16 JANUARY 2026
New doctor inspired by personal experience Read the full story on page 4 PAGE 3 Katrina Ford celebrates 30 years
PAGE 6 Speechie’s big win at national conference
Dear colleagues, It’s almost too late to say it, but Happy New Year to everyone for 2026. I’m grateful to everyone for their efforts especially those staff who worked over the traditional holiday period with time away from family and loved ones. I took the opportunity in the last few days before Christmas to visit Home Hill, Ayr, Ingham and Charters Towers – it was certainly a lot of driving! Often a fair amount of my time is managed pretty tightly, and I don’t usually have the chance for less-formal catch ups, so I really appreciated that opportunity to say hello to a wide range of staff. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Akhtar Mahmood on Monday. Dr Mahmood joined our team as a senior medical officer in Charters Towers in 2002 where, apart from a brief stint away between 2013 and 2015, he continued to serve the community until recently. Dr Mahmood is remembered by his colleagues for his gentle nature and steadfast belief that no problem was insurmountable. In healthcare, we are privileged to be with patients and their families at some of the most profound times in their lives. It is same with our colleagues, being alongside each other as we come together for our community. We were privileged to know and work with Dr Mahmood, and I know his Charters Towers Health Service family miss him deeply. Vale Dr Mahmood. It would not be this time of year in north Queensland without some weather getting in the way of plans (like my plans for some golf and fishing between Christmas and New Year). Townsville’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) moved to alert for the predicted rainfall ahead of the new year and then, of course, multiple LDMGs stood up with the rainfall in western Queensland and then Tropical Cyclone Koji. I was very pleased with the way the HHS came together for the cyclone. As one person observed to me, it was a ‘non-event’ for Townsville. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
That said, an awful lot of work goes into making it a non-event and while, thankfully, we were spared the worst of the weather this was a good ‘dress-rehearsal’ for us given it will likely not be the last event for the season. We had staff coming in early for shifts or staying late, at short notice we prepared a large number of staff meals and some sleeping areas, amongst many other arrangements that we put in place. Thank you to all involved. This year, the health service is trialling a new health service orientation that involves an opportunity for an informal engagement with some of the executive team with our newest team members. So far, I have had the opportunity to do this once in a face-to-face format and once with our new rural team members online. I’ve enjoyed the chance to make a more direct connection, and the early feedback is that this was well received by our new staff as well. Among the new staff, we welcomed 70 new doctors beginning their medical careers with us. Just being in the room with this group was energising. Next month I’m looking forward to welcoming our newest nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals as well. There is a lot to look forward to in 2026. We will be opening our expanded community service in Kirwan, commissioning new CTs in Ingham and Charters Towers, and getting started on the capital expansion and more carparking in Townsville (among other things). kk
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Katrina makes her younger self proud “I didn’t set out to work in governance, but once I started I realised how much impact you can have behind the scenes.”
Today, Katrina continues to support clinicians through her role on the Queensland Health Open Disclosure Faculty. “Helping clinicians have honest, compassionate conversations with families is something I care deeply about,” she said. In 2021 Katrina stepped into a role she never expected to love more than any other, director of nursing for the Charters Towers Health Service. Katrina said leading her hometown health service had been both humbling and deeply personal. Katrina Ford
For three decades, Charters Towers Health Service director of nursing Katrina Ford has built a career defined not by a single specialty, but by the belief that every role in healthcare has the power to change lives.
“I often say I’m the most un‑clinical nurse in the building,” Katrina said. “But what I bring is 19 years of governance, patient safety experience, and a lot of compassion, which guides me every day.” Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said Katrina had made a real difference to the community and health service.
Katrina’s first steps into nursing came in 1991, when she picked up casual assistant nursing shifts at Eventide while studying at James Cook University.
“Katrina has influenced not only the patients in her community but also the many colleagues who have benefited from her leadership and kindness over 30 years,” Kieran said.
“By 1993 I had moved to the old Mosman Hall Hospital, now the Charters Towers rehabilitation unit, working casually during my third year of study,” Katrina said.
“I first met Katrina when I was acting as the district manager in Charters Towers in the early 2000s and Katrina was the quality coordinator.
“And a year later I returned to complete my graduate year, later being made the project officer for Project 300, aimed at helping long‑term consumers move into community accommodation.
