blah blah blah | 8 May

Dear colleagues,

Before I get into the highlights of the fortnight, I want to acknowledge the significant media coverage of our health service over the past week. Many of you have seen the stories in print, on television, and online. One of the byproducts of being such an integral and highly visible part of the community is that we are often the subject of intense public scrutiny and commentary. I know from the engagement on kktv this week that you have all felt this keenly. Thank you for your continuing hard work and commitment to patient care.

Thank to everyone who joined us for Anzac Day. Our health service sits within Australia’s largest garrison community and that isn’t lost on me. I had the privilege of serving as emcee for our dawn service at Townsville University Hospital. I have been attending the dawn services at TUH for many years and seeing staff, patients, and community members gather in the predawn quiet is always moving. This year, my son Howard read the Dib Morgan poem ‘Sir’ while wearing the medals of his great-great grandfather Private Charles Smith, of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, who served in World War I, including at Gallipoli. This is the last stanza.

‘So, Sir, on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave It’s the least we can do, Sir, to repay the debt We’ll always remember you - Lest We Forget’

I must also extend a heartfelt thank you to emergency department staff specialist Dr Richard Brown who sang both national anthems at the service. It never ceases to amaze me that we have staff with such extraordinary talents outside work; thank you, Richard.

Following the service, I went to The Strand to join the march. It was a proud moment for me to march behind the Townsville University Hospital banner alongside colleagues (as a side note I need to organise a new banner given the change in our value of ‘engagement’ to ‘excellence’). Seeing the turn out for the Anzac Day events was a powerful reminder of our community’s deep ties to the military, our proud tradition of service, and, for me, a comforting anchor against the tide of so many unsettling events across the world.

We have also been in a whirlwind of celebrations for the people who truly are the backbone of our clinical care. On 5 May, we celebrated International Day of the Midwife and we’re looking forward to International Nurses Day on 12 May. Yesterday I went to the

combined celebration and awards event at TUH to recognise both dates. It was a wonderful afternoon sharing the great work of our nurses and midwives who make up 46 per cent of our 8,000-strong workforce. Whether you are at the bedside, in the community, or in a clinic, your dedication is what keeps this health service’s heart beating.

I also want to give an equally big shout out to our administrative professionals. We recently marked Administrative Professionals Day, and it’s a timely reminder that while the clinical work often takes the spotlight none of it happens without our admin teams. From the front desks to the back offices, you are the glue that holds our operations together and ensures the hospital runs smoothly. Thank you for the behindthe-scenes magic you perform every day.

A final shout out to one our newest Aussies, Joyce Palmer Health Service director of nursing Allison Gallagher. Allison was welcomed to the green and gold at a citizenship ceremony on Palm Island this week. I had hoped to be there in person for the first such ceremony to be held on Palm Island, but some late date changes to the event, unfortunately, made that impossible. I did speak with Member for Townsville Adam Baillie, who was there, and he described it as a special event. Allison now adds the Wallabies to the All Blacks as her two favourite rugby teams. Congratulations, Allison!

And finally, happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there for this Sunday. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the women in our lives who have raised us, supported us, sacrificed for us, and shaped who we are. Right through our health service there are countless examples of the many staff members who are balancing caring for the community while also taking on the demanding role of caring for people at home. To all the mums, grandmothers, and maternal figures, I hope you find a moment to be celebrated, whether it’s with a quiet cup of coffee or a barely readable handmade card, made with love. And a very happy Mother’s Day to my own mum, Viriginia, who has always been my greatest supporter (and ardent defender when the Facebook comments start to get personal).

As always, thank you all for your hard work and for everything you do for our community.

kk

First Mother’s Day for Grace

The past four months have been a different kind of intense for intensive care nurse Grace Coverdale who will be enjoying her first Mother’s Day this Sunday with baby Oscar and husband Tom.

Grace joined Townsville University Hospital’s intensive care unit in 2023 and continued working up until her maternity leave in December last year.

“The team looked after me very well in terms of patient allocation and workload while I was pregnant,” Grace said.

“There were times where I struggled a little bit with things I wouldn’t normally struggle with.”

In a reversal of roles, Grace became the patient when she was pregnant with Oscar as part of the midwifery group practice pregnancy pathway.

