blah blah blah | 30 January

TOWARD 2030

Dear colleagues,

We are already at the end of our first month of the year, meaning two things - barramundi season is about to open, and school is back for many of the parents out there. I’ve enjoyed a few chats with some of you as people have returned to work and it’s great that it seems most of us are back for 2026. I did want to acknowledge our rural colleagues, in particular Ingham and Richmond, who have this week again been dealing with multiple road closures and associated impacts from flooding –well done, team!

Today, we have officially launched the consultation process for our new strategic plan. The strategic plan is the roadmap for our organisation and one of our most important documents. Our current plan is set to expire this year, and we are now looking forward to defining who we want to be through to 2030. This document isn’t just a corporate requirement; it’s the blueprint that outlines the strategies we will pursue over the next four years and how we will measure our success in delivering for our community.

The best ideas come from the corridors, the clinics, and the community hubs. This is a collaborative document, and the health service needs your input to ensure it reflects the realities of modern and future healthcare in north Queensland. To make this as easy as possible, there is a short questionnaire available on QHEPS for you to share your thoughts. Beyond the digital space, I’ll be hitting the road over the coming weeks to visit our various facilities and also engage with specific staff groups including our BEMS and support services staff. I’m looking forward to chatting with as many of you as possible to hear your vision for our future. There’s more information about the consultation and the questionnaire in this blah and on QHEPS.

We are also turning our focus to the next phase of Just 12, the Gallup survey more than 3,000 of you completed last year about staff engagement.

Now that we have received the data, we’re moving to turning those results into action. Some clear themes emerged around reward and recognition and having the tools and equipment to do your jobs effectively. I also read every line of your free text feedback and I’m grateful for your honesty, frankness, and insights. Read more about the next steps in Just 12 in this edition of the blah.

I was thrilled to hear our own Professor Kunwarjit Sangla was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on Sunday. Whether he’s wearing his hat as a doctor, researcher, teacher, or advocate, his dedication to patients living with diabetesparticularly First Nations peoples and those in our remote areas - is unparalleled. It is a well-deserved honour for a man who has given so much to our region. Congratulations, Professor Sangla!

Speaking of recognising our best, nominations for the 2026 Townsville Hospital and Health Service Staff Excellence Awards have opened today. These awards are a highlight of the year for me because they shine a light on the individuals and teams who live our vision, purpose, and values every day. If you know a colleague who exemplifies excellence in rural health or a team that has a deep commitment to wellness, please nominate them. Nominations will be open for a month. For more information, including how to nominate, go to QHEPS.

And finally, during the next couple of weeks, we will be welcoming our allied health, nursing, and midwifery graduates to the health service. I’m looking forward to meeting with some of them next week during their orientation, and hearing from them about why they chose to work and learn at the Townsville HHS.

Thank you for everything you do. I look forward to seeing many of you soon to talk about our 2030 vision.

kk

Nominations for the 2026 Staff Excellence Awards are now open!

Do you know a colleague or team exemplifying the Townsville Hospital and Health Service Values, Vision, and Purpose?

Recognise their contribution to healthcare in our region by nominating them in one of the awards categories of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Engagement, Vision, Purpose, Excellence in Staff Wellbeing or Rural Health Worker of the Year.

Please submit your nomination by 5pm Friday 27 February 2026. For more information, please contact Public Affairs at tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au

TOWARD 2030

A Strategic Plan for Our Shared Future

Click here or scan the QR code to complete the strategy refresh survey

HHS staff to look toward 2030 for new strategic plan

Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff are being called upon to help shape the future of healthcare in north Queensland.

Work has started on the 2026–2030 strategic plan, with a month-long consultation blitz set to capture the voices of staff.

Chief executive Kieran Keyes said the call came as the current strategic plan neared the end of its cycle.

“The success of the strategic plan will depend on the involvement of staff not just in its delivery, but in its design,” Kieran said.