“That role showed me early on that nursing wasn’t just about clinical care, but about dignity and opportunity.” After spending time as a case manager in community mental health, Katrina returned to Mosman Hall Hospital in 1999 before moving into clinical governance, an area she would shape for nearly two decades. “In 2002 I became the district quality coordinator for the Charters Towers Health Service district, and in 2006 I stepped into a role as the inaugural patient safety officer,” Katrina said. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
“Ever since that time Katrina has impressed as one of those special souls that just make our health service better through whatever role they hold.” Reflecting on 30 years in healthcare, Katrina said her younger self would be proud. “As an undergraduate, I had this corny idea that I wanted to make a difference one day,” Katrina said. “What I have discovered in my different roles in healthcare over 30 years is that everyone who shows up makes a difference in people’s lives.” Katrina Ford was recognised for her 30‑year milestone at the 2025 length-of-service event at the Charters Towers Health Service.
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Caption
Dr Rheannon Griffin and chief medical officer Dr Niall Small
Experience inspires Rheannon to become a doctor Inspired by a life-changing experience in hospital following the premature birth of her daughter, Dr Rheannon Griffin has come full circle with the medical intern now joining the Townsville Hospital and Health Service as one of 70 newly graduated doctors. Rheannon said the care she and her family received while in Townsville University Hospital led her to pursue a medical career of her own. “That experience showed me the impact the healthcare system can have at one of the most vulnerable times in someone’s life, and it inspired me to complete a bridging course and eventually study medicine,” she said.
“My pathway into medicine was certainly unconventional; after struggling academically in high school, I was determined to find another way to achieve my goals.” Rheannon balanced the rigours of studying medicine at James Cook University while raising two young children and was even awarded the AMA Queensland Foundation Medical Student Scholarship during her degree.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
“Growing up in Townsville and having family in remote areas opened my eyes to the challenges in healthcare access outside major cities, and it’s what motivates me to provide equitable care for families like my own.
“Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a rural generalist pathway, with a sub-specialty in obstetrics, so I can continue supporting women and families in regional communities.” Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said he was excited to welcome the 2026 medical interns. “Our interns are joining a health service that values compassion, diversity and strong clinical training, and we are proud to support them as they take this important next step,” he said. Chief medical officer Dr Niall Small said the intern year represented a critical transition from student to practising doctor. “Over the next year, this cohort of medical interns will be given support and guidance to help them establish careers in medicine,” he said.
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Shannon busts alcohol and pregnancy myths “It’s vital the community has access to up-to-date information.” Alcohol reaches the baby at every stage of pregnancy, even before a woman knows that she is pregnant. Factors like genetics, metabolism and diet all influence the risk of harm from alcohol in conception and pregnancy. “It is impossible to predict individual outcomes and that’s why avoiding alcohol completely is the safest choice,” Shannon said. “Consumption during pregnancy is linked to miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Shannon Lambert
The local Supporting Healthier Pregnancies Initiative (SHPI) team has launched a campaign to encourage families to make informed choices about alcohol during conception and early pregnancy as emerging data identified more people consuming alcohol during early pregnancy. SHPI clinical midwife consultant Shannon Lambert said a review of local perinatal data revealed a significant increase in alcohol consumption in early pregnancy. “In the past 12 months, rates have more than doubled,” Shannon said.
“Research shows as many as one in thirteen pregnancies exposed to any amount of alcohol may result in a FASD diagnosis in the child.” Shannon said the increased rate of alcohol consumption coincided with Christmas 2024 and severe weather events in early 2025. “Rates have remained elevated since, and our data collection hasn’t changed, so this reflects a real trend,” she said.
“There’s a persistent myth that small amounts are safe early on; if pregnancy is possible or planned, the safest choice is not to drink alcohol. “Research shows men’s drinking can affect sperm, increasing the risk of lifelong behavioural and emotional problems in children.”
“This is concerning because during conception and pregnancy there is no safe amount, no safe type, and no safe time to drink alcohol.
Clinicians seeking resources can visit nofasd.org. au or fare.org.au, or contact Shannon via email shannon.lambert@health.qld.gov.au, the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Service (ATODS), or the Child Development Service’s FASD clinic for support.
“Current evidence shows that even small amounts of alcohol can cause harm during conception and pregnancy.
