blah blah blah | 19 June

Dear colleagues,

I am stepping into the writing chair for this blah to share some of the incredible work happening right across our health service while Kieran takes some welldeserved leave.

First, I want to extend a massive and very well-deserved congratulations to two of our own who were recently recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Christine Fox and Silvia Brown have both been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This is an extraordinary national recognition of their dedication, leadership, and outstanding service to the healthcare field. To have such exceptional professionals among us is a true honour, and I know you will all join me in celebrating this magnificent achievement when you see them around.

Speaking of celebrating the incredible people within our health service, today is your last chance to submit nominations for our upcoming NAIDOC Week Awards. Preparations are well underway to mark NAIDOC Week at our health service. The theme for this year is 50 Years of Deadly, celebrating five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, leadership, culture, and achievement. NAIDOC Week runs from 5 to 12 July, with the Townsville HHS NAIDOC Week awards on 8 July. Please take five minutes out of your day today to nominate a colleague or a team that embodies this spirit. Go to QHEPS to nominate someone for the awards or find out more about what is happening across the health service during NAIDOC Week.

Our calendar of celebrations continues to grow with a date locked in for our upcoming Multicultural Day. This event celebrates the diversity that makes our hospital community unique, reminding us that whether you’re from Townsville or the other side of the world, your culture has a place at our health service. It will be held on 28 August at the Robert Douglas Auditorium. Expressions of interest are now open for anyone who wants to get involved by performing, sharing traditional food, or hosting a cultural display stall. Submit an expression of interest on QHEPS before 31 July.

Many of you will notice more infrastructure activity across the Townsville University Hospital campus in the coming weeks and months. As a result of the planned expansion and multi-storey car park project, there will be a few changes across the campus footprint, including some necessary alterations to staff and visitor parking. I ask everyone to keep a close eye on our internal communications, including emails and QHEPS, for updates regarding these changes so we can navigate this exciting expansion phase as smoothly as possible.

Finally, in some exciting news for Charters Towers, the new CT scanner is now officially online at Charters Towers Hospital. This project is a massive win for local healthcare, including the construction of a purpose-built, state-of-the-art CT facility connected to existing hospital services, alongside the recruitment of additional radiography, nursing, administrative, and operational support staff. The service became operational earlier this month and is a big win for the Charters Towers community. This new local service will deliver about 2,000 scans a year, reducing the stress, cost, and inconvenience associated with long-distance travel while ensuring our patients can access timely, life-saving diagnostic imaging closer to home.

Thank you to everyone for your hard work.

Shellee

CT’s CT scanner brings care closer to home

After years of advocacy, planning and construction, Charters Towers Health Service is now providing CT scanning services to local patients.

The new service is expected to perform around 2,000 CT scans each year, reducing the need for patients to travel to Townsville for diagnostic imaging.

The $8.6 million project included the construction of a purpose-built CT scanner facility connected to existing hospital services, along with the recruitment of additional staff across radiography, nursing, administration, and operational support roles.

Charters Towers Health Service director of nursing Katrina Ford said the new service represented a major milestone for the hospital and the wider region.

“It’s a really wonderful achievement; it’s been something that’s been in the works for a long, long time for us,” Katrina said.

“It’s definitely been a godsend for our patients and it’s a really lovely opportunity to increase our services locally. It increases the scope for our nursing staff, increases the scope for our radiographers, and means we’re able to employ more locals as well.

“It’s been such a welcome service for the community so far, and the other lovely part is that we can now support the Hughenden and Richmond communities further west.”

Among the people to benefit from the new service was Charters Towers resident Nicole Gallon, who became the first local patient to undergo a CT scan at the facility.

“Being part of a small community like we are, I actually felt privileged; it was pretty special,” Nicole said.

“Having access to CT scanning locally is going to save time and money.

“Not only does it cut down travel time, but it helps with the cost of living, so I think it’s a really great thing for the community.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the project demonstrated the importance of investing in healthcare services closer to home.

“Delivering healthcare to all of our regional communities is incredibly important,” Kieran said.

“Our clinicians here are incredibly proud of what they do, and having access to a new CT scanner is something this community deserves, and we’re proud to have delivered it.”

The service will transition to a 24/7 on-call model from late June.

Sharing the transplant journey

Connection through shared experience was the theme of the day when Townsville University Hospital hosted Transplant Australia’s connect and education session last week.

The event brought together clinicians, transplant recipients, families, and patients waiting for a transplant for a morning of storytelling and myth busting.

North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service clinical nurse consultant Mike Utsiwegota said it was great to collaborate with Transplant Australia to create a relaxed space where patients and staff could connect outside of the clinic.