“Developing this roadmap is an opportunity to reflect and consider where we want to go next as a health service.

“This plan relates to every employee in our health service, whether you are in a clinical or supporting role.

“It must reflect our shared ambition and values as well as our commitment to the individuals, families, and communities of our region.”

Board Chair Tony Mooney said the health service needed the help of its people to chart the course for the next four years.

“A strategic plan serves as the compass for the organisation and the most effective strategies are not made in boardrooms,” Tony said.

“Great strategies are built on the experiences and insights of the people delivering care and supporting operations every day.

“You know the challenges we face and the opportunities we have better than anyone.

“Whether it is improving patient experiences or finding better value care, your voice is essential in defining how we move forward.”

Consultation sessions will be held across the health service over the coming weeks to gather feedback.

Kieran said it was important for staff to take part in the sessions to ensure the new plan was a true reflection of the health service and its ambitions.

“I will be engaging with staff during an extensive consultation roadshow next month, where I will get out to as many places as I can to talk directly with as many people as I can,” he said.

“Staff will also be given the opportunity to engage through two ‘townhall’ style sessions and a digital survey.

“We expect to have the draft strategic plan to the Board by March and for the new strategic plan to be adopted at the start of the new financial year.

“Click here for more information on the strategic plan, and click here to complete the digital survey.”

Order of Australia for clinician extraordinaire

Townsville University Hospital’s Professor Kunwarjit Sangla has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours.

Professor Sangla has dedicated more than 20 years to continuously improving the care of people living with diabetes, gestational diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes in pregnancy in north, north-west, and central Queensland.

Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said Professor Sangla wore many hats - doctor, researcher, teacher, patient advocate - and his passion for rural and First Nations health was unparalleled.

“I suspect there isn’t another known clinician who can match Professor Sangla’s footprint in the delivery of face-to-face care to people in regional Queensland,” he said.

“He has addressed major barriers to equity and equality of care and smashed through obstacles with quiet determination and a passion for continuous improvement.”

Medical director children’s services and paediatric endocrinologist Dr Jason Yates said Professor Sangla had driven the growth of the endocrinology department into a centre for excellence.

“His leadership and advocacy for both endocrinology and medicine in general has been immeasurable,” he said.

“His advocacy and mentorship have provided a framework for the development of paediatric endocrinology in the health service and his dedication to delivering care to at-risk Queenslanders and those living in rural and remote areas is the stuff of legend.”

Head of the Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease Professor Jonathan Golledge said Professor Sangla had played a key role in advancing new models of care for patients with vascular disease.

“Professor Sangla’s contribution to medical care, new models of care, and evidence-based practice is exceptional,” he said.

“He is an outstanding clinician, innovative thinker and problem-solver, and researcher and peer reviewer of the highest calibre.”

Professor Sangla said he was delighted yet humbled by the honour.

“This honour is both deeply personal and a tribute to the incredible communities I’ve had the privilege to serve,” he said.

“And I’d like to say a huge thank you to my wife, Tina, who has been beside me every step of the way.”

Congratulations, Professor Kunwarjit Sangla AM.

Tiny bug, big impact for stroke prevention

More than a year since it was introduced to Townsville University Hospital’s stroke unit, the HeartBug has proven itself to be a valuable tool for stroke aftercare and prevention of future strokes.

Initially trialled in October 2024, the HeartBug is a discreet, wearable electrocardiogram monitor which has made the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) easier and more convenient for stroke patients and clinicians.

Stroke clinical nurse consultant (CNC) Nerida Myers first came across the HeartBug at a nurse education forum, where the monitor was recommended by another Queensland-based stroke CNC.

“HeartBug is funded by Medicare, so knowing that it was free for us and the patient we ordered 10 as a trial,” Nerida said.

“We put the first one on in October of 2024 and, to date, we’ve had 300 patients use them.”

Nerida said the HeartBug made monitoring and detection of AF more comfortable for patients.