“Working together, we can reduce alcohol use in pregnancy and give every child the healthiest start in life,” Shannon said.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Captionpathologist Morgan Appleby Speech
Morgan’s a winner at national conference One of Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) senior speech pathologists was recognised with a major award at the Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Conference in late November.
“There was a lot of discussion about what we envisage First Nations healthcare will look like in 10 years and our ability as First Nations clinicians to support not just First Nations patients but colleagues as well,” she said.
Morgan Appleby was named the 2025 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Early Career Professional of the Year at the gala awards night held on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s become a passion of mine – being a cultural mentor for new grads – helping them with their transition into their first year working in the health service and them being so grateful to have someone like me in their corner.”
Morgan said she was stunned to win the award in front of a room of accomplished allied health professionals. “The amount of blak excellence that was in the room; everyone is incredible in their own areas and workplaces and I was so honoured to receive the award,” Morgan said.
“I also feel so lucky and supported by my department at TUH for bringing me opportunities to attend and participate at these conferences.” The conference provided an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous allied health professionals to gain professional development and network with other leaders in Indigenous allied health, something Morgan said she was extremely passionate about. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Director of speech pathology Wendy Comben said the whole department couldn’t be prouder of Morgan and her achievements.
“Morgan’s passion for speech pathology and her unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples shines through in everything she does,” Wendy said. “Morgan has been a standout member of our team; she is skilled, compassionate, and generous with her knowledge. “Her dedication to teaching and inspiring others has strengthened our whole department.”
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Neonatal nurse practitioner Meg Murphy, paediatric surgeon Dr Brendan O’Connor and staff specialist neonatologist Dr Mary Ghazawy
TUH rejoices as nation’s earliest preterm surviving baby goes home After 137 days in hospital across two states, the most premature baby in Australia ever to survive, her life saved by the neonatal and paediatric surgical teams at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), has finally gone home. Stevie O’Reilly was born at TUH on July 17, at 22 weeks and two days, after her mother Bree Basille went into premature labour with twins on a family holiday in Cairns, 4,000 from their hometown of Perth.
“Usually surgeons would give babies a stoma when they remove the abnormal bit of bowel but because Stevie’s unhealthy bowel was so close to her stomach, it meant she wouldn’t have much bowel to absorb nutrients and grow,” he said. “Because she was so small and would have a lot of other challenges, we decided to join her bowel back up because we believed it would give her the best chance of survival.” Now at home in Perth, Bree said Stevie was doing very well.
After an emergency transfer to TUH, the babies were delivered but, sadly, Stevie’s twin Adrian died 18 days after birth.
“She’s on full breast feeds and starting to smile,” Bree said.
For the next three months Stevie battled sepsis, a dangerous complication of infection that can lead to organ failure or death, a collapsed lung, and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease in preterm babies that causes bowel tissue to die.
“The family was separated for so long and we became their family,” she said.
Neonatal nurse practitioner Meg Murphy said Stevie, Adrian, and their family were ‘unforgettable’.
“To see them at home together is wonderful.”
TUH director of neonatology Dr Gary Alcock said he didn’t expect Stevie to survive. “When Bree arrived at TUH, Stevie’s head had been partially delivered and I didn’t think she’d be born alive,” he said.
“She’s a miracle and probably the highlight of my career.” Paediatric surgeon Dr Brendan O’Connor, who treated Stevie for NEC, said the challenge for the surgical team was whether to give the tiny girl a bowel stoma or join her bowel back up. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Stevie O’Reilly
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Burdekin nurse leads the way in rural midwifery training “When I approached the director of nursing at Ayr and told her what I wanted to do, she and the health service moved mountains and worked with JCU to make this training available outside of Townsville. “Completing the program wasn’t without its challenges, particularly as I was the first to do it through distance education. “For example, I needed to be at births as part of the training which can be a challenge in the Burdekin because births are more sporadic compared to somewhere like Townsville.
Registered midwife Cher Vernon
A Burdekin-based registered nurse has helped pave the way for more nurses to gain midwifery qualifications without needing to go to a major city. Cher Vernon was the first nurse to complete a Diploma of Midwifery through Townsville University Hospital (TUH) while working in a rural location. Typically, nurses employed through the Townsville Hospital and Health Service who wanted the qualification would have to complete the diploma at TUH. Cher was able to complete the diploma while staying in Ayr, and she hoped the distance education initiative would encourage more rural healthcare workers to look at professional development opportunities.
