not okay. The ‘Zero tolerance No Excuse for Abuse’ posters will be replaced by the new ‘Let’s respect each other’ collateral. Acting health service chief executive Shellee Chapman said ‘Let’s respect each other’ would be activated in the coming weeks after local focus groups found the ‘Zero Tolerance’ posters were not resonating with the public. “Four focus groups were held with consumers and staff including health security, nursing, medical, and allied health staff from surgical and medical wards, emergency, rural hospitals, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health,” she said. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“The Clinical Council was also consulted in developing the new look and feel. “There was broad agreement across the focus groups that the current posters were shouty and cluttering, contributing to a wallpaper effect and poster blindness. “There was also a view that a new approach to this important messaging was needed.” Focus group member and medical 5 clinical nurse consultant Anthony Kuriakose said that in workshopping the refreshed approach, the word with the most resonance was ‘respect’.

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“We spoke a lot about the stress that people feel coming into a hospital; they are frustrated by waiting or anxious about a loved one and this can lead to aggression or raised voices,” Anthony said.

Jose Kadamkulathil

“And we also agreed that if interactions between staff and patients came from a place of mutual respect, communication would be more successful. “Our First Nations staff and consumers provided advice that ‘respect’ was a word and concept that was culturally understood and valid, and it works well on the products.”

Consumer Sharon Oakley, who has been an ongoing patient at Townsville University Hospital for several years, said she had seen firsthand patients become aggressive with staff. “We know hospitals can be scary places and bad behaviour can come from a place of fear, but it’s never okay to swear or shout,” she said. “People work in hospitals because they want to look after others.” Graphic designer Rebekah Schalcher said the new suite of products was designed as a ‘fresh take’ on the existing posters. “They include local faces, clearer language, and appeal to people to do the right thing,” she said. The new products will be rolled out by the Media, Communications and Engagement Unit over the coming weeks. “Our plan is to install the decals in each area without them cluttering or overwhelming the space,” Rebekah said. “If we want people to engage with the message, we have to make sure these decals are intentionally and thoughtfully placed.” A big ‘thank you’ to our staff featured in the new rollout.

Anthony Kuriakose

Townsville Hospital and Health Service


Townsville psychiatrist named state’s top supervisor “I think winning the award is really a reflection of not only how we value supervision in Townsville, and within the mental health service group, but also a reflection of our trainees.” Paula is a James Cook University graduate who completed her entire medical training in Townsville from clinical placements through to internship, as well as psychiatry training and advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry. “Being able to complete my training in Townsville, and now be in a position to serve the community through delivery of health services, has provided me with insights and experiences that I couldn’t have received anywhere else,” she said. One of Paula’s trainees and award nominators TUH psychiatry registrar Dr Milla Jackson said Paula was the kind of supervisor every trainee hoped to have.

Dr Paula Matich

Townsville University Hospital (TUH) psychiatrist and mental health service group acting chief training supervisor Dr Paula Matich has been named the best psychiatry supervisor in Queensland after winning the 2026 Queensland Psychiatry Trainees Association Star Supervisor Award. The award recognises psychiatrists and clinical educators who demonstrate excellence in the supervision and training of psychiatry registrars, and whose mentorship has made a profound contribution to trainees’ learning, wellbeing, and future careers.

“Paula creates a safe environment where you feel supported to ask questions, make mistakes, build confidence and become the clinician you want to be,” Milla said.

“She genuinely cares about the wellbeing of her trainees, makes time for them even when she is busy, and always makes you feel that you are never facing a difficult situation alone.” Paula said investing in junior doctors had flow-on benefits for the whole community. “I think the future of our hospital is with our junior doctors and our trainees and investing time into those doctors will have benefits for the whole community,” Paula said.