“Navigating a transplant journey can feel incredibly lonely, so hosting this seminar was about bringing people together,” Mike said.

“It was a wonderful chance to celebrate the health milestones of our transplant recipients and give those currently on the waiting list a sense of hope.

“For our clinicians, it was an opportunity to see patients thriving which gives the team a lift and reminds everyone why we do this work.”

Kidney transplant recipient and Transplant Australia’s Emmy O’Neill said it was great to see so many people together who had been touched by transplantation.

“It was a great event, that brought together experts in nephrology, lived experiences about transplantation, as well as stories of not letting chronic illness define you and staying positive while waiting on the transplant list,” Emmy said.

“It’s really important to show all sides of transplantation, so everyone can have an understanding of what people are going through.

“For clinicians, that might be understanding what the lived experience is for someone awaiting or has received a transplant.

“For those who’ve had a transplant, or waiting for one, this event is a great opportunity to learn more about transplantation.”

Mike said they planned to host more events as regional transplant services grew at the hospital.

“Our goal is to build strong peer support networks where past recipients can mentor new patients,” he said.

“We also want to ensure we are delivering culturally safe care for our First Nations communities and continue working closely with groups like Transplant Australia and DonateLife to raise local awareness about the life-saving importance of organ donation.”

TUH intensive care unit opens its doors for reunion

Former patients of the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) intensive care unit (ICU) will return to the ward that saved their lives next month as the unit hosts a special morning tea reunion.

The ICU morning tea will be held at TUH on Wednesday, 15 July from 10:30am and is aimed at bringing together patients, families, and the staff who cared for them.

TUH ICU staff specialist Dr Joanna Longley said the event was created to give former patients the chance to find closure after what can be a traumatic and disorienting experience, while also giving ICU staff a rare glimpse into the lives of patients after discharge.

“For many ICU patients, long periods of unconsciousness or sedation can leave memories feeling fragmented or confusing,” Joanna said.

“Returning to the unit has helped former patients make sense of what happened to them and in some cases, reduced lingering anxiety about their stay.”

Joanna said the morning tea began after ICU staff recognised a gap in their understanding of patients’ journeys beyond the ward.

“The event has become deeply meaningful for the ICU team to be able to see how patients have fared since their time with us,” she said.

“We have former patients who come every year, some travelling from as far away as Sydney, and other patients who now feel ready to come back to visit months or years later.”

“We will have our ICU therapy dog Henry as a special guest on the day to provide extra comfort to those returning for the event.”

The ICU morning tea will include food, the opportunity to reunite with ICU doctors, nurses and allied health staff, and an optional short tour of the unit.

Former ICU patients or families who would like to attend are encouraged to reach out to the team via email at Joanna.Longley@health.qld.gov.au.

TUH’s ‘central nervous system’ celebrated

Airports have air traffic control, railways have the rail operations centre, and Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has the patient flow support unit: the ‘central nervous system’ which has oversight of every patient movement within the hospital.

The 24-hour operation has a small team of nurse managers who assist with ensuring the smoothest possible journey through the hospital for each patient, identifying bed blocks, overseeing surgical lists, adjusting staffing levels, and coordinating the second-highest use of Queensland Retrieval Services outside of Brisbane.

Amongst the nursing leadership tasks, nurse manager Celeste Richards said they also aim to be present on the frontline during critical events.

“If we have a mass casualty activated, we’ll assist the ED and the wards in transferring patients to ensure better ED availability and have a physical presence to support the staff there,” she said.

“During the floods in Ingham last year we helped orchestrate the repatriation of renal patients who required dialysis to TUH and accommodated them in our wards.”

Nurse manager Michelle Louis started in patient flow more than 15 years ago and said much has changed since the days they were located in front of central admissions with just a computer and a book where patients were journalled into daily.

“There was just three of us back then, a nurse

manager and two clinical nurses,” Michelle said.

“We’ve evolved now into a unit of more than 10 staff, the technology has improved, and the amount of data we have access to informs all the decisions we have to make.”

The team said staff often didn’t realise how much oversight patient flow has over hospital operations - from bed movements to bed cleans, patient retrievals and the coordination that has to happen with health security officers and the Queensland Ambulance Service - until they spend a day in the unit.

Nurse manager Sonya Verburgt said person-centred care and staff wellbeing was the focus of everything they do in patient flow.

“It’s not just making sure the patients have a good journey, it’s making sure the staff are supported,” Sonya said.

“A lot of the after-hours manager job is making sure staff are ok, going to the wards, talking with them, getting a gauge on those non-tangible things you can’t put into a report.”

