Issuu

28 AUGUST 2026

Multicultural Day celebrations brings multismiles to TUH Read the full story on page 3 PAGE 4 Nemo finds TUH’s ED grad program the best option

PAGE 9 Telechemo service launches in the Burdekin

Dear colleagues Earlier this week, our health service lost a much-loved and respected colleague, Dr George Kan. George dedicated more than 21 years to our health service, including about 20 years as director of the renal unit at Townsville University Hospital, and made a significant contribution to renal care across north Queensland. He was deeply committed to his patients and passionate about supporting the next generation of clinicians. George will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues, particularly those in our renal unit. I also remind staff that free and confidential support is available 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Program by contacting TELUS Health on 1800 604 640. Today, it was wonderful to see so many staff members come together for our Multicultural Day in the Robert Douglas Auditorium at Townsville University Hospital, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our workforce. We enjoyed staff-led performances, stories and cultural displays representing communities from around the world, along with some incredible food prepared and shared by our staff. Thank you to everyone who contributed to organising the event or came along to enjoy the celebrations.

Last week, I also had the privilege of attending an event marking 10 years of the Townsville region Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). It was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of collaboration between health, police, justice and support services to provide victimsurvivors with coordinated, compassionate and traumainformed care. It was wonderful to recognise those who have contributed to SART and helped build the strong, integrated response we have today. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone. Finally, I’m sure many of you have noticed the Townsville University Hospital campus has been a hive of activity as enabling works continue for our major expansion and new multi-storey carpark. Looking ahead, I’m excited to visit Kirwan Health Campus next week to formally celebrate the opening of its major expansion, delivering new and expanded maternity and oral health services for our community. This is an exciting time for our health service as we continue to invest in the infrastructure needed to support our growing community. Have a lovely weekend, Shellee Chapman Acting HSCE

Congratulations also to our new nurses who started their mid-year graduate nursing program this week. It’s always exciting to see new faces along our corridors and in our wards. For the first time, the Townsville University Hospital emergency department and short stay unit has welcomed a mid-year graduate cohort, with 12 nurses joining the program. This brings the total number of graduate nurses through our emergency department this year to a record 32. You can read more about it in the blah. Congratulations again to all our new graduates. I look forward to seeing more of you around.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Health service staff came together to celebrate diversity at the Townsville HHS Multicultural Day Celebration today which saw over 100 staff and friends enjoying a program of special, staff-led cultural performances. Attendees were treated to songs, stories and dance performances representing communities from across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The event closed with food and cultural displays showing off the diversity (and culinary skills) of our staff.

Dr Phyo Phyo Myint Lwin, Dr April Win, Dr Thazin Thazin, and Dr Thu Han Htet

Phillipino food at Multicultural Day

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Taylor Travers-Jones, Emma Brown, and Emma Hills

Dr Sandra Sy, Dr Sian Fennell, and Dr Anula Alam

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Colombian dance group

Dr Yan Liu and Dr Samson

Bonnie Zaghini, Penelope Hain, Michaela Tantillo, and Leland Michael

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Jenifer Barreto Arroyave

Samira Rasouli and Shirin Yousefi

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Jacinta Verzeletti and Steven Byrne

Lechon being served at Multicultural Day

Hamish Golding and Rod Stewart

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s event! Dr Trupti Jadhav - event MC Shiva – Singer Shyan Low – Presentation on Singaporean culture Maria Abalos & Lakambini group - Filipino dance performance Ashwita Vanga - Hindi story of sacrifice, faith & hope Jenifer Arryave & Herencia Latina group - Colombian folk dance Samira Rasouli - Presentation on Afghan culture NQ IMG Prep Program - Presentation on THHS IMG Prep Program Dr Sivagnanam Agilan & Dr Nila Kasianandan - Presentation on Townsville’s Tamil community Dr Soe San Htike (Pipi) - Presentation on Myanmar culture Shiva, Manu, Sujata, Nirasha, Deepa, Mamata, Ruju, Safal, Pradeep, Rusan - Nepali folk dance Michael Illin - Welcome to Country Ethel Quilala and Dr Michelle Harfield - Filipino Food

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Nemo Trakulkitcharoen and Travis Cole