“Patients get monitored with the telemetry when they’re an inpatient, usually for 48 hours, but sometimes you need a longer monitoring period to capture AF,” she said.

“Previously, we only had Holter monitors, which are bulkier, and patients couldn’t shower with them.

“A lot of our patients will wear the HeartBug for up to 28 days and it can be worn in the shower, the only restriction is that you can’t submerge the device in a pool or bathtub.”

Another major advantage of the device was the freedom it provided to patients and their healthcare teams.

“Many remote patients didn’t want to wear the Holter monitors because it required them to return to hospital 24-48 hours later,” Nerida said.

“For someone who lives two hours west of Charters Towers, that was a huge inconvenience.

“With the HeartBug, they get it when they’re discharged, and when their monitoring period is over, they just pop it in the post, it goes back to HeartBug headquarters in New South Wales, and we receive a full report upon receipt of the device.

“We also receive instant notifications if a patient is experiencing AF, enabling us to get in contact with them immediately and correct their medication to avoid future strokes.

“It’s made a huge difference to the way we capture data and diagnose AF in a timely manner.”

Results are in

Just 12 results to drive positive change across HHS

Improving recognition for staff where they work and ensuring they have the tools to do their jobs effectively were two key themes that emerged from last year’s Just 12 staff engagement survey.

More than 3,000 staff completed the survey last September.

Powered by analytics giant Gallup, the confidential survey posed 12 questions to gauge the satisfaction, commitment, and morale of health service staff at work.

Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said Just 12 was a ‘multiyear’ commitment to measuring engagement in the health service and taking steps toward improvement in line with the results.

“We will be repeating this survey over the next four years, including later this year, so we can clearly map and measure where we are, and aren’t, improving,” he said.

“It’s important that we establish the baseline and then track trends and improvements over a fiveyear period.

“It’s also imperative that we identify any teams that are not improving in their engagement scores to make sure there is extra effort where it’s needed.”

Kieran said the appointment of a director of staff engagement and cultural transformation would provide the organisation with expert, focused support to build a thriving culture.

“I’m delighted to welcome Brian Allen to the team,” he said.

“Recognition emerged strongly across the health service as an area for improvement and Brian will review our current recognition practices and provide recommendations for all managers and teams for a refreshed approach that is meaningful for our workforce.”

Kieran said ensuring staff had the tools and equipment to do their jobs emerged as another key theme.

“Going forward, we need to find ways to remove the barriers to this by having conversations to understand gaps and develop actions plans to ensure that people have the right tools and their workplaces are safe and functional.”

Kieran said investing in managers was also key.

“The plan going forward is for leaders and managers to spend dedicated time with Engagement Champions to understand the key insights within their team’s Just 12 results, identify the themes that matter most to their people, and work with their teams to agree team-level actions,” he said.

Kieran said the optional free text field at the end of the survey was well utilised.

“The responses showed me there is a strong appetite for more supportive leadership, transparent communication, improved interdepartmental collaboration, and better workload management,” he said.

“There was also a very strong message about leadership addressing and holding people to account for poor behaviour or performance.”

Kieran said managers would have their Just 12 results, with the free text responses available on 12 February.

“We’re asking teams to agree on one or two achievable actions to commit to over the next three to six months; these work-ons should genuinely matter to all team members,” he said.

“Small, targeted improvements done consistently will lift engagement across the organisation.

“Just 12 provides us with a simple, powerful lens on what matters most to our people.”

Kieran said the true impact of the survey depended on what actions each team took.

“We will be sharing examples of teams that are achieving results, and I want to thank every leader, manager, Engagement Champion, and team member who is contributing to this work,” he said.

“Together, we are building what will shape the future of the health service - one conversation, one action, one improvement at a time.”

You can view the Just 12 results here Just 12 | Townsville HHS | People and Culture

Community team engaged, supportive say Just 12 results

The older persons mental health team’s results in last year’s Just 12 survey reflected its strong, positive, and highly engaged workplace culture, something that came as no surprise to team leader Kellie Hindom.