“From about 18 weeks, we were fortunate to have the same midwife throughout my whole pregnancy and then postpartum,” she said.

“Having that continuity of care made me feel very comfortable when it came time for the birth and asking stupid questions, of which I had so many; even as a nurse, it can only help so much.

“The whole experience was excellent; everyone was so accommodating, especially my midwife, Emily Firth, who advocated for things I really wanted.

The transition to motherhood has had all the usual ups and downs but Grace said her nursing experience has helped prepare her for the new venture.

“Being a nurse, especially in ICU, your patient is constantly changing, you’re monitoring them constantly, it’s one on one, and having a baby is similar,” she said.

“It probably annoys Tom more than anything, but I see all these tiny, little things that he’s not too concerned about, but I want to attend to straight away, like nappy rash before it gets worse.”

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, Grace said she was looking forward to spending the day with her little family.

“Oscar will be doing his first swimming lessons, which will be lovely,” she said.

“Tom’s mum will also be here, so we’ll probably go out for lunch and who knows what else.”

“It’s a secret,” Tom said, with a wry smile.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Anzac Day events

Lest We Forget

Health service helping get bubs on the books

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service will help First Nations families navigate the birth registration process at a free event next week.

Growing Deadly Families is a maternity services strategy aimed at increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander birth registration numbers.

Clinical midwife Amy Tighe-Holden said the event would help parents with the administrative side of having kids.

“With the arrival of a new baby, there is already a lot going on and dealing with the administrative side of things can often become overwhelming for many families,” Amy said.

“Registering a birth is not an automatic process and we can see, particularly with First Nations families, that some don’t get their babies registered which can lead to later legal identification issues.

“The benefits of registering a birth can go well beyond a piece of paper. It establishes a child’s legal identity, which helps to protect their citizenship and rights.

“Registering is also required for access to education, healthcare, government financial support, and much more.”

Amy said the paperwork involved in registering a birth could sometimes feel confronting or complex, leading to some families delaying the process.

“The Growing Deadly Families event will have supports and resources on hand to help First Nations families with new babies to go through the process,” she said.

“Dedicated staff will be on site to sit down with families and yarn through the forms, provide practical advice, and guide them to establishing a legal identity for their newborn.

“Importantly, any families coming along must bring two forms of ID to help complete the paperwork.

“Registering your bub is free and it’s the best way to set them up for life.

“It ensures they have access to the same opportunities as everyone else, from playing footy for a local club to getting their first job.”

Growing Deadly Families is available to all First Nations families.

The event will be held at Federation Gardens at Townsville University Hospital from 10am to 11.30am on Wednesday, 13 May.

For more information email Johanna.Quigley@health. qld.gov.au.

Dietitians making an impact for Dietitians Week

Dietitians Week this year marks the 50th anniversary of Dietitians Australia and the theme, ‘Celebrating our collective impact’, had Townsville University Hospital dietitians reflecting on their careers and patient stories.

Currently working on medical wards 4 and 5, Edwina Winston said being a dietitian helped her recognise how food brought people together and could aid mental wellbeing.

“Working with the Eat Walk Engage team, I started recognising that a lot of our older patients were spending more of their time in bed, often eating alone, and needing help with feeding,” Edwina said.

“Even though part of our job is to tailor meals, add supplements, and build nutrition plans, it’s not helpful to the patient if they’re unable to eat the food in the room.

“The ward is trialling a dining room lunch and instead of seeing people one on one, I can see them as a group, which gives me an overview of who’s struggling with their meals.

“I can then sprinkle in bits of nutrition education to help them meet their goals.”

Lakshika Dadigamuwage has been settling into her new role with the renal unit and said she was relishing the opportunity to expand her practice into new areas.

“Renal is a massive learning space with patients with different complexities,” Lakshika said.

“I’ve recently been working with a patient who started dialysis about six months ago; she was experiencing malnutrition and a range of medical instabilities, not leaving the bed, and required a lot of help at mealtimes.

“After trying several different strategies, we started her on something call intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN), which was rarely used in the unit, and was very new to me as the dietitian.