Find out more about the patient flow support unit one QHEPS or contact nursing director Rebecca Lewis on rebecca.lewis2@health.qld.gov.au

The awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate staff and teams who helping to create a healthcare system where First Nations Australians feel respected, valued, and safe.

For more information visit QHEPS. Scan the QR code to nominate today

Townsville Hospital and Health Service NAIDOC Week Awards will be held on Wednesday, 8 July at the Robert Douglas Auditorium.

New role makes business case for going green

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s manager of environmental sustainability said green technology and initiatives will help to further improve patient care, boost the health service’s bottom line, and drive progress across emissions reduction, waste diversion, and climate resilience.

Amanda Coldwell is the first person to step into the newly created role at the health service, tasked with developing environmental strategies to help meet net-zero emissions targets.

Amanda said going green benefits the environment, the health service, and patients.

“There’s a myth that environmental initiatives create red tape and delays, but that’s not the case,” Amanda said.

“By being strategic and looking at things holistically, there are real opportunities for improvements.

“I am here to highlight the things we are doing well now and where we can do things better.”

Amanda said the health service had already rolled out some great green initiatives.

“There’s been a program across the health service to replace lights with energy-efficient LED lights,” she said.

“The LED lights last longer, provide better lighting, and use significantly less energy.

“This is just one of many projects the health service has been doing, which has multiple benefits.

“Part of my role will be putting together all the great things we are already doing and developing a management framework.

“Then I will also be working with different departments on future opportunities, from anything like a composting system in our kitchens through to a formal containers for change program.”

While the role is new to the organisation, Amanda said it would provide a valuable resource for better meeting future patient needs.

“For example, the BOM has confirmed El Niño conditions are now active and likely to intensify through the second half of 2026, bringing increased risk of hotter and drier conditions across western and northern Queensland,” she said.

“Those drier conditions will mean equipment like our air conditioning systems will be working harder, so it’s about talking with appropriate teams to make sure we are prepared for that to minimise any breakdowns and disruptions.

“Over the coming months, I will be making myself familiar with departments across the whole hospital health service to help celebrate wins and identify opportunities.”

Jo’s stocks rise after storeroom upgrades

For most people, keeping a rural hospital appropriately stocked with life-saving medical supplies would be a complex logistical nightmare but for Hughenden Health Service’s enrolled nurse Jo Dighton it’s just another day at the office.

Jo has spent the last two decades maintaining and ordering medical supplies at the facility, and thanks to a recent upgrade to the hospital’s storeroom her day-to-day has become a lot easier.

New rolling shelving, hanging baskets, and colourcoded labels have helped to significantly improve storage and accessibility to medical supplies at the hospital.

Jo said it has made ordering and finding stock quicker and easier.

“The sliding shelves and new baskets are just brilliant,” Jo said.

“They flow from one section to the other, and it makes finding and restocking emergency gear so much better.

“Because we are a small, rural hospital we have to carry speciality items and navigate strict ordering constraints, like having to buy a carton of 50 items when we might only need two.

“This new layout gives us the space to manage and store that inventory efficiently.”

Jo was heavily involved in the design and layout of the storeroom and said a lot of thought was put into the upgrade, including the introduction of the colour-coded labels.

“The different coloured labels allow staff to find what they need in the storerooms quicker, which can save vital seconds in an emergency,” she said.

“If staff race down here because they need to replace an airway on the emergency trolley, they can see exactly where it is.

“We get a lot of staff who come in on 10-week contracts, and they love how organised it is.

“We’ve even used generic names on the labels, so everything is instantly recognisable.”

The upgrade has also allowed the hospital to increase its stock levels to match a growing demand for patient care.

“A few years ago, we had one doctor and now we have three,” Jo said.

“With three doctors treating three times as many patients we’ve had to increase our stock levels, going from small baskets to much larger ones for items like dressing packs and intravenous consumables.

“We aren’t 10 minutes up the road from a major supply hub, so we have to stay ahead of the game.

“If we get a run on infections or complex cases, we need to know we won’t be left short.

“The upgraded storeroom has been a very welcome addition for the hospital and much appreciated by all the staff, especially me.”

Mona Kendell helps Loretta take the mic

A Townsville University Hospital nurse had the privilege of speaking at one of the country’s leading addictions conferences thanks to assistance from the Mona Kendell Nursing Development Association (MKNDA).

Consultation liaison psychiatry and addictions clinical nurse Loretta Woodford recently attended the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association’s AddictionZ conference on the Gold Coast where she delivered the presentation, ‘From One Addiction to Another’.

“It involved patients who may have had a previous binge-eating disorder, underwent bariatric surgery, and then developed another addiction such as alcohol dependence,” Loretta said.