Paula described the win as a proud moment for the hospital and for mental health care across north Queensland. “It was a great privilege and a surprise, but a very lovely surprise, to win the award,” Paula said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Photo (Left to right front): Cathy Ross, Megan Lanyon , Sandy Brown , Tim Wason, Jessica DeFavari, Brooke Mander, Katrina Coles, Nicole Clark. Back row: Kimberley Russel and Tamryn Harwin

Muso back on stage after lifesaving brain cancer surgery at TUH Well-known Cairns musician Tim Wason will be back on stage with his band The Pad Boys for this year’s Cairns Festival after Townsville University Hospital surgeons successfully removed a fist-sized tumour from his brain.

“He was really short with everyone and not his usual bubbly, cheeky self,” Nicole said.

Tim was diagnosed with an aggressive form of head cancer in late February after seeing a GP for an unrelated back issue.

“It was a bit of a whirlwind after the diagnosis came through but the care from the staff at TUH was amazing.

“I collapsed at work late last year and had been following up with the GP about it,” Tim said.

“They really looked after him, explained what was going on, and helped him through his treatment.”

“During one of the follow-up appointments I mentioned I had been getting bad headaches for the past few months, and he referred me for an MRI.

Radiation oncologist Dr Carmen Swanton was involved in Tim’s care following his surgery, administering the radiation therapy to treat the area where the tumour had been.

“I got the results almost immediately after the MRI and I was rushed to Cairns Hospital and then flown to Townsville University Hospital a couple of days later for surgery.

Carmen said Mr Wason’s cancer journey was a message to everyone to not put off getting themselves checked.

“They had found a tumour the size of a fist and, because of its size, it was putting pressure on my brain and nervous system. “Doctors were surprised I hadn’t started having seizures.” What followed the surgery were weeks of radiation therapy at TUH. Tim’s partner Nicole Clark said the tumour had affected his mood. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“When we got the diagnosis it all seemed to make sense about why his mood had changed and where the headaches were coming from.

“In a way, it was good Tim saw a GP for his back issues because that is what led to the diagnosis,” Carmen said. “If something doesn’t feel right and if it’s persistent and not getting better then it is important for people to see their GP.” Back home, Tim is enjoying being with his friends and family while taking things a little easier before returning to work; Nicole said it just was nice to have ‘her Tim’ back. blah blah blah Page 7


Chris Laurant

Kirwan snags staff thank you barbecue In less than a month, the grill will fire up on the first of two staff thank you barbecues for Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff. The Townsville University Hospital event will be held on Friday, 11 September followed by a barbecue at the Kirwan Health Campus on Thursday, 1 October. Kirwan Health Campus manager Chris Laurant said he was looking forward to getting on the tools and cooking up some steaks and snags. “The staff thank you barbecue is one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar for staff and it’s exciting to see it come out to Kirwan,” Chris said. “Like TUH, the Kirwan Health Campus has continued to grow in size and it now has more than 600 people working out of it and with the new building that will only continue to grow.”

“Both Kirwan and TUH will have plenty of steak, sausages, bread and bread rolls, and salads.”

Shellee said thank you events would also be held at all other facilities and rural sites. “Dates for catered events are being organised with each of the facilities now so expect to see that on QHEPS, bulletin boards, and in this edition of the blah,” she said. “Healthcare is a demanding job and our health service does an incredible job of caring for people in the community. “These thank you events are an opportunity for the senior leadership team and executive to acknowledge all the work everyone has done and to thank everyone for their commitment to caring for the community.”

Acting chief executive Shellee Chapman said there would also be a change for the TUH event this year. “The barbecue is a much-loved event and is usually held at Federation Gardens in the middle of the hospital,” Shellee said. “This year we will also be using the paediatric garden next door to give people a bit more space at Federation Garden to sit and enjoy their food.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Please join us for a staff thank-you BBQ to celebrate the outstanding efforts in 2025-2026 Townsville University Hospital Paediatric Gardens

Kirwan Health Campus

Friday 11 September

Thursday 1 October

11 am to 1pm

11 am to 1pm

(next to Federation Gardens)