“Nutrition is delivered to the patient intravenously during dialysis and now after 10 weeks of IDPN, she has energy, getting out of the bed, and is completely different to the patient I saw in the beginning.

“It’s so awesome to see how changing her nutrition delivery method improved her outcomes.”

Edwina and Lakshika both agreed the best part of being a dietitian was working with their colleagues within the broader multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes for patients.

“As a department we are constantly undertaking projects and upskilling to support each other and our patients for the long term,” Lakshika said.

“When we improve a patient’s nutrition status, helping build their strength up, it helps with other aspects of their treatment, which hopefully gives them the increased independence to get better and leave the hospital sooner,” Edwina said.

Dietitians Week runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May 2026.

‘Flu needles a sting of the past for NQ

Protection against influenza is now just a sniff away for north Queensland kids with the introduction of a ‘flu vaccine nasal spray.

The nasal spray has come to Australia after more than decade of use in the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe.

Three-year-old Ivy Cobden recently had the nasal spray, and mum Alice said it had changed getting the vaccine from a tear-filled experience to a fun guessing game.

“The spray smells like strawberries, chocolate, or pineapple, and the nurses asked Ivy what she could smell,” Alice said.

“At home, she is used to the saline nasal spray, so getting the ‘flu vaccine like this was nothing different to her.

“She was excited to do it, and it was much better than having to use the incentive of a lollipop or hot chocolate like when she has had needles in previous years.”

Clinical child health nurse Tegan Faulkner said the spray was just as safe and effective as the traditional injection.

kids

“The efficacy is the same, the only difference is that it is a pain-free option,” Tegan said.

“Only a tiny amount is needed, and it is enough to give a vital boost against the ‘flu that can be particularly nasty for vulnerable youngsters.

“Anyone who has had the ‘flu will tell you it isn’t just like getting a common cold.

“It can be very serious for kids under five whose immune systems are still developing.

“While the spray is available for young people, it’s important for everyone to get vaccinated against the ‘flu.

“So far this year we have seen confirmed ‘flu cases up by more than 20 per cent compared to the same period last year.

“The ‘flu vaccines are free for all Queenslanders over six months old, with the nasal spray free for children aged two to five years and 364 days.

“The nasal spray can be purchased for young people six years and older.”

Parents can access the ‘flu vaccine through their local GP or community clinics.

From trauma to travel for retiring Leonie

After close to four decades with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, trauma services data manager Leonie Jones has started planning her next adventure.

Leonie is retiring after spending more than 37 years as a nurse with the health service, with roles in orthopaedics, rheumatology, intensive care, emergency, coordinating research in cardiology, and trauma services.

Her most recent role involved collecting and analysing the data from trauma admissions to Townsville University Hospital to help further improve patient care.

“Watching the trauma service expand and seeing the impact of that data on patient care has been one of the highlights of my career,” Leonie said.

“I have been proud to see the trauma service go from strength to strength and become a more established unit within the health service.”

Clinical nurse consultant Joe Sharpe, who has worked alongside Leonie for almost 20 years, said her ability to bridge the gap between clinical care and data was irreplaceable.

“She has the nursing background to understand what she’s looking for in a patient’s chart, and the personality to sift through data and find the nuances,” Joe said.

“Her work has been instrumental in demonstrating in shaping how the health service responds to trauma incidents.

“She has been pivotal in calculating injury severity scores (ISS), a technical and vital component of trauma care that helps the service track patient outcomes and growth.”

Leonie said she was looking forward to hitting the open road.

“I have a Volkswagen campervan, which I plan to do lots of travel around Australia to places that have always interested me,” she said.

“But first, I have a big trip overseas planned where I will be travelling with a close friend as we go to Geneva, the French Alps, and along the coast of Italy.

“There are still a lot of places I want to see and I am looking forward getting out there.”

Sharon takes top honours as 2026 Nurse of the Year

Clinical nurse consultant Sharon Forsyth has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to patient care, taking home the tile of Nurse of the Year at the 2026 TUH International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Awards event.

Sharon said she was surprised to hear her name read out as the winner of the individual award.

“It was very unexpected and I’m very humbled, because I’m just doing my job,” Sharon said.

“You don’t really expect this kind of recognition, but it’s lovely.”

