Issuu

25 SEPTEMBER 2026

Milestones celebrated at length-of-service events Read the full story on pages 4 and 5 PAGE 10 Public health issues syphilis outbreak advice

PAGE 14 Raj’s multiculutural award

Dear colleagues, It’s wonderful to be back in the health service after visiting family in Brazil. I am pleased to be back in Townsville, though I miss eating moqueca (fish stew) and ‘Romeu e Julieta’ (coal-grilled cheese + guava) every day. On the subject of Brazil, like the rest of Townsville, I’m looking forward to the Brazil v Socceroos game at Country Bank Stadium tonight. Sadly, a lastminute interstate trip has derailed my plans to join the street party; my Brazilian Aussie husband will now represent us! Brazilians and Australians have a lot in common; they love football (er, soccer), the beach, and good food (probably in reverse order). The street party will feature capoeira, Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo), and pastels (deepfried goodness). I have added this to the reasons I love Townsville; this community can make an event out of anything! Congratulations to everyone who received 20plus years length-of-service awards at our special ceremony at Townsville University Hospital last week. I said at the event that 20 years is an extraordinary commitment to any place and profession, and we all know that healthcare can be especially challenging. A common theme, though, among all the staff I spoke to was that there was no other job they’d rather do. More than 650 staff from across the health service are celebrating a milestone year of service this year and my sincere congratulations to all of you. Please keep an eye out for our rural presentation events scheduled in the coming weeks. For staff who are receiving 10 and 15-year certificates, or who couldn’t attend the TUH event, your certificates will be given to your service group directors who will arrange for their presentation. A huge congratulations to enrolled nurse Leana Touch who was presented with her 45-year certificate last week. Leana is our longestserving honouree this year; please enjoy her story on page 4 of this edition of the blah.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

This week, the Townsville Public Health Unit (TPHU) did some extensive community messaging on the spike in syphilis in our region. Many people don’t know they are at risk, or have no symptoms, and as TPHU Director Dr Steven Donohue said syphilis is the ‘great imitator’ because of its ability to mimic other conditions. As clinicians and community members, please ensure you are aware of the TPHU’s messaging and calls to action around safe behaviours (page 10 in today’s blah and on our social channels). We are now at the midpoint of the ‘Just 12’ survey. We are currently sitting at 2,372 completed surveys (or 28 per cent) with the highest numbers of respondents in non-clinical roles. I know how busy our clinical teams are but my appeal to you is to take a few minutes to scan the QRCode on your device and do the survey. It’s important for all our staff to remember that the survey is about your team and your individual workplace. ‘Just 12’ is open until 9 October. Completing the survey also means you go into the draw for one of our great daily prizes of $50 Visa cards, sponsored by RemServ. Next Thursday, 1 October, is the Kirwan Health Campus thank you barbecue. I’m looking forward to joining other members of the executive in cooking and serving staff their snags, steaks, and veggie patties on my first visit to Kirwan. I’m hoping the weather holds; there have been a few variable days this week where rain and unseasonable temperatures have made an appearance. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to your work across all disciplines and portfolios in the health service. It has been such a privilege to have landed in this place and I’m enjoying this opportunity acting as your HSCE very much. Have a great weekend and week ahead. Peta Bryant Acting Health Service Chief Executive

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Kirwan staff are invited to a thank you BBQ to celebrate their outstanding efforts in 2025-2026 Kirwan Health Campus

Thursday 1 October 11 am to 1pm

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney, nursing director Karen Jennings, enrolled nurse Leana Touch, and surgical service group director Idris Kamara

Memories of petticoats and patients as Leana celebrates 45 years Townsville University Hospital (TUH) enrolled nurse Leana Touch was just 16-anda-half years old when she first worked in the children’s ward at Townsville General Hospital (TGH) in North Ward over the school holidays. Last week, Leana was recognised at the recent TUH length-of-service event for 45 years of commitment to the health service spanning paediatrics, orthopaedics, gynaecology, medical wards, and outpatients, at both TGH and TUH. Leana said as soon as she finished Grade 10, she applied for nursing, passed her exams, and had never looked back. “My career has taken me across nearly every ward, including public and private wards,” Leana said. “But I’ve spent the bulk of my career in the central sterilising department, the heart of the hospital in my opinion.