Staff Thank You Events and Length-of-Service Celebrations Please join us for a thank you event celebrating your team's hard work in 2026, with special presentations to acknowledge service milestones Townsville University Hospital Staff Thank You BBQ | 11 September | 11.00am Townsville University Hospital Length-of-Service event | 16 September | 10am Public Health Unit | 17 September | 10.30am Ayr Health Service | 17 September | 12noon Cleveland Youth Detention Centre | 21 September | 12noon Home Hill Health Service | 25 September | 2.00pm Townsville Correctional Centre | 29 September | 2.00pm Kirwan Health Campus + Parklands Aged Care Facility (joint BBQ) | 1 October | 11.00am Joyce Palmer Health Service | 15 October | 10.30am Magnetic Island Health Service | 21 October | 12noon Vincent Health Campus – Cambridge St | 22 October | 12noon North Ward Health Campus | 27 October | 10.00am Hughenden Health Service | 28 October | TIME TBC Richmond Health Service | 28 October | TIME TBC Vincent Health Campus – Palmerston St | 3 November | 10.00am Charters Towers Health Service + Eventide Aged Care Facility + Charters Towers Rehabilitation Unit (joint event at Eventide) | 5 November | 12.30pm Ingham Health Service | 10 November | 12.30pm


Tamika Crank and Rayf Pugh, Ayla Armstrong and Callie Armstrong, Chantel Ferrando and Maverick Rush, Stacey Butler and Remi Malaponte, Laura Cowan and Freya Cowan, Jessamy Nicolaides and Ava Nicolaides Back: Tracey Gabiola, Ainsley Ferrando, Helen Kross, Carolyn Bell, Dr Ben Lawry

Six in less than 96 hours as Burdekin delivers baby boom There was something in the Ayr as six babies were born in less than four days as part of the Burdekin’s busiest baby boom in more than half a decade. Maternity staff have worked at full tilt as the health service recorded its highest number of births from May to July since 2020. Director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said she couldn’t remember a time when the maternity service was as busy. “We welcomed 30 newborns into the world at our hospital during the May to July period, eight more than the average for that time during the past six years,” Tracey said.

“We know how important local birthing services are to our community. “While it has been an extremely busy time for our staff, particularly during a hectic few days at the end of May where six newborns arrived in less than 96 hours, staff enjoy working in a service where they can share in the joy of welcoming babies and supporting parents.

Tracey said one of the strengths of the Ayr Health Service was the adaptability of its workforce. “Whether responding to an emergency or assisting with the delivery of a baby, the team always steps up and I am incredibly grateful to them for always rising to the challenge.” Little Remi Malaponte was the first of the six babies to arrive during the hectic period and mum Stacey Butler said it was important to be able to give birth in her hometown.

“We are very fortunate to have the facility and the staff here so we can have our babies in our community,” Stacey said. “I really didn’t want to have to leave home and be away from my family and friends to give birth to my little girl. “She is perfect, and it means the world to me that she was able to be born in her hometown and surrounded by her loved ones. “I can’t say enough great things about the staff. They were so helpful and kind and I really have to thank them for their care.”

“These are incredibly special moments, and we feel very privileged to be involved.” Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Shellee Chapman and Shane Cannon

Shane recognised for kind and compassionate care Townsville University Hospital security officer Shane Cannon has been recognised by Queensland Health for an act of compassion where he helped to de-escalate an aggressive, elderly patient. Shane was presented with a Recognition of Exceptional Service certificate, signed by DirectorGeneral Dr David Rosengren, on International Security Officers Day. Earlier this year Shane was called to help staff with an elderly patient, who was suspected of having undiagnosed dementia and was likely delirious at the time, and who had become aggressive and was posing a risk to herself and others. Shane said when he arrived at the ward he asked staff for a chance to have a chat with the patient. “I sat down next to the patient, told her I was a security officer, and that I was there to help her,” Shane said. The patient’s doctor, Dr Matt Jenkin, said Shane’s intervention was transformative. “I have managed many behaviourally disturbed patients on these shifts over the years, yet I have never seen a staff member de-escalate a patient with so much compassion,” Matt said. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Shane said it was humbling to be recognised for his work.