“About 50 per cent of people who go through bariatric surgery have had a diagnosis of anxiety or depression and, as with the case study in the presentation, female patients are at an increased risk of alcohol use disorders after bariatric surgery.

“We looked at how the brain’s reward system and dopamine levels work to understand how an addiction to food can be replaced by an addiction to alcohol or drugs.”

Loretta said the funding assistance from the MKNDA was a huge help in getting her to the conference.

“I’ve been a nurse for more than 10 years but didn’t become a MKNDA member until a couple of years ago,” she said.

“As a member you can apply for up to $1500 per year to assist with attending conferences or undertake other professional development opportunities.

“For a lot of us that’s the difference between being able to attend a conference or not.”

Nursing director women’s and children’s service group and chair of the MKNDA Katrina Roberts said opportunities like this were exactly what the association aimed to support.

“Mona recognised the importance of continuous learning and access to professional opportunities for nurses to advance their practice,” Katrina said.

“Over the decades, the fund has contributed to countless professional development opportunities for nurses and midwives to attend conferences and educational events that may otherwise have been out of reach.

“We’re very proud to support members like Loretta who invest in their professional development and lead the way for others to do the same.”

For more information about MKNDA membership visit QHEPS or email Mona-Kendell-Nursing@health. qld.gov.au

TUH’s new faces strengthening safety

Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has welcomed two new leaders to its health security department, both with a shared vision for TUH: a hospital where staff feel safe, supported, and heard.

Grant Kraaymaat joined the team as health security assistant manager training, bringing more than 14 years of experience in youth justice, including four years as a training coordinator at a detention centre and a background as a Queensland Police Service training instructor.

Grant sad he made the move to TUH because he wanted to make a positive difference and was ready for a new challenge.

“My position exists to support staff training and wellbeing, and to help the organisation move forward with a collaborative work environment grounded in policy, procedure, and relevant legislation,” Grant said.

“I’m currently only two months in and still in the learning phase, but I’m already impressed by the team around me.”

Originally from Brazil, new security manager Arama Aragao has worked across policing, human rights, and self-defence instruction, before moving to New Zealand where he worked as a social worker, and later as a healthcare security manager.

Arama said he arrived at TUH with a clear sense of what modern hospital security needed to look like.

“There are many challenges facing security departments globally from increased mental health presentations to drug-related incidents, and the compounding pressures of a post-COVID environment, but we see these challenges as a reason to be more engaged, not less,” Arama said.

“We want every staff member to understand exactly what we’re here for.

“It could be simple things like asking an officer to walk you to the parking area if you’re feeling unsafe, or something more complex.”

Arama said the broader goal for the team was moving security from a reactive service to a proactive one.

“It’s a really good team here and people like Grant and assistant security manager David Booth have some good ideas for the future,” Arama said.

“We have an open-door policy at every level of the organisation, and we actively encourage staff to bring forward feedback, ideas, and suggestions.”

Multicultural Day is back, and we want YOU to be part of it!

Multicultural Day is a Townsville University Hospital staff event celebrating the diversity that makes our hospital community extraordinary.

Whether you’re from Townsville or the other side of the world, your culture has a place at our table.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Expressions of interest are now open for staff who want to:

Perform

Music, dance, song, spoken word, present flags

Share food

Traditional dishes and home-made favourites

Host a stall

When is it?

Friday 28 August 2026

RobertAuditoriumDouglas 12-2pm

Cultural displays, art, craft, clothing, or demonstrations

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE FRIDAY 31 JULY

To host a stall or present on the day, scan the QR code to complete the EOI form. Contact tsv-public-affairs@ health.qld.gov.au with any questions.

Title Title

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the staff in the cardiac ward who cared for me and my newborn daughter during our stay. From the moment we arrived, I felt safe, supported, and genuinely heard... Their care and reassurance gave me confidence as a new mother and helped me feel capable of caring for my daughter while knowing that I had a strong and supportive team around me.

TUH CARDIAC WARD

I just want to express how great it was to be able to have some surgeries done In Ingham hospital. Normally we would need to travel to Townsville which means more time off work, accommodation, and possible even longer wait times being how busy TUH is. In April, my father had to have hernia operation and it was done in Ingham. The Ingham hospital staff along with visiting surgeons was very professional and made the whole process stress free. They also provided great care to my father who doesn’t speak much English and made him feel at ease during the whole process. Thank you very much.

RURAL PERIOPERATIVE TEAM –INGHAM

I would like to provide positive feedback regarding the posthospital home care service provided to my father. The service provided by TUH has been extremely beneficial in supporting my father’s recovery at home. We are very grateful for the high standard of care, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated by both Bree and Naomi.