“So that meant there were a lot of times during my study that I would get a phone call early in the morning, like 2 am, from the midwife and nursing staff telling me to come in because a baby was on the way. “I was also put through short placements at TUH to ensure I had a high-risk pregnancy experience, and the knowledge I have gained from that has helped in supporting women in our community.
“The support and encouragement I had from staff in the Burdekin and Townsville to help me meet the strict clinical requirements of the diploma was incredible, and I couldn’t have done it without them.” Ayr Health Service’s director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said Cher’s achievements would inspire more locally based healthcare professionals to upskill. “Access to training and development opportunities can be a barrier for staff in communities like the Burdekin,” Tracey said.
“Normally to get the Diploma of Midwifery you have to do the training through a tertiary hospital, which can be a challenge for nurses in rural communities,” Cher said.
“What Cher has achieved is truly a credit to her and very inspiring. We are all very proud of her achievements considering the barriers she has overcome.
“There’s the stress of needing to organise travel, work, and family which makes it very difficult and overwhelming.
“By making professional development opportunities such as this available for rural-based health staff, we not only increase access to maternity services for the Burdekin community but also attract and retain our staff for longer.”
“This was something I had been wanting to do for 15 years but was never able to do because of those commitments. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Public affairs officer Louise Hayes, lawyer Jodie Bell, and registered midwife Kieri Darrigan
Dancing Queens of TUH hit Civic Theatre stage Townsville University Hospital (TUH) staff Jodie Bell, Kieri Darrigan, and Louise Hayes are trading their busy hospital roles for sequins, sunshine, and the iconic music of ABBA as they take the stage in the Townsville Choral Society production of Mamma Mia. Senior lawyer Jodie Bell is reprising her role as the stylish, wealthy, three-time divorcée Tanya and said the heart of community theatre had always been the people who bring it to life. “One of the things I love most is the people involved in our local productions,” Jodie said. “They are all volunteers, giving their time, energy and talent, and because they’re doing it for love, that shows in every aspect and in the friendships and community that is created.” She said nothing compared to the thrill of performing for a live audience.
“The energy you receive from the audience as a performer on stage is a tangible electric buzz where everyone’s emotions align, especially in a show like Mamma Mia where there are full houses, and everyone is relishing in the brilliant ABBA music,” Jodie said. “There is nothing like it.” Sharing the stage is registered midwife Kieri Darrigan, who said she loved doing theatre because of the wonderful friends she’s made through doing shows. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
“We get to see each other all the time while doing something we’re all so excited and passionate about,” Kieri said.
“Mamma Mia is just such a fun show to sing, there’s so much joy in being able to sing ABBA classics while also dancing and acting onstage.” Both Jodie and Kieri have been involved in countless productions over the years, onstage, backstage, and everywhere in between and said Mamma Mia was shaping up to be one of Townsville’s most exciting productions yet. Public affairs officer Louise Hayes is a member of show’s renowned ensemble. “ABBA is a wonderful production to be a part of, and the ensemble elevates it to an immersive audience experience,” she said. “I love the community of theatre and to be performing with my colleagues, who are also friends and creative collaborators, is a dream.” With an infectious soundtrack and story set against the backdrop of a sun‑drenched Greek island, Mamma Mia promises a night of fun for audiences. The show runs until Saturday 24 January at the Townsville Civic Theatre with tickets available now via TicketShop (townsville.qld.gov.au).
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Author Sally Jo Webster and PICU nurse unit manager Michelle Clarke
Brahman Beryl brings comfort to sick kids The paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) recently welcomed author Sally Jo Webster alongside a collection of her books to donate to families needing moments of comfort during their time in hospital.
Paediatric intensive care unit nurse unit manager Michelle Clark said donations like Sally’s made a profound difference to families navigating some of their toughest days.
Hailing from Julia Creek, Sally began her journey as an author with her children’s book Beryl the Brahman, inspired by an orphaned Brahman calf who unexpectedly became part of her family and quickly captured hearts.
“In hospital, and especially in the PICU, parents and siblings often read to their loved ones, which can help them feel connected at difficult times.”