“I don’t go to work looking for recognition and I am there to make the hospital a safer place for patients and staff,” he said. “It was surprising to find out that I had received this award. “It really highlights the positive impact security officers have in making our hospitals comfortable and safe places to come to.” Acting chief executive Shellee Chapman said Shane was a very deserving recipient of the recognition.

“Shane’s calm and compassionate approach showed how important our security team is to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone,” Shellee said. “By taking the time to listen and connect with the patient, he turned a challenging moment into a display of genuine care. “His dedication exemplifies the highest standards of our health service, and we are incredibly proud to see his efforts recognised.”

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ATSICAC Chair Sam Savage, consumer Eileen McGrath, and CAC member Jason Hancock

Map charts course for outpatients A new resource designed to help patients better understand their outpatient journey has launched after months of consumer engagement, giving patients and families a clear picture of what to expect from referral through to appointment. The outpatient communication journey map walks patients through their health journey step by step. It explains what each stage means, how long they may wait based on their care category, and what to do if their health changes while they’re waiting. Principal consumer and community engagement advisor Melissa Varnes said the idea for the resource came from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Advisory Council (ATSICAC) and Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) workshop last year. “Consumers consistently tell the health service that clear, timely information reduces uncertainty and improves their overall experience so this resource was developed in direct response to that feedback,” Melissa said. “ATSICAC, CAC, the NQ Referral Hub, outpatient services, HealthPathways and General Practice Liaison, the Health Literacy Group, and graphic design all worked together to make sure the information was accurate and easy to understand. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“Getting the resource right took genuine collaboration.” ATSICAC chair Sam Savage said the patient journey map was developed with many consumers in one room. “There were a number of representatives involved in the process including First Nations Peoples, and cultural and linguistically diverse consumers,” Sam said. “A lot of the time consumers may get a referral with a date, and then it’s all up to them to find out what to do next; this resource is about giving patients a more in-depth understanding to hopefully minimise any anxiety and make their experience a bit better. “It’s great to be involved in projects like this and share my lived experience and knowledge to help the hospital and health service care for the community.”

Melissa said the resource would be a valuable tool for staff and primary care providers to provide consistent, accurate information about the outpatient journey. “This resource will be available online and can also be used as a printed handout during patient interactions,” she said. Link to resource here. blah blah blah Page 14


Zindzi Gulamali, Dr Trupti Jadhav, Dr Steven Malone, Dr Linda Tjoa, Dr Emily Watson, Leonie Hogarth

Epilepsy education day returns to TUH with renewed focus Townsville University Hospital has once again hosted the Townsville Epilepsy Education Day, building on the success of the 2025 inaugural event. The 2026 event program expanded beyond paediatrics to include adult epilepsy care for the first time, opening the day up to GPs, trainees, and other health professionals alongside paediatric specialists. TUH paediatric neurologist Dr Trupti Jadhav said it was great to see how the event had grown. “We had 135 attendees this year up from 40 at our 2025 event, and we have also introduced a hybrid format welcoming both in-person and online attendees,” Trupti said. “Guest speakers included Queensland Children’s Hospital paediatric neurologist Dr Stephen Malone, TUH neurologist Dr Linda Tjoa and Princess Alexandra Hospital and Mater epilepsy unit neurologist Dr Emily Watson. “Their sessions covered everything from foundational content on the classification of seizures and epilepsy through to complex topics like developmental and epileptic encephalopathies management. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“The program also included the latest developments in precision medicine therapeutics for epilepsy care, and presentations from the expert team at Epilepsy Queensland.”

Trupti said the event aimed to address critical gaps in epilepsy awareness. “Epilepsy is a global disease but there is still a lack of awareness about epilepsy and what can be done about it, especially for children,” Trupti said. “Children’s seizures often present differently to adult seizures, contributing to diagnostic delay, delayed treatment, increased complications, and higher healthcare costs. “There can be a long gap between the onset of epilepsy and its diagnosis which is why access to practical insights, discussions, and contemporary treatment approaches at education days like this is so vital.” Trupti said the team hoped to continue the epilepsy education day as an ongoing program and welcome more health service staff each year.