“It’s an unsung unit that makes every surgery possible because if you don’t have a sterilised product, nobody can do anything.” Leana said life as a young nurse was very different 45 years ago with strict rules and conditions. “There was no calling anybody by their first name, it was always Sister such-and-such,” she said. “Every day they’d check that you had a petticoat on, and if you didn’t they’d send you home. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“But it was also wonderful and special; we used to have little concerts, and all the wards would participate. “Everybody knew everybody, someone could say ‘Mr Jones is in bed 52’ and you’d know exactly who they meant.” Townsville HHS acting chief executive Peta Bryant said Leana’s milestone was a testament to the kind of people who made the health service what it is today. “Leana has given so much behind the scenes in a department many people never see but every patient relies on; 45 years is an extraordinary contribution,” Peta said.

“Staff like Leana carry the history and culture of our health service with them and help shape the next generation of nurses and health workers.” Leana’s answer for why she has stayed with the health service for nearly half a century was simple: the work and the people. “It feels surreal to hit 45 years of service, I still drive past the old hospital and reminisce about what has changed, what remains the same, and the many special people I have been able to work with,” Leana said. “But I’m not ready to hang up my boots just yet, I’ve got a few more years left in me.”

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Annemaree Wone, Janine Warcon, and Rosemary Bengoa

Burdekin trio celebrates combined 120 years of service Three Burdekin staff members have reached a remarkable milestone together, clocking up a combined 120 years of service to the Ayr and Home Hill communities. Rosemary Bengoa, Janine Warcon, and Annemaree Wone each received their 40-year length-ofservice certificates at their local staff thank you events, marking four decades of dedication across administration, support services, and nursing. Rosemary started at the Ayr Hospital in 1985 in the front office, before moving to medical records to handle admissions and discharges and later into accounts payable, assets, and finance. Janine began in the Home Hill Hospital kitchen and has since worked across kitchen, cleaning, and laundry roles at both Ayr and Home Hill, before working as an orderly and now as an assistant in nursing at Home Hill. Annemaree’s career started at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane where she worked for four years as an enrolled nurse, before completing her registered nurse training in Townsville. She returned to the Burdekin after her first child was born and now works in the dialysis unit and the emergency department at Ayr. All three cited individual passions for keeping them in their roles for the past four decades.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

For Rosemary, it’s the people. “Your work colleagues and the friendships you make along the way keep you in the role,” she said. For Janine, it’s working in her own community and caring for patients. “We’ve had some funny moments; just the other night one patient was disco dancing in the hallway with me,” Janine said. For Annemaree, it’s variety. “I work in dialysis, sometimes in the emergency department, and sometimes on the ward, and because I have always worked across multiple areas I’ve never felt stuck in one place,” Annemaree said. Between them, the three have covered almost every corner of rural hospital life. Annemaree said the breadth of work came with the territory. “You need to know lots of different things when you work in a rural or remote hospital setting, so we are very busy,” Annemaree said. “But even with how much we have all achieved, I can’t believe it’s been 40 years; it feels like it happened overnight.”

Congratulations Rosemary, Janine, and Annemaree!

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Bradley Toombes, Anthony Reitano and

Shanai Hanfling, Amanda Berechree,

Kasey McKie

Carlie Bailie, and Isobel Yates

Shi-Anne Wallace, and Tanya Dumaresq

Ryan Gee, Zoe Rowsell, Bella Stanfield, and Evan Shatte

Donna Thorogood and Kim Benham

Elliott (Ben) Fox

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Ayr and Home Hill length-of-service event

Anthony Cussons, Rosemary Bengoa, and

Adrianne Belchamber, Cassandra Arboit,

Adrianne Belchamber

and Anthony Cussons

Adrianne Belchamber, William Smith,

Adrianne Belchamber, Denise King,

and Anthony Cussons

Cheryle Richter, Seanne O’Shea, and Janine Warcon

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Adrianne Belchamber, Helen LeBlowitz, and Jeanelle Black