Nemo finds TUH’s ED grad program the best option Registered nurse Nemo Trakulkitcharoen was one of 12 new nurses who started Townsville University Hospital’s first-ever emergency department and short stay unit mid-year grad program this week. The new nurses will spend the next 12 months learning everything about working in a busy ED environment with the opportunity to gain full-time employment afterwards. Nemo said he was excited to start his career in Townsville. “I am from Brisbane and I had a few options on where to go after I finished my studies, including staying in Brisbane, but coming to Townsville stood out as the best option for me,” Mr Trakulkitcharoen said. “Townsville has a busy ED where you are exposed to a lot of things while also having a great support network behind you to help. “I will have more opportunities to learn here and that was very appealing to me.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Nurse educator Travis Cole said a lot of planning had gone into making this work to ensure the supports were in place for all the nurses in the program. “There are already 20 graduate nurses employed in the ED and short stay unit and this additional cohort will make it the largest ever intake of graduate nurses in one year at the hospital’s ED,” Travis said.

“Over the next 12 months they will further develop critical care skills, competence in systematic patient assessment, managing the high acuity and chronically unwell patients, medication management, cannulation, analysis of blood test results, and comprehensive wound care. “The emergency program includes a number of assessment milestones throughout the graduate year which are credited towards further tertiary qualifications as well as also setting the graduates up for more permanent employment positions. “I am looking forward to seeing this group of graduates grow and develop their skills over the next 12 months.”

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Vicky Liashenko holding twins Obidiah Marama (left) and Hamid Marama (right).

TUH neonatal nurses recognised as one of Australia’s best Townsville University Hospital’s Vicky Liashenko has been named one of the best neonatal nurses in Australia after winning the Australian College of Neonatal Nurses 2026 Neonatal Nurse Excellence Award. Vicky was recognised for her more than 20-year career in neonatal nursing as well as her work to improve breathing for preterm babies at birth. She said it was a complete surprise to be presented with the award. “I didn’t even know I had been nominated so I was shocked to be told I had won the award,” Vicky said. “It’s cliché to say, but you don’t go into this line of work chasing recognition and it is very humbling that people have taken notice of the work I have done. “Ever since I was a little girl all I have wanted to do is help sick babies get better and working as a neonatal nurse has been a dream come true.” Vicky was presented with the award on International Neonatal Nurses Day and said the support had been overwhelming. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“I have been getting so many wonderful messages from colleagues, parents, and also some of the kids that I used to look after who have now grown up,” she said. “They’ve all congratulated me on the achievement and it has just been really special. “I have even had people reach out to me who were babies when I cared for them in neonatal intensive care more than 20 years ago.” Vicky said she considered herself very lucky to be doing something that she loved. “I see people during one of the most vulnerable points of their lives and being able to support them and help their babies get better and see them go home is really rewarding,” she said.

“It can be a tough job but I am surrounded by an amazing group of nurses and doctors who are always there for me. “I am very thankful to have won the award and for the ongoing support from everyone around me.”

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Katie Federici, Sarah Morris, Jun Liu, Donald McRae, Wayne Ace, Taija Kennedy, Ainsley Ferrando, With Eve Eynon on screen

Telechemo service launches in the Burdekin The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has brought cancer care closer to home for Burdekin residents by launching a telehealth chemotherapy service in Ayr.

Ambulatory oncology and medical infusion services acting clinical nurse consultant Taija Kennedy said that while it was early days the service was proving to be a success.

Eligible Burdekin cancer patients can receive chemotherapy at the Ayr Health Service with a doctor from the Townsville Cancer Centre joining remotely as part of the new service.

“This is quality of life improvement for our Burdekin oncology patients and their friends and family,” Taija said.

Burdekin local Wayne Ace was receiving treatment after he had a cancer removed and he said the service was a godsend for him and his family.

“Through this service the patients will still consult remotely with a doctor from the Townsville Cancer Centre and receive the treatment under supervision from a trained nurse at the Ayr Health Service.

“Getting chemotherapy done at Townsville would mean I am up and out of bed by 5am and not getting home until after 6pm,” Wayne said.

“It is still only a new service and we are limited to how many patients we can treat a week but there is capacity for this service to grow.

“It would be a big day of getting blood tests, doctor consults, and therapy. “There were times when I needed someone to take me as well which meant a whole day at hospital for them which could be stressful and fatiguing.