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Attendees at the inaugural Adolescent Forensic Services symposium

Symposium brings experts together in Townsville Townsville has hosted the first Adolescent Forensic Services Symposium, which brought together clinicians and community partners from across Queensland and explored the unique challenges and opportunities within adolescent forensic mental health. Held at the Townsville Yacht Club, the symposium was the vision of social worker and forensic liaison officer Simon Gadd who recognised the need for a dedicated forum focused on young people. “I had seen how successful symposiums were in adult forensic mental health and wondered why something similar hadn’t been developed for adolescents,” Simon said. “Adolescence is a critical period where early intervention can make a significant difference.” The symposium provided an opportunity for clinicians, legal representatives, law enforcement and community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, share expertise, and build a greater understanding of available services and referral pathways.

The program featured presentations from clinical director of Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Services (CAYAS) Dr Donna Dowling, staff specialist Dr Shaileigh Gordon, Queensland Children’s Hospital forensic child and youth mental health services medical director Dr Frank Tedeschi, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service criminal lawyer Lorelei Billing. Simon said he hoped the symposium would become a regular event to help strengthen adolescent forensic services across the state. “Adolescent forensic mental health has historically received less attention than adult forensic services, and opportunities for specialised training are limited,” he said. “The impact for our community is significant, but it’s also incredibly valuable for our teams.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the excellent work happening locally while strengthening relationships with our statewide colleagues.”

“The symposium allows us to put names to faces, exchange ideas, learn more about services available in our community and showcase the outstanding work being undertaken by colleagues across the sector,” Simon said. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Infection Prevention and Control Award Billy Dennis and Jessica Jude

Oncology wins infection prevention and control award With vulnerable patients at the forefront of their minds, staff from Townsville University Hospital’s oncology ward have been received the infection prevention and control award for July. Oncology registered nurse Billy Dennis was on hand to receive the award from infection prevention and control clinical nurse Jessica Jude earlier this week. “We’re really proud to receive this award, especially because we know we’ve got a very immunocompromised patient cohort,” Billy said.

Jessica encouraged all wards and units to continue maintaining high infection prevention and control standards. “These awards are given to acknowledge the wards and units committed to upholding standard three,” Jessica said.

“Congratulations to the oncology ward team for their consistent efforts to keep patients and staff safe.”

“Ensuring their safety is paramount and it’s important to everyone here to champion this initiative which affects their care in such a big way.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Thank you to all the staff who cared for my daughter yesterday during her surgery. Could not fault a thing. Thank you! TUH PAEDIATRIC SURGERY AND PAEDIATRIC WARD

Words cannot convey how grateful we are for everything you have done for our family in all his stays over the last 18 months. Your entire staff from the doctors, to the nurses, to the food service workers were so respectful and beautiful to us the entire time. It made a difficult time so much easier. We will forever be grateful. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you AYR INPATIENT SERVICES

Since arriving at Townsville Hospital I have had such caring and attentive treatment by everyone that has looked after me especially Violet, Liam, Charlotte, Sueanne and Jose. All staff have been so patient and lovely to me through this scary time, thank you

TUH SURGICAL WARD 3


A Brighter Note... Townsville Book Fair – locals supporting local Willows marketing coordinator Faith Whelan said the centre was proud to work with Brighter Lives again to host this important community event. “It has been wonderful to see how the fundraising helps here locally to improve healthcare in our region,” Faith said.

