blah blah blah | 17 July

Dear colleagues

In this edition of the blah, we are farewelling HSCE Kieran Keyes. Kieran spent eight years in the role of chief executive and, before that, was the health service’s chief operating officer. He was well known to many of you as a visible presence in our health service. He took great pride and pleasure in the many strong collegial relationships he developed in his time here and, in addition to his executive leadership, was embedded in the life of the health service from days of remembrance to days and weeks of significance including International Women’s Day, NAIDOC Week, and Multicultural Day, and he valued events like the Staff Excellence Awards, Staff Barbecue, and Lengthof-Service Awards because they were an opportunity to say thank you to our staff for their hard work and commitment. He was instrumental in the extraordinary growth in clinical service delivery over the past few years and we wish him every success and happiness in his new endeavours.

Last week, we celebrated NAIDOC Week in our health service. Congratulations to the organisers of all the events across our facilities and to the finalists and winners in the NAIDOC Week Awards. It was a pleasure to attend the awards and celebrate the amazing work being done to improve health equity and entrench cultural safety and awareness into all our practice.

The week’s blah has some great content that is shining a light on the innovation of our staff and our commitment to great patient care. Congratulations to the organisers of the Diabetes Camp, giving children with Type 1 diabetes the chance to make new friends by connecting them through their shared experiences. It’s such a beautiful time of year that I’m sure it was a wonderful weekend on Magnetic Island.

It was also great to see the story of Mettassa Zaro, appointed as a permanent full-time First Nations research coordinator in the Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation (TIHRI) based at Townsville University Hospital. Helping build trust and understanding with First Nations patients and families is key to engaging them in critical research that helps close the gap in Indigenous health outcomes. On the subject of research, the TIHRI Annual Research Excellence Awards are now open. These awards recognise and reward outstanding research achievement and close on August 17; please consider nominating an exceptional researcher.

The health service is now one of 10,000 organisations across Queensland to roll out the Reportable Conduct Scheme. This scheme provides a framework to guide staff in reporting child-related misconduct and is applicable to everyone working in our health service. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the framework.

Next Monday, we will welcome acting HSCE Peta Bryant. Peta is currently the Deputy Director-General System, Policy, and Planning and I know she is looking forward to joining us and to meeting many of you over the coming months.

Thank you for the work you do and for your ongoing dedication to delivering and supporting great patient care.

Shellee Chapman Acting HSCE

Team dons jammies for foster kids

Kirwan Health Campus staff are pulling their pyjamas out of the drawer for a good cause, registering a team in this year’s National Pyjama Day fundraiser to raise money and awareness for children in foster care.

Money raised for National Pyjama Day helps to provide learning support to more than 1,200 children through funding educational resources, and providing stable, positive relationships for kids who need them most.

The idea came from Kirwan health campus healthy kindy kids’ administrative officer Amanda Bell, who said her passion for the cause stemmed from her background in child health.

“As someone who has worked in child health for a long time, I feel it is important to sprinkle joy like confetti for families, while highlighting worthy causes that contribute to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the little people in our community,” Amanda said.

“I love fundraising, so I approached the Kirwan Health Campus administration and clinical team leaders with the concept of entering our team for the annual event.”

Child development service program director Carly Hislop said the team was proud to get behind The Pyjama Foundation’s work.

“Our team is excited to take part in Pyjama Day to support the incredible work of The Pyjama Foundation,” Carly said.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and feel supported, and we know the powerful impact that these foundations have on a child’s development, wellbeing, and ability to thrive.

“Positive connections and learning opportunities help build the foundations for healthy brain development, confidence, and future success.”

National Pyjama Day officially takes place on Friday 24 July with fundraising already underway via Kirwan Health Campus team’s donation link.

Kieran farewells health service after eight years

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes has called time after eight years at the helm of the region’s biggest healthcare provider.

Kieran said it had been a privilege and pleasure to hold the position of chief executive calling it ‘among the most rewarding years’ of his professional life.