“The results were not surprising and aligned with our operating premise of striving for potential, thinking independently, learning from mistakes, and valuing quality and creativity,” she said.

Older persons mental health is a community-based mental health team supporting people over 65 with a first episode of mental illness, including people in residential aged care with challenging behaviours caused by dementia and other cognitive decline.

One of the team’s highest scores was in response to the question ‘knowing what is expected of me at work’.

“Our team has developed processes that align closely with our KPIs, meaning everyday assessments and documentation naturally support performance requirements,” Kellie said.

“Regular team planning days play a key role, giving staff a voice in shaping how work is done.”

The older persons mental health team also had strong results in care and connection within the team.

“I’m really proud that our team describes our work unit as cohesive, respectful, and non-judgemental,” Kellie said.

“Informal daily check-ins help team members support one another, whether challenges arise at work or outside of it.”

Kellie said she was interested to see the question ‘I have a best friend at work’ also rated highly.

“While some staff didn’t necessarily connect with the wording, they agreed it reflected having trusted colleagues they could rely on for support and encouragement,” she said.

“It was confirmation that they had someone in the team who had their back.

“We were able to acknowledge our low staff turnover, strong sense of purpose, and shared commitment to making a difference for individuals and families.

“The team’s overall vibe is clear; they’re proud to be part of something bigger than themselves and, as a manger, that makes my heart sing.”

Brian cultures experience and passion to improve staff engagement

‘What happens to people when they walk through the doors at work’ is a question that has driven new health service director staff engagement and cultural transformation Brian Allen in a long career in executive leadership and coaching.

Brian said people were key, and thriving at work included contributing to ‘getting the core right’ and this was his focus in delivering on the Just 12 survey results.

“The Just 12 survey and process are made up of 12 core things that staff need to perform to their best and thrive at work,” he said.

“One of the reasons I came to the Townsville HHS was to try and move the dial and create a more positive legacy in healthcare.

“It’s personal for me, too. Healthcare has always been close to home.

“My mum worked in healthcare her entire life and, while the work is demanding, the commitment of the people within it is extraordinary.

“Showing care for all – patients and staff – should be the best in healthcare. That is what attracted me here and to a genuine opportunity to strengthen a large, diverse health service in a way that makes life and work better for our people.”

Brian said the first Just 12 survey gave the HHS the initial opportunity to listen to the voices of more than 3,000 staff members and share the results.

“The next step is action; the executive and all teams are being asked to discuss and agree one or two engagement drivers to work on,” he said.

Brian’s early work in the HHS includes supporting leaders and managers to work on engagement drivers; helping teams identify one or two focused ‘work-ons’; working with Engagement Champions to build capability and confidence in engagement practice; and reviewing the HHS-wide feedback in recognition and basic work needs.

“This will enable recommending improvements and preparing for the second Just 12 survey in September this year,” he said.

Brian said consistently applying the right actions locally within teams created the conditions for long-term engagement.

“When teams talk openly about what matters, commit to something achievable, and then deliver that’s where trust is built, and engagement grows,” he said.

“Sustainable engagement has measurable, system-wide impacts that show up in patient care, workforce stability, safety, and improved experiences.

“Over the next few years, we will work on aligning the tangible healthcare outcomes that flow from improved engagement.”

Outside of work, Brian is loving getting to know Townsville.

“The Strand, Castle Hill at dusk, the excellent pools, great eateries and connecting with all the people in this community have been a welcome introduction to the city,” he said.

“I’ve also signed on as a coach at the Brothers Townsville club; all rugby clubs do good engagement,” he said.

Brian can be contacted at brian.allen@health.qld. gov.au

Long-awaited extended renal service for Charters Towers

Charters Towers dialysis patients have been given reason to celebrate as the Charters Towers Health Service prepares for the extension of its dialysis service next month.