Sharon works as a clinical nurse consultant in the pressure injury prevention team, looking after patients across the whole health service.

“It can be a challenging role because we work with such a broad range of patients from neonates to intensive care, and aged care,” she said.

“My favourite thing is taking time with patients and seeing the impact that we can have by preventing pressure injuries, it’s the simple things and the back-to-basics care that I find really powerful.”

Executive director nursing and midwifery Judy Morton said the annual event was a way to celebrate the wonderful work of nurses and midwives.

“It’s fabulous when this event comes around every year as we get the chance to highlight our nurses and midwives and show them how appreciated they are,” Judy said.

“The award nominations and votes come from peers so it’s great to see everyone getting involved.

“Of course, those that received awards are saying they don’t deserve it and that they are just doing their job.

“Nurses and midwives are so humble and don’t always like to be put on a pedestal, but it is so meaningful for them to be acknowledged in this format.

“A big thank you must go out to the workforce and professional nursing team, and everyone involved in putting this important event together.”

Award Winners

Non Service Group Awards

Consumer’s Choice Award - Teams of the Year - Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

Consumer’s Choice Award - Individual of the Year - Eve Ballard

Norma Lane Cultural Connection Award - Denni-Renae Kampf

Clinical Partner of the Year - Wendy Cooper

JCU – Recipients

Outstanding Contribution to Student learning - Team - SCDU

Outstanding Contribution to Student learning - Toni-Ann Mathison

Outstanding Contribution to Student learning - Eileen Fogwill

Outstanding Contribution to Student learning - Elizabeth Towell

CQU Recipients

Michael Seabrooke

Jessica Horsfall

Women’s and Children’s Service Group

Individual of the Year - Pamela Gow Team of the Year - BreastScreen Services Team of the Year - Paediatric Ward

Midwife of the Year - Jacqueline Almond Midwifery Team of the Year - ANDAC Midwifery Team

Corporate Service Group

Individual of the Year - Lorraine Beech

Individual of the Year - Jocelyn Knowles

Individual of the Year - Sharon Forsyth

Medical Service Group

Individual of the Year - Vicki Hartig

Individual of the Year - Jamie Campbell Team of the Year - Charters Towers Renal Satellite Unit

Rural Hospital Service Group

Individual of the Year - Alison Barra, Ingham Health Service Team of the Year - Richmond MPHS Nursing Team Team of the Year - Parklands McCarthy Nursing Team

Surgical Service Group

Individual of the Year - Alicia Nahrung

Individual of the Year - Melanie Juskiw Team of the Year - Trauma Services

Mental Health Service Group

Individual of the Year - Christopher Rosin

Individual of the Year - Sarah Eaglesham Team of the Year - Drug and Alcohol Brief Intervention Team

Surgical Service Group – Special Awards

Individual of the Year- Donna Thorogood

Individual of the Year- Daniel Peres

International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day

Pioneering pride at Townsville HHS

Aiming to increase visibility and inclusion in the workplace for LGBTIQ+ employees, two social workers have put their names forward to spark interest in a local chapter of the Pride at Health Network.

Both members of the LGBTIQ+ community, senior social worker Clint Kelly and social work student Krys Bickley said if there was enough interest from their colleagues, they were keen to start up a local pride network for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

“As part of my placement, I’m required to do a project that is founded in social work values and ethics,” Krys said.

“I wanted it to be meaningful and to make a difference and was sent down a rabbit hole when I saw the Queensland Health pride network flash across my computer screen.

“After some investigating I found we didn’t have a network here in Townsville and then all roads led back to Clint.”

With the statewide pride network already in place, Clint said the health service wouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel to create a group where people could feel like they belonged.

“It’s an opportunity to make people feel more comfortable at work or reach out to other LGBTIQ+ staff and offer support,” he said.

“I also think it’s important for our rural facilities to have an HHS-based network to provide that support where there may not be as much in the community.”

Director HR services Aubrey Murakami said he hoped a pride network would increase visibility and give LGBTIQ+ people confidence at work.

“The function of the pride network is to support everyone from members of the LGBTIQ+ community, allies, and anyone else who is interested in furthering their knowledge, support, and pride in an inclusive HHS,” Aubrey said.