“I have worked with extraordinary people in this health service; they are talented, dedicated, and compassionate,” he said.

“Our largest hospital, Townsville University Hospital, runs the gamut of care from the smallest, sickest babies to the most complex brain, spine, and transplant surgery, and emergency, paediatric, obstetric, trauma, and cancer care.

“Our rural services are a lifeline for their communities, recently stepping it up to offer surgical services locally while training the next generation of rural generalists.

“At its very core, healthcare is about people.

“My thanks to our medical, surgical, nursing, allied health, administration, professional, and support services teams for making our health service one of renown.

“These individuals and teams are the very best.”

Board Chair Tony Mooney said he had accepted Kieran’s resignation ‘with regret’.

“While I’m sorry to see him leave, I’m supportive of his decision to change professional tack and pursue other opportunities,” he said.

“For many in the health service, Kieran is the only chief executive they’ve ever known.

“His steady presence, calm demeanour, and innate ability to connect with people from every level, across every discipline, has built a strong sense of connectedness and shared purpose.”

Townsville

Kieran said nominating what he was most proud of was like asking which child he loved the most.

“I’m proud of the many achievements of the past eight years, but I’m most proud of having worked with so many people in different roles that have been united in caring for their communities,” he said.

“I would also like to thank the Board for its support and my sincerest thanks to our communities for the privilege of caring for them.”

Tony said Kieran had been the public face of critical messaging during the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters including the devastating floods of 2019 and 2025.

“Kieran faced every imaginable situation with candour and empathy and was a trusted voice in our community,” he said.

“He has also presided over significant expansions to paediatric care, cancer care, mental health, and surgical services with the Da Vinci robot, in partnership with the Mater, changing patients’ lives in our region.

“We are the only regional hospital in Australia performing kidney transplants.

“Kieran has also been at the forefront of the transformative infrastructure build currently underway, which will bring more beds and services to our community.”

Kieran said he had been contemplating the future since earlier in the year.

“I’ve been thinking for some time about the next steps in my personal and professional life,” he said.

“Like most of us, we know when the time is right and, for me, that time is now.”

Tony said Kieran left ‘large shoes to fill’.

“He leaves us with our sincerest thanks and very best wishes for a successful, fulfilling, and happy next chapter,” he said.

The role of chief executive will be filled in the interim by Deputy Director-General System, Policy, and Planning Peta Bryant while the health service undertakes a national and international recruitment campaign for a permanent replacement.

Peta will begin in the role on July 20.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Kieran faced every imaginable situation with candour and empathy Tony Mooney

Couple returns to TUH to thank team for lifesaving care

Nearly three years after a fall left him fighting for his life, Sydney man Denis Savill has returned to Townsville University Hospital (TUH) with wife Anne to thank the intensive care unit staff who cared for him.

Denis fell down a steep staircase while on holiday in Port Douglas on 1 August 2023 and was taken to Mossman Hospital before being transferred to Cairns Hospital as his condition deteriorated.

In the early hours of 2 August, Denis was airlifted to TUH with brain trauma and was rushed into surgery before being placed into an induced coma spending 10 days in TUH’s ICU.

Anne, who knew no one in Townsville, said she refused to leave her husband’s side during one of the most frightening periods of her life.

“Denis was not doing well, and I didn’t want to leave his side although I knew no one here and was navigating a completely new city,” Anne said.

“I can’t tell you the care and kindness that was shown to Denis and myself.

“Nothing was ever any trouble to any single person in that ICU ward.”

Denis was later transferred home to Sydney, where he began rehabilitation at St Vincent’s Hospital in September 2023.

“Denis has reached 98 per cent recovery and now, at the age of 85, he goes to the gym three days a week and has walked hundreds of kilometres since returning home,” Anne said.

Denis has no memory of his time in Townsville but said returning to say thank you would bring him and Anne huge comfort.

“I’m looking forward to the chance to say how much I appreciate every single bit of kindness and care that Anne was shown while I was in the ward,” Denis said.