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TUH 20+ years length-of-service event

Karen Ingram, Jocelyn Knowles, and Leisa Cassidy

Amy Ivey and Joanne Stitt

Mick Ward, Robert Moore, and Scott Goddard

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Dr Kunwarjit Sangla, Dr Susan Ireland, and Katrina Roberts

Rhonda Smith and Louise Hayes

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Townsville HHS public health syphilis warning “Many people have no idea they are at risk and have no symptoms, or mild or transient symptoms, which they may not seek treatment for, while at the same time being highly infectious.” Townsville University Hospital neonatologist Dr Sue Ireland said the hospital offered syphilis screening to all pregnant women. “Ideally, we would like every pregnant woman to undertake screening throughout pregnancy, but some may decline on the basis they don’t believe they’re at risk,” she said. “If the infection is detected in pregnancy, the woman and her partner can be successfully treated with antibiotics. “If the infection is untreated, the baby can contract congenital syphilis, a serious potentially lifethreatening condition where the infection is passed from mother to the baby, through the placenta.” Dr Sue Ireland and Dr Steven Donohue

The Townsville Public Health Unit (TPHU) is warning the community about persistently high levels of syphilis in the region, with major concerns that people not previosuly considered at risk are testing postive. TPHU director Dr Steven Donohue said the number of syphilis cases occurring in the past two years had been the highest recorded in almost a decade.

Dr Donohue said he believed the community may not realise how serious syphilis was. “It’s critically important people understand the seriousness of the outbreak,” he said. “Our message is simple: practise safe sex, use condoms, and if you’ve had unprotected sex or have had new or different sexual partners, please get tested. “Testing is free and confidential, and the infection can be cured.

“Last year, the health service had the most infectious syphilis notifications and the most symptomatic syphilis cases since 2017 and the most notifications in females of reproductive age since 2020,” he said.

“Noone will judge you; it’s essential that if you have even the mildest symptom, have had unprotected sex or new partners, even once, or are pregnant, you should get tested.”

“People currently testing positive are outside the usual risk groups which included the prison population, remote communities, drug users, and men who had sex with men.

Dr Donohue said symptoms of syphilis included genital or mouth sores, fever, fatigue, enlarged glands in the armpits or groin, or a rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, chest, or back.

“We are seeing cases in pregnant women and the heterosexual population, as well as more symptomatic cases, indicating recent and active transmission.

People concerned about syphilis or other sexually transmissible infections are encouraged to speak with their GP or healthcare provider or contact the Townsville Sexual Health Service for advice and testing.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Acting HSCE Peta Bryant

Fraud control framework helps keep us honest A new guide to prevent, detect and respond to fraud and corruption in the workplace has launched in the health service. Acting health service chief executive Peta Bryant said the Fraud and Corruption Control Framework was an important document for enabling staff to identify and prevent fraud. “We all have a responsibility to protect community confidence in public services, including our health service,” she said.

“We also all have a statutory obligation to report fraud and corrupt conduct, even if it is unintentional, so it’s important that we have appropriate controls in place including information and education.” Peta said that the Crime and Corruption Commission surveyed 19 Queensland Government departments (including all HHSs) in 2021 and the most common examples of corrupt conduct included nepotism or favouritism in recruitment, timesheet fraud, and the theft of resources.

“The Fraud and Corruption Control Framework is a useful resource to support this.” Peta said the Crime and Corruption Act also defined corrupt conduct as conduct that involved the exercise of a person’s official powers in a way that was dishonest, involved a misuse of information, or was a breach of trust of public office. “This can include the manipulation of a procurement process, preferential treatment of a family member, disclosure of commercially sensitive information, or failing to act on a conflict of interest,” she said.

“I would encourage all staff to read the framework and discuss it with their manager; knowing what fraud and corruption looks like, how to prevent it, and how to report it, is critical for maintaining public trust in health services.”