Set to launch on 16 February, the extended service will increase the current dialysis capacity from one session, three times a week, to one session, six times a week, with four chairs available per session.

Nursing director community health, older people, ambulatory care, and outreach services Mary Leech said the extension was required following a review into the demand for the service in the community.

“We identified a further four patients who could benefit from the service and following ongoing discussions, we managed to secure some funding to extend the service to six days a week,” Mary said.

“This has enabled us to transfer those four patients to the local service in Charters Towers, eliminating the time commitment required to travel to Townsville to receive dialysis.

“It is absolutely fantastic to be able to offer them the opportunity to have dialysis closer to home.”

Charters Towers resident Annette Moylan said the news of the extra chairs would have a huge impact on her life, cutting back on the hours she must travel to receive treatment.

“I leave the house at 6am and I don’t get home until the same time in the afternoon,” she said.

Currently, Annette receives dialysis twice a week and chemotherapy once a week at Townsville University Hospital.

“The days feel really long when you’re 75-years-old, it’s very tiring but I will not miss any appointments so this might mean having a bit more life again,” she said.

Mary said stories like Annette’s were the reason an extended service in the Towers was so valuable.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to is so excited and happy they won’t have to travel or travel as much,” she said.

“With storm season as well, we know that weather conditions can prevent patients from being able to travel to Townsville.

“We’ve been talking about wanting to do this for some time, waiting for certain things to fall into place so it is exciting that we can finally roll this out for the community.”

Parkinson’s patients get a new pump up

A new treatment for Parkinson’s disease was recently adopted by the Townsville University Hospital neurology team and has provided patients with a less invasive option to help manage their condition.

Vyalev was introduced late last year and, when combined with two medicines, foscarbidopa and foslevodopa, administered by a small wearable pump subcutaneously to the patient, treats motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s.

Clinical director neurology Dr Andrew Charmley said he, clinical nurse consultant Dotti Twite, and clinical nurse Amanda Hannay were keen to access the new therapy because of its less-invasive nature.

“It’s often quite difficult to convince someone to have a PEG-J tube, which is a surgical device that needs to be inserted directly into a patient’s stomach, which is how Duodopa, the current similar device assisted therapy is given. This has limited some patients’ access to device assisted therapies in the past,” Andrew said.

“Vyalev is delivered by a subcutaneous needle and pad, which patients can apply themselves, and the pump itself is smaller. This makes it less invasive and simpler to manage compared to Duodopa.”

“Device-assisted therapies provide consistency of dosing, so you don’t have the peaks or troughs you get with oral tablets; the benefit of Vyalev being a subcutaneous infusion, is it’s less invasive and less onerous on the patient to administer.”

Being a new treatment, Andrew said it would be interesting to see how and where Vyalev would sit in their suite of therapies for people with Parkinson’s.

“Feedback from patients so far has been generally positive; we’ve at least seen as good a response as we have with our other advances in therapies in terms of improving motor fluctuations in quality of life, and patients are positive about the new pump.” he said.

“The differences between the therapies really comes down to the smaller details in the type of pumps and the specific medication, and we’re mostly concerned with choosing the device that’s going to be most advantageous to the patient and give them the best outcomes.”

When we give, we gain.

Join us as we welcome criminal law barrister and King’s Counsel Claire Grant KC for a deep dive into how generosity, mentorship, and shared knowledge have shaped her career and life.

10am to 11:30am Wednesday 11 March

Robert Douglas Auditorium

Followed by morning tea

Plus an inspiring panel discussion with Dr Susannah Bond, Dr Michelle Harfield, and NM Kylie Perry.

Lucky door prizes to be won!

WITH THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR

“I was very happy with the care I received. I fear I may have lost my foot if not for the concern and responsibility shown by the podiatrist. I would like to offer my sincere compliments.”