“That will hopefully flow on to inclusiveness in our services, for the community members that come and access our services, knowing there is the knowledge and support within our workforce as well.”

For anyone interested in joining the Pride Network Steering Committee, expressions of interest can be sent to thhs-diversity-inclusion@health.qld.gov.au

Staff urged to get on top of payroll and leave with myHR

Staff across the health service are being reminded to check their myHR details and make the most of the platform’s features as part of a statewide push to reduce payroll delays and make everyday admin simpler.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service executive director people strategy and governance Shellee Chapman said myHR gave staff an easier way to manage everyday tasks like leave requests, payslips, and updating personal details.

“We know staff are busy, so even taking a few minutes to get comfortable using myHR now can make a real difference later,” she said.

“The more familiar staff are with myHR now, the easier it will be to take advantage of new features and improvements as they roll out.”

IWFM business lead Jeffrey Souter said late forms and outdated details could create unnecessary payroll issues and delays.

“Most people only think about the payroll system when something goes wrong, but spending a couple of minutes in myHR now can help avoid a lot of frustration later,” he said.

“At the Townsville HHS, a number of forms are still being submitted late each fortnight which can impact pay accuracy and create extra work for teams; we’d really like to improve that.”

Roster support office manager Bevan Clegg said staff could securely access myHR anytime and anywhere in Australia using a work or personal device.

“There are a lot of useful tools already available in myHR, with more improvements coming over time,” he said.

“Now’s a good time for staff to jump in, have a look around and build confidence using the system.”

Staff can access myHR at myHR.health.qld.gov.au and visit the myHR Knowledge Bank for guides and support resources.

Community rallies to honour former patient’s legacy

The family of a beloved Townsville HHS patient who recently lost her battle with cancer is calling on the community to come together this Mother’s Day to honour her life and continue the enduring legacy she built.

Jane Illin, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at just 24, spent nearly two decades undergoing treatment while raising her family, building a community movement, and encouraging others to look after their health.

Through her ‘Pink Feet’ fundraising group, Jane raised more than $100,000 for breast cancer research as part of the Mother’s Day Classic, a national walk and fun run held each year to raise funds for breast cancer research.

In Townsville, Jane led the local Pink Feet team, bringing the community together while also inspiring people across Australia and overseas to take part in their own way.

Jane’s husband Vin said continuing the event this year was the family’s way of honouring her wishes.

“In one of our final conversations, Jane said her legacy was her kids first, and Pink Feet second,” he said.

“She really wanted this year’s event to go ahead and to be the biggest one, so we’re determined to keep it going and honour that.

“In the early days it was probably about 20 people, half of them family. Since then, we’ve had around 600 people involved in some events, not just in Townsville but right across Australia and even overseas,” he said.

Jane’s family said she received exceptional care through Townsville Hospital and Health Service for nearly two decades, particularly from her oncologist Dr Zulfiquer Otty.

Zulfiqeur said Jane’s determination and positivity stood out throughout her care.

“Jane was always a special patient,” he said.

“Many patients with this type of cancer may only live a few years, but Jane fought for nearly two decades. That is a credit to her and her family, and their willingness to explore every option.

“She maintained a very good quality of life, she worked, raised her children, travelled and continued to enjoy life.”

Zulfiqeur said Jane actively sought out new treatments and clinical trials, which became an important part of her care.

“In regional areas, patients can sometimes have less access to new therapies, so we worked hard to connect Jane with emerging treatments and trials where possible,” he said.

“I would encourage everyone to support the Mother’s Day Classic and the Pink Feet walk; research is what improves outcomes for patients, and it relies on community support.”

Jane’s family is encouraging as many people as possible to take part this year, either by joining the walk or supporting Team Pink Feet 2026 through the Mother’s Day Classic website.

Scan the QR code to join the walk

Healthy ageing in action with Bunny and Bill

For 82-year-old Bernice “Bunny” and 78-year-old Bill Osborn the secret to ageing well comes down to just three things; keep laughing, keep moving, and keep showing up for your people and passions.

The Townsville locals have been together for 35 years and are familiar faces in the Townsville hockey community, where they first met, fell in love, and still spend much of their time.

Although they live independently, Bunny has a long and complex medical history and is supported by the home care service to ensure she can remain at home.