“Recruitment, timesheets and the use of public resources are everyday activities for many of our staff so it’s important that we understand the correct processes and our obligations,” she said. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Dr Luke Lawton and St Patrick’s College student Mala Brooks

Emergency doc joins driver training to save teen lives Of all of the emotionally distressing things Townsville University Hospital emergency specialist Dr Luke Lawton sees in his job, badly injured and dead teenagers from car accidents are the worst.

“The program provides not only the practical skills but also clearly makes kids see the consequences of speeding, drugs and alcohol, distracted driving, fatigue, loud music, phones, and talking to mates rather paying attention to the road,” he said.

Five years ago, Luke took the bull by the horns and applied for a community road safety grant to run a safe-driving course for local high schools.

“My part of the training is on the medical and human consequences of accidents, how to assist at an accident scene, and some home truths about drugs, alcohol, and cars.”

Last week, it was students from St Patrick’s College Townsville who spent the day with Luke and staff from the Advanced Driver Training Centre in traffic simulations and conversations about road safety. Year 12 student Mala Brooks, 17, said while she loved the independence of being a P-plater, the course had helped her understand the responsibility of being behind the wheel.

“It’s important that I know how to drive to weather conditions, look out for other drivers’ behaviours, and avoid distractions like music and chat,” she said. There is no doubt in Luke’s mind that the program is saving lives.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Luke said the consequences of a high-impact car accident were catastrophic. “Most people read or hear about someone being killed or critically injured in a car accident but probably don’t give a lot of thought to what actually happens,” he said.

“A human body involved in a high-speed accident suffers disastrous consequences.” Advanced Driver Training Centre director Colin Ugarte said the program had been delivered to more than 600 students over the past five years. “This program is about giving teenagers practical and preventative education including exploring situations that can happen when you’re in a car,” he said. blah blah blah Page 12

Jenny Veal and Dr Kelvin Robertson

Celebrating pill-ars of healthcare on World Pharmacists Day Pharmacists in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service have celebrated the ‘indispensable’ role they play in patient safety, treating health conditions, and making medication this World Pharmacists Day. Director of pharmacy Dr Kelvin Robertson said up to 90 per cent of patients who came into the health service received at least one form of medication during their stay. “We dispense more than 150,000 items each year to help patients while they are in hospital and when they go home,” he said.

“Our team makes sure accurate medication histories are taken, medications are optimised for the patient, and patients have a medication plan when they leave.” Assistant director of pharmacy Jenny Veal said pharmacy staff did more than fill prescriptions. “Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in the community and in a tertiary hospital setting our scope is very diverse,” Jenny said.

“Pharmacists ensure the medication therapy is appropriate for the patient’s diagnosis, provide guidance for safe administration, and that medications plans are adapted to meet specific patient requirements and circumstances.

“When all the professions work together, patients receive the highest standard of healthcare.” Kelvin said World Pharmacists Day was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the team’s hard work. “Our department is more than just pharmacists; we have a broad workforce including administration staff, clinical assistants, interns, and students,” he said. “World Pharmacists Day is an opportunity to recognise the dedication of our entire pharmacy team and their impact on patient outcomes. “I’d encourage everyone, if they’re going to a chemist today or see someone from the pharmacy team at the hospital, to thank them for their work.” World Pharmacists Day is celebrated globally on 25 September.

“We work closely within a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Multicultural champion honoured with lifetime achievement award “For example, if you come from another country to Australia then your view and interactions with the healthcare system might be completely different and you might not engage in getting the support you need because you don’t understand it. “Part of my role is to bridge that understanding through education and developing resources like rare language interpreters so our multicultural community feels more confident to engage with services like healthcare which then also helps to create a greater sense of belonging. “Receiving this award was very special because the nomination has come from the community so it tells me that we are doing something right.

“This recognition also reflects the dedication of clinicians across the health service who work every day to make our services more inclusive and culturally responsive. Raj Mudanzi and Amy Frame

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s multicultural health liaison officer Raj Mudanzi has received statewide recognition after more than two decades as a multicultural leader. Raj recently received the Highly Commended Lifetime Achiever award at the 2026 Multicultural Queensland Awards where he was recognised for his years of service, including his leadership in developing rare language interpreter pathways and supporting emerging community leaders. Raj said it came as a complete shock when he learned he had been nominated for an award. “I have been working alongside multicultural and refugee communities for a long time, helping them to navigate the system and giving them more confidence in engaging with government services like healthcare,” he said.