“A lot of work has gone on in the background to make this possible and it’s exciting to see this important service available for our patients in their hometown.”

“Having the service in Ayr has changed that to just a couple of hours every fortnight; it’s great. “It’s relieved a lot of the stress and anxiety of needing to get the treatment which has been huge for my family and me.” 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

(next to Federation Gardens)

Melissa Mills, TJ Yanner, Carley Wallace, Zachary Johnson, Alice Vivio, Heather Quirke, Emily Adams, Katie Bauer

Remote X-ray course brings hands-on experience to Townsville For the first time, training for future X-ray operators in regional and remote facilities has been held at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) and brought training closer to home. Hosted by the Cunningham Centre, which facilitates a range of training courses for Queensland Health staff, the remote X-ray operator practical workshop brought together staff from Tully, Richmond, Hughenden, Palm Island, and even as far as Doomadgee. Radiographer senior program coordinator from the Cunningham Centre Katie Bauer said the threeday workshop was the culmination of a significant learning journey and put theory into practice. “We run our online tutorials and lead them through most of the theory content, before they get familiar with the equipment,” Katie said. “The course participants work in small rural and remote communities where radiographers aren’t available, but there is a local need for access to basic radiography; our training allows them to apply for a limited license to perform X-rays within a defined scope at their local facility.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Katie said delivering the workshop in Townsville reduced travel costs by eliminating the need for participants to travel to the Cunningham Centre’s Toowoomba base and also provided valuable networking opportunities. “It also develops rapport with their local radiographers and strengthens connections with their nearest tertiary referral centre,” she said.

“TUH radiographers also get a bit of an insight into the challenges faced by staff in small, remote facilities.” Hughenden Multipurpose Health Service assistant in nursing Zachary Johnson said the workshop had been an invaluable experience. “To be able to come to a facility that’s relatively close for everyone and then have amazing people like Katie and TUH senior radiographer Heather Quirke teaching, it’s been such a great experience,” he said. The workshop highlighted the importance of supporting rural and remote healthcare workers with accessible training opportunities, helping to build local capacity, and improve patient care across regional Queensland.

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Deadly start trainees celebrating their graduation

A Deadly Start to a bright future in healthcare The latest group of Deadly Start trainees have celebrated their graduation after a year gaining hands-on experience at Townsville Hospital and Health Service. The school-based traineeship saw 13 students complete the program, gaining practical experience across allied health disciplines while working towards a qualification in allied health assistance. Among this year’s graduates was Thuringowa State High School student Alex Palmer, who discovered Deadly Start while considering his plans after school. “During my traineeship, I gained experience across areas like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology, medical imaging, rehabilitation, and community allied health,” he said.

“Reflecting on our first day, everyone was quiet and nobody was raising their hands to ask questions, but I’m proud to say we’ve all grown in confidence, professionalism and communication skills.” Alex said his grandmother’s experiences with chronic health conditions and the healthcare system had also helped shape his interest in healthcare. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“Growing up, my grandmother had multiple chronic illnesses and attending appointments with her gave me an understanding of the healthcare system, so this traineeship has really allowed me to build on that experience,” he said. Indigenous workforce coordinator Alisha Kyle said Deadly Start was designed to introduce students to potential career pathways while giving them practical skills and experience in a healthcare environment. “Hands-on experience and exposure to different roles helps students make more informed decisions about their future,” Alisha said. “Our allied health supervisors have been amazing in supporting the cohort and showing their commitment to increasing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. “This year, we proudly welcome 20 new trainees to our workforce. While the majority will be based at Townsville University Hospital, we are excited to expand our trainee opportunities across our rural facilities. For the first time, trainees will commence at both Ayr and Home Hill. This is an exciting step in strengthening our regional workforce and creating meaningful career pathways for our trainees across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.” blah blah blah Page 13