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said the partnerships demonstrated the incredible impact of local organisations working together. “We are very grateful for the support we have received from the north Queensland community,” Stephanie said. Salasteina with the Blackhawks players visiting the children’s ward

The Brighter Lives Townsville Book Fair is on again this year from 22-23 August at Willows Shopping Centre. This year, the foundation is supported by the Townsville Mendi Blackhawks who have provided the use of their shed for volunteers to sort and price books donated for the book fair. Blackhawks players visited the children’s ward at Townsville University Hospital with footballs and posters to spread joy to the young patients. Mendi Blackhawks head coach Terry Campese said the team was excited to be working with Brighter Lives this year. “Seeing the volunteers working hard behind the scenes and being able to visit the hospital to brighten the days of the patients has been very rewarding,” Terry said.

“From locals raiding their bookshelves to donate books, Ryan Catholic College lending their tables, Grace donating boxes and their time to move books, to the local businesses helping like the Blackhawks and Willows - the book fair is a community event supported by so many locals.” The Brighter Lives Book Fair will take place at Willows Shopping Centre on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August from 8:30am each day, with more than 10,000 books expected to be available for the community to purchase.

Donations of books are welcomed at any of the drop off locations until 17 August. The event follows the success of last year’s Book Fair which raised more than $26,000 for Brighter Lives with 100 per cent of funds raised directly supporting healthcare in north Queensland.

The Book Fair will again be held at Willows Shopping Centre, with the centre generously providing the space for no cost. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Capital works update

Lesley-Claire Howard and Damien Parker

Pop-in to the expansion project pop-up The Townsville University Hospital expansion project team is inviting staff and consumers to an interactive pop-up booth to share their experiences ahead of works due to start later this month. The next phase of the expansion project will affect the main entrance of the hospital and feedback will help the project team better understand and minimise the impact to the way people access and navigate the hospital. Senior project manager Lesley-Claire Howard and Turner & Townsend campus integration manager Damien Parker said they hoped to speak to people from across the spectrum of hospital staff and patrons. “We want to understand what’s important to the consumer and what works best for them,” Damien said. “How are people getting from point A to point B, and what makes them feel comfortable, confident, and calm when they arrive to hospital? Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“The aim is to get a big-picture idea of their arrival, their journey coming into the hospital, what works well and what we can build off,” Lesley-Claire said. Due to the nature and scale of the proposed site, Lesley-Claire said the scale of their consultation had to reflect the enormity of the project. “We’ve always done consultation with consumers but mainly in smaller focus groups,” she said. “This is the first time we’re going out to the broader population and inviting everyone to come and spend some time with us at the pop-up booth. “Being the main entry, this phase of the project is going to affect the most consumers and staff so capturing the broadest range of feedback will help us minimise that impact as much as possible,” Damien said.

The pop-up booth will be located outside the main entrance to Townsville University Hospital from August 25 to 27.

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Capital works update

Wulguru Walkabouts performing traditional smoking ceremony

Smoking ceremony cleanses before Kirwan opening Traditional custodians performed a smoking ceremony at the new Kirwan Dental and Maternity Clinic earlier this week ahead of its opening. The Wulgurukaba Walkabouts group performed the ancient ritual in front of dozens of staff who turned out for the event. As the teams prepare to move into the building and see their first patients from Monday, readiness and operational commission manager Carly Newton and senior project manager Kitty Nankervis said everyone was excited see the centre come online. “There have been so many people involved to get this project from its initial planning stages to now ready to go live,” Carly said.

Clinical director oral health services Dr Joel Abraham said staff couldn’t wait to move into the new space.

“The new building offers our patients more privacy and comfort and gives our staff modern facilities and technology to provide great care.” Midwifery group practice midwifery unit manager Jo Quigley said the new clinic would provide midwives an opportunity to deliver care in a purpose-built environment. “The new maternity clinic will enhance collaboration between healthcare professionals and improve access to services for women throughout their pregnancy journey,” she said.