Sally said that after receiving a shipment of books with slight external damage, she knew exactly where they belonged. “I knew straight away that it would be better for the books to be loved and used at the hospital, rather than wasted sitting in a shed,” Sally said. “Reading is very important in our family, so I hoped they might bring some joy to other families.
“The story is fun and light-hearted, all about how we found Beryl and decided to raise her and how she became part of the family.” Beryl’s quirky personality, including her habit of wandering inside to watch TV, has since earned her a devoted online following of nearly 40,000 people, making her an outback celebrity. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
“Any donation means a lot, but books are particularly special,” Michelle said.
Michelle said that because TUH cares for many families from rural and remote communities, the books would help to bring a sense of familiarity and home to the bedside. “As well as bringing comfort to our patients from the country, hopefully the books can also spark conversations for kids who aren’t from that world,” Michelle said. Sally said she had plans for more books featuring other members of her family, with Beryl, of course, remaining the star of the show. “The books are something my kids can have, and my grandkids can have when I’m gone,” she said. To learn more about Beryl and her adventures, head to the “Beryl the Brahman” Facebook page or visit the website: https://www.littlesteps.com.au/ books/beryl-the-brahman blah blah blah Page 10
I had the misfortune of experiencing a medical episode. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the Client reported she excellent service I received from was very, very happy the minute the paramedics with the service and arrived, to the emergency room all the staff who have and finally in the emergency come to her have ward. There was no ambulance done a wonderful job. ramping at all as I was taken through immediately. I was Client reported she attended to promptly and all tells everyone about the service as it is very tests including a CT scan were performed in a timely manner. good. All staff were very professional and courteous. INGHAM HOME CARE TUH EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
To the entire team. Thank you for your incredible care and compassion looking after Dad. Your dedication, positive attitudes, patience and support for Mum and I as well as your care of Dad made a difficult time much easier. SURGICAL WARD 2
A Brighter Note...
L-R: Mackenzie, Miela Sowah, Samirah, Chantel Horvat, Alex Fowler, Piper Anderson, Charlie, and Vinnie
Townsville Fire visits local patients Brighter Lives ambassador Alex Fowler brought five of her Townsville Fire teammates to Townsville Hospital this week, visiting the children’s and oncology wards to help spread cheer and brighten the time of patients and their families in hospital. The players spent time with the children in the playroom making play dough burgers and chatting about Roblox games, as well as meeting some of their family members in their hospital rooms. “It was great to be able to spend time with the kids in hospital and give them a bit of a distraction,” Alex said.
“For the few hours we were there, the kids had the chance to play and have a chat; I hope it helps lighten the load for these kids a bit.”
The experience provided patients and their families a chance to engage in light-hearted conversation and connection away from their treatment routines. “We are so grateful for the Townsville Fire players giving up their time to spend time with people in hospital,” Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said.
“We know their genuine care helps bring a welcome distraction and comfort to patients and their families when they need it most.” Alex will visit again on 28 January to spend time with patients in hospital – please contact the foundation if you have a patient who is a Fire fan and would like a special visit on this date.
In the oncology ward, players chatted to the patients about their upcoming games and life beyond the hospital walls. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Capital works update Works currently underway Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion
Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Various locations in TUH
Work location: Ingham Health Service
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 on the way Project: Multi-storey car park Work location: Townsville University Hospital
Project: TUH Transit Lounge Work location: DDU and Social Work Area
Have any questions? 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.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Recipe of the week
Smoked salmon & mango summer salad Supplied by TUH dietitians
Ingredients •
3/4 CUP BUCKWHEAT
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150G HOT SMOKED SALMON, FLAKED
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1 MANGO, CUT INTO BITE-SIZED CHUNKS
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1 LARGE AVOCADO, CUT INTO BITE-SIZED CHUNKS
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75G ROCKET
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250G CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED
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½ RED ONION, FINELY SLICED
•
¼ CUP CORIANDER, ROUGHLY CHOPPED
Dressing •
4 TBS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
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2 TBS LIME JUICE
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1 SMALL GARLIC CLOVE, MINCED
•
½ TSP SALT
•
¼ TSP BLACK PEPPER
Method
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1. Rinse buckwheat, then place in a saucepan with 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain off any excess liquid then set aside til completely cool. 2. Shake Dressing ingredients in a jar 3. Place all salad ingredients in a bowl, pour over dressing. Toss very gently. Serve immediately.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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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.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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