Melissa Gebert and Agnes Wotton

Art at the heart of new health building Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) new Kirwan Health Campus building is home to more than 40 pieces of art with a connection to the north Queensland region including award-winning Palm Island painter Agnes Wotton’s Waratah Flowers. The painting hangs on the walls on the ground level at maternity services and Agnes said the flowers symbolise a woman’s story. “Thousands of years ago the waratah flower was white and it turned red after a female dove went looking for her partner who had gone hunting for food,” Agnes said. “While she was searching for her partner she was attacked by a bigger bird and bled out on the flower, forever turning it red. “The flower is a symbol of the sacrifice women make, especially for the ones they love. “There are also butterflies throughout the painting which represent new life as well as a woman’s transformation into motherhood.” Agnes has sold more than 130 pieces of artwork across Australia and said she was proud to have some of them on display across the health service. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“When I was about 18 years old I was at the old Townsville General Hospital and there was a painting which caught my eye and I said to myself that I would like to have one of artworks on display at the hospital one day,” she said. “All these years later and I have paintings at Townsville University Hospital and now the Kirwan Health Campus. “It’s very special for me to see my artwork on display and at places of healing.” Townsville HHS arts in health lead Melissa Gebert had been responsible for sourcing the artwork. She said it was great to be able to get artwork from artists like Agnes. “North Queensland is very spoilt for choice with artists and it was a difficult job selecting the artwork for this project,” Melissa said.

“Artwork has a huge impact for patients as it helps to reduce stress, lower pain perception, and makes clinical spaces more welcoming. “A lot of work went into creating and sourcing the artwork and I am sure everyone will appreciate the stories and meanings behind them.”

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Honey Newman

Honey shines as Queensland’s only midwife honouree Townsville University Hospital midwife Honey Newman has received statewide recognition for her dedication to supporting women, families, and her colleagues. Honey, the hospital’s maternity unit manager, was the only midwife recognised among 14 Queensland winners in QSuper’s 2026 International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day awards. She was nominated by colleague Shannon Lambert, who praised Honey’s unwavering commitment to both her team and the women and families they care for. “Honey is dedicated to supporting her staff and ensuring women and families receive the highest quality evidence-based care,” Shannon wrote in her nomination. “Her leadership is grounded in responsibility, compassion and a genuine desire to create a safe, high-performing and supportive environment.” Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Honey said the recognition was incredibly humbling and reflected the dedication of the entire maternity team. “I feel very fortunate to work alongside such compassionate and talented midwives every day,” she said. “This award is really a celebration of our whole team; we support one another through some of the most important moments in women and families’ lives, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey.” Women’s and Children’s Service Group director Vicki Carson said Honey’s recognition was richly deserved.

“This is wonderful recognition for Honey, our maternity service, and the exceptional care our teams provide to women and families across our community,” she said.

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Melissa Illin, Paul Mateos, Kath Laspena, and Kadell Fotinos

SART celebrates a decade of vital support The Townsville region sexual assault response team (SART) celebrated a decade of collaborative, victim-centred care at a special event last week. With the theme ‘Supporting Survivors. One Team. A Decade of Collaboration’, the milestone event brought together key representatives and community members to reflect on 10 years of coordinated service delivery, and to look ahead at priorities for the next decade of best-practice response. SART brings together health, police, justice, and support services in Townsville to provide a coordinated, trauma-informed response for survivors of sexual assault. THHS clinical forensic medicine unit nursing director Kadell Fotinos has been part of SART since its inception and said the model had grown into a strong, integrated and best-practice response. “At its heart, SART has always been about agencies working together to ensure victim-survivors receive coordinated, compassionate and trauma-informed care, with their rights, choices and safety at the centre of the response,” Kadell said. Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“The anniversary gave us an opportunity not only to reflect on how far we have come, but to look ahead with a shared commitment to strengthening our partnerships and improving the response for victimsurvivors over the next decade.” THHS acting chief executive Shellee Chapman said the milestone belonged to everyone who had been part of the journey, from the clinicians and support workers to justice and community partners. “SART exists because survivors of sexual assault deserve a response that is coordinated, compassionate and trauma-informed from the very first contact,” Shelley said. “Ten years on, that commitment hasn’t wavered and the team continues to work to make sure the community has access to the support they need, when they need it. The celebration was also marked with the release of newly developed SART website and video resources and closed with victim-survivors’ voices shared with attendees, words of thanks and messages of support. For more information on SART please visit the website. blah blah blah Page 16