“From the infrastructure project team, stakeholder user groups, and BEMS through to building contractors, biomedical technology services, and the arts in health team, it’s exciting that we’re finally ready to become operational,” Kitty said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Capital works update Works currently underway Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program Work location: Various locations in TUH Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion

Project: Ingham CT Scanner Work location: Ingham Health Service Project: Carpark 17 expansion Work location: Adjacent TecNQ

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Works on the way Work location: Townsville University Hospital

Project: Palm Island Staff Accommodation Work location: Palm Island Health Service

Project: TUH Transit Lounge Work location: DDU and Social Work Area

Project: Ingham Staff Accommodation Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Charters Towers Staff Accommodation Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Ayr CT Scanner Work location: Ayr Health Service

Project: Multi-storey car park

Have any questions?

TUH’s significant capital works program will deliver substantial future benefits; however, some disruption, inconvenience and workplace changes will be unavoidable as works progress. Affected Service Groups and Work Units will be engaged and consulted throughout the planning and delivery process. Any required operational change management activities, including Business Cases for Significant Change, will be led by the relevant operational areas under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer. For enquiries regarding operational impacts, please enquire through the Chief Operating Officer’s office. For enquiries relating to infrastructure works, planning, or facility functionality, please contact the Infrastructure Office at THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Recipe of the week

Mini passionfruit condensed milk tarts Ingredients •

250g packet butternut snap biscuits

•

395g can sweetened condensed milk

•

60ml (1/4 cup) passionfruit pulp, plus extra, to serve

•

80ml (1/3 cup) fresh lemon juice, strained

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Place 1 biscuit in each hole of a 12-hole patty pan. Bake 3 minutes, then press the softened biscuits into shells (2 trays: stack one on top and gently press). Set aside in the pan to cool, then transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with remaining biscuits. 2. Whisk condensed milk, passionfruit pulp and lemon juice until combined. Return the biscuit cups to the patty pan. Spoon 1 level tablespoon of mixture into each shell and bake 10 minutes or until just set. Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining cups and filling.

Laugh of the week

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

3. Top each tart with a little extra passionfruit pulp to serve. Best eaten within 6 hours.

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Classifieds FOR SALE

FOR RENT

VINCENT – 3-bedroom 1 bath home. Highset fully fenced, new fans and split aircon, newly painted inside and out. Low maintenance large yard. Owner occupier neighbours in quite street. 10 minutes to Townsville University Hospital. Looking at offers over $599k contact Naomi 0400751848.

We have been successfully renting to TUH GP’s and specialists for over a decade. We are locals. We have two units in North Ward coming up for rent. They are private rentals. Furniture, Lease length, weekly rent, and duration can all be negotiated. Call to dicuss 040 40 40 555.

ANNANDALE - 4 bedrooms fully aircon home. 2 huge living areas, very large covered outdoor area. Walking /bike ride to TUH, uni, Lavarack Army Barracks. Swimming pool, lock up shed out back, double carport that can be closed in. All enq pls call Monique on 0450955736 2009 Subaru Forester for sale, its done 260km however gets serviced every 6 months, has just had new tyres. Road worthy and rego included $5,000, open to negotiations as need gone asap! Call Grace on 0405971049 Locally owned LJ Painting Services thanks our hard-working community and thereby offers THHS staff a 10% DISCOUNT on all painting services of commercial and residential spaces. Servicing Townsville and surrounds. 10 years of experience. QBCC licence: 15626823. Contact 0421 243 076 or email: ljpaintingservicesqld@gmail.com for a Free Quote.

Unit 1 - Fully furnished with incredible ocean views. On a hill. Key to resort style living including pool, gym. Near Coles and Gregory street. Small block of five units. Available towards the end of the year. Unit 2 - Opposite Strand, hidden gem in a small block of units. Elevated with front lawn and views across the bay to Magnetic Island. Available in the coming weeks. NORTH WARD- Unit for rent. 2 bedroom1 bath 2 beds TV Washing Machine Dishwasher Dryer Microwave Air fryer Coffee machine. Views of Maggie Ardo Ocean. On Cleveland Terrace close to shops, cafes, Mall Strand. Everything you’ll need! $650/week Phone 0400677718 Email jmartinezdt89@gmail.com

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.

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