“Their commitment to understanding and supporting patients from diverse backgrounds is a vital part of the progress we are making together.” Chronic disease nurse navigator service nurse manager Amy Frame works with Raj and said he was very deserving of the award. “The work Raj has done to not only help people from different cultures understand how to access and use the healthcare system here, it is also helping clinicians work better with people from different backgrounds and that is incredible,” Amy said. “Since Raj has come on board with the health service, we have seen greater engagement from our multicultural community in accessing healthcare. “His work is helping to reduce some of those barriers and I am not surprised to see him recognised for the important work he has done in our community.” Congratulations, Raj!

“I was a refugee from Mozambique so I know some of the challenges people face coming to a new country and it is a privilege to be able to help people navigate those challenges. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Nurse manager resuscitation officer Jason Swain

New ieMR update assists managing patient deterioration A new update to ieMR will come online next week to encourage clinicians to apply critical thinking and focus on direct assessment of a patient’s clinical status. Nurses and midwives will be able to assess the overall clinical status of the patient to determine whether they are deteriorating, stable, or improving. The Digital Early Warning Tool & Modified Escalation and Observation (DEWT MEO) update includes changes to early warning score alerts and escalation planning, removal of the altered calling criteria, and addition of a new MEO plan Powerform.

“If a patient has a post-MET MEO plan in place, the clinician caring for the patient can still escalate concerns if they feel their patient is deteriorating.” Nurse manager resuscitation officer Jason Swain said the alerts would come via pop-up notifications while documenting a patient’s vitals. “The pop-up will appear on screen asking the clinician to go to the managing deterioration page, which shows a graph,” Jason said. “From there they’ll get a visual representation of how the patient is going; are they getting better, maybe getting worse? It will all be graphed on that page.”

ieMR DEWT MEO project lead Angela Eakin said one of the biggest changes was the introduction of the post-MET MEO plan.

Staff are encouraged to keep an eye out for the ieMR team who will be conducting in-service training sessions on the wards.

“When a patient’s early warning (EW) score is in the MET range, a doctor can put a post-MET MEO plan in place,” Angela said.

More information is available on QHEPS or by emailing iemr-TTH@health.qld.gov.au

“This allows them to monitor patients with abnormal vital signs who may continue to trigger MET calls that may not be necessary; this plan will not alter the patient’s EW score. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Lynn Corkill, Sean and Matthew Bill, Sandy Bill, and Narelle Burns.

Generous donation keeps diabetes campfire burning A Townsville mum has turned an award win into a gift for the Townsville University Hospital diabetes and endocrine centre that first supported her family more than a decade ago.

Sean and Matthew said they still remembered the camp and the opportunity it provided to connect with other kids with diabetes.

Sandy Bill was recently named winner of the Spirit of Generosity Award by Norwex Australia and New Zealand, and received a $2,000 cheque to donate to a charity close to her heart.

“When you have diabetes it can feel like you’re different to other kids, but when you go to a camp and everyone’s experiencing the same things it’s suddenly not so isolating.”

Sandy said she chose the diabetes and endocrine centre to support the hospital’s annual Type 1 diabetes kids’ camp.

The camp is run by diabetes educators, dietitians, and psychologists, as well as external volunteers with lived experience, and is open to children who attend the hospital’s diabetes clinic.

For more than 20 years, the weekend-long camp has brought together children with Type 1 diabetes and their families to connect with others through education sessions and fun activities.

“It was very special at the time and a lot of fun as well,” Sean said.

Diabetes nurse practitioner Lynn Corkill said Sandy’s donation would give more families the chance to attend.

Sandy’s sons Sean and Matthew attended the camp when they were younger and it had a lasting impact on the whole family.

“The camp is really beneficial, especially for kids that are newly diagnosed to meet other children that have had diabetes for some time,” Lynn said.

“In 2009, donations meant our family could attend the camp for free at a time when the cost would have otherwise been out of reach,” Sandy said.