Focus on alcohol-free pregnancies for FASD forum As part of FASD awareness month, in collaboration with James Cook University (JCU), the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), and the Department of Education, Shannon has teamed up with colleagues from the child development service (CDS) FASD clinic, the alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs service (ATODS), and the drugs and alcohol brief intervention team (DABIT) to present at the FASD Forum next month. CDS FASD clinical intake officer Caitlin Craner said she was excited to continue the conversation from the last forum, held two years ago. “The forum will provide an update about the progress being made in Townsville and across the north in the FASD space,” Caitlin said. “It’s quite an interactive event where we can connect and collaborate with all the services who work with families and children with FASD.” Marta Bogacz-O’Malley, Caitlin Craner, Shannon Lambert, and Amanda Ah Chee

Clinicians have donned their brightest red shoes ahead of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) awareness month to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Clinical midwife consultant for the Supporting Healthier Pregnancies Initiative Shannon Lambert said alcohol can affect a developing baby before the woman even knows she is pregnant. “The ‘Red Shoes Rocks’ campaign is an international campaign which raises awareness for FASD and the risks of alcohol consumption in pregnancy,” Shannon said. “In Australia about 50 per cent of pregnancies are unplanned, and the early stages of pregnancy are very susceptible to the effects of alcohol so we recommend if you’re thinking about or trying to get pregnant, you should try to abstain from alcohol.

Clinical nurse consultant DABIT Amanda Ah Chee said the event would provide clinicians with the tools break down the stigma of alcohol use during pregnancy. “It’s important for clinicians to provide nonjudgmental support to parents who come seeking help,” Amanda said.

“The connections and knowledge gained through this event will help strengthen our capacity to provide a holistic, informed, and person-centred approach for patients and consumers seeking support.” The FASD Forum will take place at JCU on Thursday 3 September. For more information, contact Shannon.Lambert@ health.qld.gov.au

“There’s also emerging evidence that a man’s alcohol use before conception may affect a baby’s development.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Symposium presenters Caitlin Craner, Courtney Fisher, Kate Laffey, Kendall McSherry, Fran Cochrane, and Michaela Tantillo

Celebrating communication creating possibility Paediatric speech pathology took a focus this year at the annual Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) speech pathology symposium for Speech Pathology Australia Week. Held in the Robert Douglas Auditorium, speechies from across the Hospital and Health Service attended in person or online to celebrate the work of speech pathologists in the region and reflected on this year’s theme, ‘Communication Creates Possibility’. Assistant speech pathology director Renne Sayce said the theme was a beautiful reminder of their purpose as speech pathologists.

“We had a focus on paediatrics this year at the symposium because there are some amazing new initiatives within paediatrics across our community,” Renee said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“Amongst the amazing presentations from our staff, guest speakers included Petrea Cornwell, the new associate professor and academic head of speech pathology at James Cook University, Kendell McSherry from the Department of Education, and Shaun Ziegenfusz, co-chair of Speech Pathology Australia’s Queensland branch. “It was great to see speechies from the hospital, community, and our colleagues in the private sector represented on stage and in the audience.” Renee said the week was an excellent opportunity for speech pathologists to take a moment and acknowledge the role they played in healthcare. “As speech pathologists, we know that communication is much more than words,” she said. “It’s about connection, participation, identity, relationships, and having a voice. “It can open doors, create opportunities, and change the way someone experiences the world.” blah blah blah Page 18

Open for BEMS-ness “Overall, the Tec-NQ Open Day was a valuable and successful event, allowing BEMS to showcase the diverse work we undertake and raise awareness of the important role out team plays in supporting the health service.”

D’Arcy Dugmore and Hannah PayneBaudino

Last weekend, the building, engineering, and maintenance services (BEMS) team went back to school for the Tec-NQ Open Day. The local trades school opened its doors to the public and provided the BEMS team an opportunity to connect with students, staff, and industry representatives, and encourage the next generation to consider a career in trades and building services.

Allan Reilly and Paul Judge at Tec-NQ open day

Trades manager building services Allan Reilly said the day was a highly valuable opportunity to spruik the department and the important role they play across the wider HHS. “Many of the attendees we spoke to were unaware of the scope of services delivered by BEMS, including statutory, preventative, corrective maintenance, and new works across the hospital and surrounding facilities,” Allan said. “The event also gave us the opportunity to connect with trainees and organisations, such as STEPS, promote the skills we support, and discussing the potential work experience and placement opportunities. Allan Reilly, Paul Judge, and Hannah PayneBaudino

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Thank you for your tireless care of our family member, given with professionalism and patience. You gave him respect and dignity and it was very much appreciated. MED 5

I am a recent patient at the Townsville University Hospital’s Maxillofacial Surgery Department. I commend the professional and efficient way in which the doctors and staff assisted me over the past 18 months. They helped me to overcome any concerns I may have had regarding dental surgery. Always courteous and encouraging. Well done.