TUH PODIATRY

“My 14-year-old son underwent an endoscopy and I wanted to provide feedback on the anaesthetist. He was amazing with my son and I could not fault him. I was very impressed with him and he made my son feel at ease when he does not like needles. I hope he keeps up the amazing work he is doing.”

TUH ANAESTHETICS

“We geatly appreciate the frailty intervention team’s assistance in our aged care facility with both advice over the phone, and onsite visits. Residents and families really appreciate your efforts.”

FRAILTY INTERVENTION TEAM

A Note...Brighter

JT scrubs up well

The Johnathan Thurston Academy and Brighter Lives have launched a new range of medical scrubs at Townsville University Hospital featuring an original Indigenous design.

Proceeds from the joint initiative benefit the Johnathan Thurston Academy and Brighter Lives, and will support pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, as well as improving Indigenous health outcomes across north Queensland.

The artwork, created by respected Indigenous artist, Wayne Martin, tells the story of the Johnathan Thurston Academy. The design shows the small beginnings in the centre, flowing out to what the academy has now grown into, representing the passion, hard work and teamwork of the Johnathan Thurston Academy.

The emu is Johnathan’s totem from the Gunggari Tribe, with the emu footprints representing his connection to his tribe and his ancestors travelling with him throughout his journey.

The Johnathan Thurston Academy works to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education, employment pathways, leadership programs and wellbeing support.

Partnering with schools, communities and industry, it helps young people to realise their potential and build stronger futures.

Johnathan Thurston OAM said the artwork made the scrubs deeply personal and meaningful.

“This design tells the story of the journey of the Academy; it’s about culture, pride and young people believing in what’s possible,” Johnathan said.

“The scrubs were produced in collaboration with Australian supplier Mediscrubs, who worked with the Academy and artist to ensure the design was faithfully reproduced and met the needs of health workers.”

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said the project brought together health care, culture and community in a unique way.

“We’re honoured to partner with the Johnathan Thurston Academy to create these new scrubs our health workers can wear with pride.”

The scrub top and pants are available at the Brighter Lives gift shop or online for $59.95 per piece. www.brighterlives.org.au/shop

Capital works update

Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service

Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell

Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

Project: Hybrid Theatre

Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex

Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade

Work location: Medilink building Level 2 current NQPMMS suite

Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Works currently underway Works on the way

Project: Multi-storey car park

Work location: Townsville University Hospital

Have any questions?

Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Project: Ingham CT Scanner

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: TUH Transit Lounge

Work location: DDU and Social Work Area

Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.

To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those teams who will be impacted by works undertaken at TUH.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any proposed changes, please contact the chief operating officer via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.

Recipe of the week

Chicken and Vegetable Kebab Sticks

Supplied by TUH dietitians

Ingredients

• 2 x chicken breast

• 1 capsicum

• 1 x zucchini

• 20 button mushrooms (or equivalent)

• 3 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Tbs sweet chilli sauce

• Skewers sticks

Method

1. Soak skewer sticks in water

2. Cut chicken and vegetables into 2cm cubes (approximately) (even pieces)

3. Combine sweet chilli and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl

4. Place cut up chicken in the sauce and mix to coat.

5. Thread chicken, capsicum, mushroom and zucchini on to the skewer sticks

6. Cook skewers in heated pan until chicken is cooked through

7. Serve and enjoy!

Classifieds

FOR RENT

Furnished room with shared bathroom in a fully furnished airconditioned house in Condon. Share with male and 8-year-old son (shared custody). Room has king single bed. $250 per week, internet included. Power bills to be shared. Looking for quiet, non-smoker with no pets as there are already 2 dogs. Contact Cameron 0400037556. (16/1)

OTHER NOTICES

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

Email classifieds to tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au with subject ‘Classifieds’. Do not send classifieds as attachments.

Photos will not be included. Submissions for classifieds should be no longer than 50 word in a plain-text email. Classifieds longer than this will not be included.

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.