“For parents it can mean enhanced education and new relationships and connections with other families that often continue long after the camp finishes.”

“It was most wonderful chance each year for the boys to connect with other kids, and us with other parents, going through the same challenges that we were.” Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Those wishing to donate to the annual Type 1 diabetes kids’ camp can do so via Brighter Lives.

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Townsville HHS and private dietitians came together for Malnutrition Week

Many faces makes managing malnutrition easier Townsville University Hospital dietitians paid tribute to their colleagues in health to mark Malnutrition Week last week. Renal dietitian Lakshika Dadigamuwage said the theme of ‘The many faces of malnutrition’ was particularly fitting this year as she acknowledged the breadth of the teams that worked together to curb malnutrition in patients.

“While we care for patients in the hospital, it’s important to provide comprehensive handovers to community dietitians, whether they’re our colleagues at Kirwan community health, or in private practice,” she said. BlueCare dietitian Peta Kopon said working with TUH dietitians made transitioning patient care from hospital to community easy.

“Our dietitians work closely with nurses and doctors on the wards and in clinics to monitor malnutrition markers in our patients,” Lakshika said.

“We appreciate the clear nutrition plans and recommendations when clients return home,” she said.

“We have a malnutrition screening tool (MST) which helps identify patients who are most at risk or showing a decline in their nutrition status during their stay in hospital.

“These help bridge the gap between hospital and community care and allow us to continue supporting our clients with confidence, consistency, and a shared goal of improving their health and quality of life.”

“During our rapid rounds, we touch base with the nurses, doctors, and allied health staff to ensure we get a full picture of which patients need the most nutritional support from us.” Lakshika said collaboration was key to the success of their work as dietitians. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Susan Champion, Dominique Wiseman, Lachlan Goodacre, Marta Gallardo Junyent, Carlye Rees, and Michelle Kennedy

Health and safety team supports National Safe Work Month The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s health and safety team is supporting National Safe Work Month the October, a national campaign that encourages workplaces across Australia to focus on safe and healthy work. Manager workplace health and safety Dominique Wiseman said this year’s Queensland Health campaign, Safe Work is For Life: Designing Work that Supports Healthy Workers and Safety Patient Care, was a reminder of the organisation’s commitment to safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces for all staff. “Throughout October, the health and safety team will be sharing resources and activities to help raise awareness, start conversations, and keep safety front of mind across our workplaces,” Dominique said. “I encourage everyone to get involved and take a moment to think about what safe work means to you and how even small actions can make a difference.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“Creating a safe, healthy and supportive workplace is everyone’s responsibility, and our team is here to help make that happen.” Dominique said the health and safety team worked closely with staff across the health service to promote a positive safety culture and ensure a safe environment for our staff, patients, and visitors. “While safety is everyone’s business, our team is committed to helping build a culture where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to speak up about risks and opportunities for improvement,” she said. “Throughout the month, staff can participate in a range of free webinars and activities covering psychosocial safety, mental health and wellbeing, fatigue risk management, occupational violence prevention, workplace safety leadership.” Click here to view the full program and register for events.

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I am very thankful for the treatment received when I presented to the ED. Both the nursing staff and doctor I saw were wonderful. TUH EMERGENCY DEPEARTMENT

Hello Doctors and all. Thank you for what you did for me about 6 months ago. You all helped save my life. Love you all. ICU

The doctor and nurses were very helpful and looked after me when I became ill due to pain and allergic reaction. Thank you. GYNAECOLOGY

A Brighter Note...

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton (second from left) and Brandon Bowls Club members

Brandon Bowls Club event raises more than $25,000 for Brighter Lives What started as three friends wanting to raise money for local cancer patients, resulted in 300 people coming together, more than $25,000 raised, and a celebration that continued well into the night at Brandon Bowls Club last Saturday. Brandon Bowls Club members David DeFranciscis, Jamie Wood, and Ben Mills came together to give back after cancer touched their lives, with their idea growing into a north Queensland-wide effort supported by bowls clubs from across the region. Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said seeing the Burdekin community come together was inspiring. “It was incredible to see the community get behind Brandon Bowls and Brighter Lives,” Stephanie said.