Home care service coordinator Judy Atkinson said the Townsville service supported more than 600 older people across the region via the Commonwealth Home Support Program which provides practical support to help people stay in their own homes rather than enter aged care facilities.

“The service provides domestic assistance and takes a wellness and reablement approach focused on ‘doing with’ rather than ‘doing for,” Judy said.

“A key focus of the service is on education as we want to ensure we are providing our patients with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to stay active, social, and engaged in the community.

Townsville HHS director of older persons services Sue Tench said healthy ageing began early and was shaped by the choices individuals made every day.

“How we move, how we eat, and how we stay connected sets the foundation for independence and quality of life in the years ahead,” Sue said.

“Bill and Bunny are wonderful examples of what healthy ageing can look like, and that’s exactly what we want for our patients and our community,” Sue said.

Bunny said the home care service helped her to manage the things that would be too much on her own.

“The team helps me to stay at home, which means everything,” Bunny said.

Bunny said healthy ageing to her meant staying involved, staying curious, and not letting your age control what you can or can’t do.

“We’ve just learned to pace ourselves and still have a good laugh every day; laughter is the most important thing.”

Australia’s inaugural National Healthy Ageing Day will be held on May 6 to highlight the importance of taking proactive steps to support long-term wellbeing.

Deadly praise for health service’s First Nations training programs

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s First Nations training programs have been celebrated as some of the best in the country.

First Nations training pathways director Lauren Williams recently completed a visit to the Townsville HHS where she praised the health service’s commitment to the programs and said they were setting a benchmark for the rest of Queensland.

“Programs like the Deadly Start school-based traineeship program and the First Nations Cadetship have been implemented in health services across Queensland after first starting with Metro North, so it is great to be able to get out and see how they are operating in other health services,” Lauren said.

“Townsville is kicking goals with the health service’s programs and is leading the way in aspects like the structure and facilitation of its clinical rotations through allied health departments, creating a wellrounded experience for participants, particularly in the specialised and smaller professions.

“You only need to look at the high retention rates and the health service’s ability to match cadet intakes from major metropolitan areas to see how successful these programs are in north Queensland.”

Lauren and principal project officer Sheringa Minniecon spent the week travelling around the region talking with trainees, cadets, facilitators, and staff.

Indigenous workforce coordinator Alisha Kyle said it was good for everyone involved in these programs to be recognised for their commitment to growing these initiatives.

“A lot of time goes on behind the scenes to make programs like these a reality, and it’s validating to not only see the success but also receive positive feedback about them,” Alisha said.

“We often hear from leads across the state who are interested in hearing what we are doing in Townsville.

“It’s a privilege of my role to support these young people start a career in healthcare and to become role models within the community.

“Seeing the results and hearing the positive feedback reinforces that we are getting it right.”

Admin professionals take the cake on special day

Admin officers across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) shared a brief moment to celebrate their contribution to the health service on Administrative Professionals Day last week.

For the first time, a coordinated celebration of admin professionals was held across the HHS with executive director digital health and knowledge Louise Hayes at the helm as the professional lead for administrative professionals.

“Admin professionals are the people who greet our patients, keep the data clean, the systems working, the training happening, and make sure we get paid,” Louise said.

“They bring order to complexity, calm to pressure, and solutions before most of us even realise there’s a problem.

“In our health service, that work directly supports safer care and better experiences for our patients and clinical teams.”

Townsville University Hospital staff shared cake in the Federation Gardens while celebrations were held at other HHS facilities across the region.

Louise said she was thrilled to see so many staff celebrating and was looking forward to hosting an even bigger event in 2027.

Administrative Professionals Day 2026

TUH staff step up for sick kids

Six Townsville University Hospital staff have registered for this year’s Starlight Super Step challenge to help make giant strides towards improving the in-hospital experience for sick children.

Clinical nurses Denise Spaleck and Bridie O’Brien, operational support officers Monica Ramadan, Kerry McDonnell, and Cory Roberts, and medical imaging support officer Andrew Rigney have all signed on as a team, Operation Services Steppers, for the Starlight Children’s Foundation fundraiser.