POST ACUTE CARE TEAM – KIRWAN

A Note...Brighter

NRL legend named ambassador for Brighter Lives

Former Cowboys star Michael Morgan has joined forces with Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation to help support local patients and staff.

The rugby league legend is the foundation’s newest ambassador and visited the hospital last week to meet one of his youngest fans, Jude Pownall, who was born at just 23 weeks old.

“It was a privilege to be able to meet Brendan, Jacqui and little Jude,” Michael said.

Michael gave baby Jude a signed Queensland onesie and spent time chatting to the family.

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said Michael’s visit had helped to lift the spirits of families spending time in hospital.

“We are very grateful for Michael taking the time to visit. We hope the visit has helped brighten their day.”

Stephanie said Michael was passionate about supporting Townsville’s local hospital charity to help north Queensland patients and their families.

“As a local, he understands how important healthcare is to our community, and we are thrilled to have him on board with us,” she said.

Michael said he was proud to be an ambassador for Brighter Lives.

“North Queensland is my home and I know about the great work Brighter Lives and the Townsville Hospital and Health Service does in the community,” Michael said.

“I remember visiting the children’s ward for the first time during Christmas a couple of years ago.

“I travelled to Ingham with Brighter Lives to help host a barbeque for the healthcare workers after the 2025 Ingham floods.

“The staff worked tirelessly throughout the flood to support patients in need and it was great to help give back to them.

“Now I am officially joining the foundation as an ambassador; I look forward to doing more with Brighter Lives to help support our healthcare staff and north Queensland patients.”

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 Hidden vegetable pasta sauce

Laugh of the blah

Ingredients

• 2 MEDIUM ONIONS

• 4 CLOVES OF GARLIC

• 1 LARGE LEEK

• 3 MEDIUM CARROTS

• 2 STICKS OF CELERY

• 2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL

• 250G MUSHROOMS

• 2 MEDIUM ZUCCHINIS

• 2 MEDIUM EGGPLANTS

• 1 TABLESPOON DRIED OREGANO

• 4 TABLESPOONS TOMATO PURÉE

• 2 X 400G TINS OF CHOPPED TOMATOES

• 850ML VEGETABLE STOCK

• OPTIONAL: 1 FRESH BAY LEAF

Method

1. Peel and very roughly chop the onions, garlic and carrots, and trim the leek and celery, then blitz in a food processor until finely chopped

2. Heat the oil in your largest heavy-based pan over a medium heat, then add the onion mixture and fry for 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

3. Finely chop the remaining vegetables, then add to the pan and fry over a low heat for a further 20 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in the oregano, tomato purée and bay leaf, fry for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour in the chopped tomatoes.

5. Add the vegetable stock, then cover and let it bubble away over a low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally

6. Divide the sauce between freezer-proof containers and leave to cool, then label and pop into the freezer for up to 3 months, to use whenever you like.

Classifieds

FOR RENT

Break lease 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit in Rasmussen. Gated Units. Garage and on site parking. Will be vacant on the 22/23 June close to Becks Road and easy access to the Motorway. Very quiet units. Message Chris 0417639915.

FOR SALE

F1 Golden Groodle Puppies | 5x male 4x Female Wormed, Vaccinated, microchipped, 6 weeks old. Looking for their forever homes. Beautiful temperament, would make ideal family pet. Visitation by appointment. QLD Dog Breeder Register BIN: 0018057500401. Available from May 23rd, 2026. Cost $2500 each. Phone 0437581389 (20/5)

Westinghouse dual wall oven and De Vanti cooktop, ceramic glass. Both are used but did work when we removed them to install our new oven and cooktop. $300.00 for both. Call Geoff Kendall 0466 629 436 (8/6)

ANNANDALE - 4-bedroom,2-bathroom home, pool, fully fenced yard private and secure in a court, fully airconditioned, 2 huge indoor living areas along with a huge covered outdoor area. Walking distance to Hospital & James Cook Uni & Lavarack Military Base. Walking distance to chools, shops, and bus stops. Contact Monique 0450955736.

Mini dachshund AKA Bandit is a smooth coat,14 weeks old, pure breed Mini Dachshund male $1800. Bandit is up to date with all his vaccinations, worming and has been microchip. Bandit loves to snuggle and is the last little man looking for a loving lap. Bandit’s parents are pure breed dachshunds Mum is wild boar wirehair, and Dad is Chocolate smooth coat. Contact Kristina 0418 980 884 for photos of Bandit, can also provide photos of mum and dad. BIN: 0012133981650. (15/6)

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.