TUH ICU staff specialist Dr Joanna Longley said the Savills’ story reflected exactly why the reunion event was created.

“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to welcome back patients like Denis alongside his wife, Anne, and remind staff of the impact their work has, even when we don’t always get to witness the outcome,” Joanna said.

“Returning to the unit and reuniting with staff has helped former patients make sense of what happened to them and, in some cases, reduced lingering anxiety about their stay.

“We look forward to continuing to host the ICU morning tea for years to come.”

Townsville families ‘Living Out Loud’ at diabetes camp

Families of children living with type 1 diabetes came together on Magnetic Island last weekend for the annual Townsville Hospital and Health Service Type 1 Diabetes Family Camp, coinciding with National Diabetes Week (12–18 July) and the 2026 theme “Living Out Loud.”

Taking place for more than 20 years, the camp brings together children with type 1 diabetes, and their families, to connect with others who understand their experience through education sessions and camp activities.

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

Among this year’s campers was 10-year-old Adelaide Lugg who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just over 12 months ago.

Adelaide’s dad Ryan Lugg said Adelaide’s diagnosis had been a big learning curve for their family.

“It’s been as much a journey for Adelaide as it has been for us as her parents, and her sister Brooklyn as well,” Ryan said.

Adelaide’s mum Justine Lugg said the camp had been invaluable for the whole family.

“We decided to come along because we thought it was a really good opportunity for Adelaide to meet other kids with type 1 diabetes,” Justine said.

“It’s been amazing not only for Adelaide and we feel very grateful that the camp exists.”

For Adelaide, the best part of camp was simple.

“I love camp and I love doing the circus and ball games, and meeting other kids like me,” Adelaide said.

“They have told me their stories of how they got diagnosed with diabetes and we’ve talked about where we all put our pumps.”

Townsville University Hospital clinical psychologist Monique Du’cane said this year’s camp had been the biggest yet.

“All the kids have really come together, sharing their different tips and tricks, and it’s really lovely to see,” Monique said.

“Camps like these offer an opportunity for families to come together and really spend quality time together.

“Those wishing to support the Type 1 Diabetes Family Camp can donate through Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation at Townsville University Hospital,” she said.

Bree steps up to Richmond child health role

Clinical nurse consultant Bree Burry is the new child health nurse for the Richmond Multipurpose Health Service.

A familiar face in the Richmond community, Bree stepped up to fill the vital role recently.

The appointment marks a major milestone for the community, which has relied on a monthly fly-in service from Townsville.

Bree said her appointment meant Richmond parents would no longer have to try to align their schedules to the monthly visit from a child health nurse.

“The fly-in visits made organising milestone checks and tracking immunisation windows incredibly difficult for parents having to manage busy schedules and property life,” Bree said.

“Having someone here week in, week out makes it so much easier for parents to work around their own schedules.

“Being a mum out here myself, I know how hard it was to coordinate immunisations when you’re a week out from when the nurse was visiting.

“Living locally has already proven to be a gamechanger for building trust, breaking down isolation, and catching developmental delays early.

“If a child has a developmental delay, early intervention gets them back to where they should be much quicker.

“When you see them weekly or fortnightly instead of waiting an entire month, tracking progress is much easier.

Libby Chylewski, a mum of three, said it was very reassuring for parents to have a child health nurse based in the community.

“It honestly is such a fantastic resource to have, and it is comforting to have someone familiar to you available to chat with you about any questions you might have about your child,” Libby said.

“I saw the visiting child health nurse with my first two kids and, while it was good, it has been much more reassuring for me to have someone who is a familiar face based in Richmond supporting the other parents and me.

“If we have any questions, we can go to the hospital to see Bree.

“Bree also comes along to playgroups to talk with parents and make them feel supported.

“Having someone like Bree based in Richmond is a fantastic thing for the community, and we are very lucky to have her.”