MAXILLOFACIAL TEAM

Thank you for caring for our family during pregnancy and birth. You made a really challenging time easier – Thankyou. MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE

A Brighter Note...

Stephanie Naunton and Garreth Turner

Annual Charity Golf Day tees sff to support NQ Patients The Shine Lawyers and Brighter Lives Charity Golf Day was held today at Townsville Golf Club, raising funds for the hospital foundation.

“This year’s event is set to be another resounding success with a sold-out field of more than 120 players ready to hit the course.

Now in its fourth year, the event has raised over $50,000 for the foundation over the years.

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said local businesses had really got behind the event with sponsorships and raffle prizes.

The funds raised from previous golf days have been directed to the purchase of a two Mindray monitors for Palm Island Health Centre, freeing up other equipment in the emergency department.

“The annual charity golf day has strong support from the north Queensland community, with many players returning for their fourth year,” Stephanie said.

Shine Lawyers’ Garreth Turner and Lisa Flynn recently visited Palm Island to see the equipment in person.

“The Shine team go the extra mile to ensure every player has a fantastic day out as well as raising funds for the foundation

“It was fantastic to meet the healthcare team on Palm Island. Having the Mindray machines on Palm Island will enhance the level of care available in the remote community,” Garreth said.

“We would like to thank Shine for organising such an incredible event.

“We are proud to be able to fundraise for equipment that will help so many people.

“Thank you to all players, sponsors, businesses who donated prizes, every donation helped make a real difference for local patients and health services in north Queensland.”

Capital works update

Melissa Varnes, Dennis Clark, Janice Clark, and Damian Parker

Pop-up booth draws big numbers for feedback This week, staff and visitors who went to Townsville University Hospital were given the chance to provide their thoughts and feedback at a pop-up engagement booth.

“People told us they understand construction can be disruptive, but they want to feel confident that can still get to the hospital, find a car park, and easily locate the services they need,” she said.

Under the guidance of principal consumer and community engagement advisor Melissa Varnes, the Townsville University Hospital Expansion Project team set up their engagement booth at the main entrance of the hospital and spoke to over 500 people about their priorities, wishes, and concerns about the expansion project.

“Clear wayfinding, accessible pathways, and good communication about any changes were consistently identified as the most important factors for reducing stress and improving their hospital experience.

Melissa said the strongest theme of the three days of engagement was the importance of making the hospital easy to access and navigate, particularly during construction, with convenient onsite parking and clear, easy-to-read directional signage the top priorities.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

“The feedback is helping the project team understand what matters more to people who access the hospital everyday. “Understanding these priorities early allows the project team to develop practical solutions that minimise disruption during construction and create a hospital that is easier and more welcoming to use.” blah blah blah Page 22

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

Shirin’s afghan sweet cake Ingredients Cake batter

2 cups self-raising flour 2-3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup lukewarm milk 1 tablespoon yoghurt ½ cup raw sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder a pinch of salt Sugar syrup

2 cups sugar 1 cups water ½ lemon 1 teaspoon rosewater cardamom, to taste Decoration

desiccated coconut or chopped pistachios/ chopped walnuts Method

Laugh of the week

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

In a large bowl, add the flour, eggs, vegetable oil, lukewarm milk, yoghurt, raw sugar, baking powder and salt.

Mix well until all ingredients are combined and you have a smooth cake batter.

Pour the batter into a greased baking tray and spread evenly.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes at 180°C, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.

Add lemon, cardamom and rosewater. Simmer for approximately 5–10 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into squares or diamond-shaped pieces.

Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak into the pieces.

10. Sprinkle with coconut or chopped pistachios for decoration. 11. Allow the cake to sit for a little while so the syrup can absorb before serving. Tip: For the best flavour, let the cake rest for at least 1-2 hours after adding the syrup.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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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

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.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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