The challenge has participants walk at least 10,000 steps each day throughout May while also raising money to go towards making hospitals more welcoming for sick children and young people.

Denise said her work was one of the motivating factors behind getting involved in the fundraiser.

“We work in an organisation where we see a lot of unwell children every day,” Denise said.

“That experience will stay with them for life, and I want to be part of raising money to give them a more positive, comfortable stay.

“The money will go towards purchasing toys, activities, room upgrades, and much more.

“Hospitals can be daunting and intimidating places for adults, let alone young people.”

Denise said it was important that hospitals and healthcare facilities were inviting spaces for young people so that they were more likely to engage with the health system.

“If getting resources to improve the hospital experience means we have to take the stairs instead of the elevator or park our car a little further away, then we are happy to do it.”

The Starlight Super Steps challenge runs until 31 May.

Click here to donate.

A Note...Brighter

Brighter Lives Mother’s Day raffle winner

Kirwan Health Campus staff member

Tegan Kiehne is the lucky winner of the Brighter Lives Mother’s Day raffle.

Tegan took home an incredible prize package valued at $1,400, including a relaxing Magnetic Island getaway, pamper experiences, dining voucher, flowers and beauty treatments, thanks to supportive local businesses.

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton thanked the generous sponsors and everyone who purchased tickets to support the fundraiser.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors for donating such wonderful prizes and helping make this raffle such a success,” Stephanie said.

“Thank you also to everyone who purchased tickets and supported Brighter Lives.

“Every dollar raised helps support patients, families and staff across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.”

Stephanie said the raffle came at a special time ahead of Mother’s Day, offering an opportunity to celebrate and support mothers and families in hospital care.

“We’d also like to wish everyone who entered a very happy Mother’s Day,” she said.

“By supporting this raffle, you are helping improve the hospital experience for patients across the health service, including mothers and families spending time in hospital during what can be a difficult period.”

Proceeds raised from the raffle will help support patient care initiatives such as innovative equipment as well as supporting patient and staff wellbeing programs.

Title Title

The nursing and medical staff were just fantastic. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. There’s such a lot to thank you for, like your thoughtfulness and so much more. I feel more grateful than I can sayYou’re kind and helpful in every way. Dear Staff (doctors, nurses etc) Ward Medical 5 Thank you for all your help.

CORONARY CARE UNIT

MED WARD 5

I can’t speak highly enough of the maternity ward midwives. I had a few nights stay and the nurses really made my hospital experience. Everyone was so supportive, friendly and professional. These midwives are amazing.

MATERNITY WARD

Capital works update

Works currently underway

Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Works on the way

Project: Multi-storey car park

Work location: Townsville University Hospital

Project: TUH Transit Lounge

Work location: DDU and Social Work Area

Project: Charters Towers Staff Accommodation

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Palm Island Staff Accommodation

Work location: Palm Island Health Service

Have any questions?

Project: Ingham CT Scanner

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Carpark 17 expansion

Work location: Adjacent TecNQ

Project: Ingham Staff Accommodation

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Ayr CT Scanner

Work location: Ayr Health Service

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

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

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

Recipe of the week Savoury popcorn

Laugh of the blah

Ingredients

• ¼ CUP UNPOPPED CORN

• 1/8 TEASPOON CUMIN

• 1/8 TEASPOON DRIED CORIANDER

• 1/8 TEASPOON CURRY POWDER

• 1 BROWN PAPER BAG

Method

1. Place the unpopped corn into the brown paper bag and fold the top of the bag over twice to seal in the corn.

2. Place in the microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until you hear pauses of about 2 seconds between pops.

3. Allow to stand for 20 seconds and then carefully open the bag and pour into bowl.

4. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander and curry powder and toss before serving.

Note: can also be serves with roasted nuts.

Classifieds

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House available in Kelso 3 bedroom 1 bathroom, available on 5th May. $480 a week Please call or message 0403 733 929. (24/4)

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2024 Hyundai Venue. 31500KM, Blue, Automatic, bought in July 2024. Selling due to upgrade, prepaid servicing until 2029. Dash mat, floor mats and boot mat inc. $25,000 price negotiable, if reasonable - full tank for fuel. Phone/Text Kieryn on 0437640064. (24/4)

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