“The energy, generosity and support throughout the event was amazing and it was fantastic to be there and see firsthand the difference this community wants to make for local cancer patients.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Funds raised on the day were still being tallied with every dollar donated to Brighter Lives staying local to provide specialised cancer journals for newly diagnosed patients at Townsville University Hospital. David, who has experienced cancer firsthand, was inspired to host the event after a mate’s recent diagnosis. “My own cancer journey was tough, but having a journal made it much easier to walk through,” he said.

“I now encourage others to bring a journal with them to their appointments, and there hasn’t been a single person who has not been grateful for that advice.” The journals help patients keep track of appointments, record important medical information, write down questions and notes, and find guidance and support throughout their treatment. Stephanie thanked the Brandon Bowls Club and all the supporters who generously contributed to the evening’s success. blah blah blah Page 20

Capital works update

Ingham Health Service’s new staff accommodation units being assembled

Accommodating Ingham’s new staff units September has seen some of the biggest physical changes in the Hinchinbrook region as the Ingham staff accommodation project (SAP) ticked off another significant milestone. A convoy of trucks labelled “Oversized” were seen traversing across Ingham as 12 modular units were installed like Lego blocks during the second week of the month.

Once completed, the Ingham SAP will deliver 12 modern one-bedroom accommodation units, including two accessible units. The development also includes 12 covered car parking spaces with a dedicated carport, providing contemporary accommodation to support healthcare staff in Ingham.

Health Infrastructure Queensland Ingham SAP lead Elena Hsieh said construction was progressing well. “Practical completion is anticipated for early November, subject to weather conditions,” she said.

“Following this, the project will move into the commissioning phase, including the delivery and installation of furniture and equipment, proving a fully furnished, turnkey solution for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.”

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 Project: Multi-storey car park 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

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

Footy Finals Feeds: Chorizo and onion sliders with chimichurri aioli From taste.com.au Ingredients •

3 large red onions, cut into 1cm-thick rounds (see note)

•

8 mini brioche or damper rolls

•

4 chorizo, thickly sliced diagonally

Chimichurri Aioli •

1 cup whole-egg aioli

•

2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped

• • • •

2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method 1.

Make Chimichurri aioli; Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Heat an oiled barbecue hotplate and chargill on high heat. Cook onion on hotplate for 10 minutes or until softened, turning with a metal spatula halfway through cooking, to keep rounds together. Cook chorizo on chargrill for 3 to 4 minutes each side or until browned and heated through.

Meanwhile, wrap each roll in foil and place on barbecue hotplate for 5 minutes to heat through.

Remove rolls from foil and split in half. Dollop roll bases with 1/2 the aioli. Top with onion and chorizo. Dollop with remaining aioli, then top with roll tops. Serve immediately.

Note: Keep the onion rings together in one thick piece. Serve with coriander sprigs to add freshness.

Laugh of the week

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Classifieds FOR SALE

FOR RENT

F1b Cavoodle puppies. 1 x boy($2500) and 2 x girls ($2800). Will be ready week beginning 19/10/26. Will be wormed, 1st immunisation and microchipped. Please call 0405080170. Have BIN number for puppies. (25/9)

Break Lease – DOUGLAS - 4br, 2bath, house with pool, close to river. 10 min walk from Hospital. Unfurnished. Seeking new tenant to take over lease, 12 months preferred through Real Estate. $720 per week. Contact Gabrielle 0422100503 for details & viewing. (25/9)

HOUSE SITTER WANTED HERMIT PARK and THE LAKES: Looking for a reliable and trustworthy house sitter. Various dates required - 2 Weeks in October, 1 Week in November, 2 Weeks over Christmas period. Stay at house and care for much loved dog. Pool available. Call Robyn on 0447880158. (25/9)

WULGURU - Room for rent in a 2 bed/2bathroom upstairs unit. $310 per week. Suit short term contracts or international students/doctors. 1 small dog already at the unit. No drinking/drugs home. Contact Katia 04980000276 Spa & pool available at the premises.

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Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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