Legends of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare bid goodbye

Colleagues and friends gathered at Townsville University Hospital to celebrate the retirement of Indigenous cancer coordinator Liela Murison and Indigenous health liaison officer Phillip Alley, honoring a combined legacy of more than 80 years in healthcare.

Leila said she was proud of the work she had done helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer patients understand their treatments as well as increasing mammogram participation rates among First Nations women through her work with BreastScreen Queensland’s mobile van.

“When our mob come from remote communities, the hospital can be incredibly daunting,” Liela said.

“Seeing a familiar face gives them immediate relief.

“Beyond emotional support we also had to bridge the gap in understanding.

“That is why we developed the ‘Journey of Healing’ project to show patients exactly who their treating team would be before they even arrived in Townsville.

“I have also been incredibly fortunate to work with academic collaborators for projects around clinical research and the rollout of regional tele-oncology guidelines and consent frameworks for First Nations people.

“Through this we could treat more patients in the communities where they lived and reduce the financial and emotional burden of travel.”

Phillip started his healthcare career in 1977 at Charters Towers and said he was proud of the work he had done in helping older Indigenous people access healthcare.

“It has been a privilege to be able to support regional Elders and develop a deep rapport with them over many years,” Phillip said.

“Taking the time to sit down and get to know what they’re going through and what support they need has meant a great deal to me.

“Whether navigating Centrelink or advocating at the Public Trustee, having that cultural support is what achieves a positive outcome.”

While both Liela and Phillip are stepping away from fulltime work, it hasn’t meant they are planning to sit back.

Phillip is planning to use his profile and experience to mentor the next generation of Indigenous people, while Liela has packed her bags for a European holiday before she comes back home to continue her work on community land rights and cultural identity.

Helen wins top honours at NAIDOC awards

Indigenous health liaison officer Helen Burns has been named the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s 2026 NAIDOC Awards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Member of the Year.

Helen was one of 10 award recipients recognised during the Townsville University Hospital NAIDOC Awards celebration held as part of NAIDOC Week. She was honoured for her longstanding commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families, advocating for culturally safe, compassionate, and equitable care.

Executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Amanda Cooms said the health service received more than 100 nominations this year, the highest number of nominations in the history of the awards.

“Helen embodies what culturally safe care looks like in practice,” Amanda said.

“Through her advocacy, relationships, and unwavering support, she has helped many people feel seen, heard, and culturally safe during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

“To see Helen recognised by her peers is a reminder of the profound impact our staff have on patient experiences every day.

Hospital and Health Service

“Congratulations to Helen, the award winners, nominees, and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff for the work they do every day towards achieving health equity.”

More than 150 people across multiple health service sites joined the celebrations.

Acting chief executive Shellee Chapman said the awards were one of many events held across the health service, including Richmond, Hughenden, Ayr, Palm Island, and Kirwan with another event in Ingham next week.

“NAIDOC Week provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Shellee said.

“I congratulate everyone involved for the care, commitment, and leadership they demonstrate in supporting patients, families, and communities across our region.”

Townsville HHS NAIDOC Award Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Member of the Year

Helen Burns

Cultural Leadership Award

Danielle Sedan

Respect for People and Culture Award

Jaidyn Yeatman

Opportunity to Grow the Workforce Award

Erin Greig

Rising Star Award

Isabelle Merchant

Health Equity Champion Award

Coral Ferguson

Excellence in Cultural Mentoring Award

Leila Murison

Deadly Humans in Health Award The Humans in Health – Two Worlds, One Healthcare System

The Next Generation - Trainee Award

Baylee Gray

Fifty Years of Deadly - Team Excellence

Charters Towers IHLO Team

New chapter for First Nations health research

The Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation (TIHRI) has recently celebrated securing a permanent full-time First Nations research coordinator.

The full-time appointment of proud Nywaigi/ Manbarra/Juru, Duareb, and South Sea Islander man Mettassa Zaro, which has coincided with NAIDOC Week, representing a critical step forward in the advancement of culturally safe, communitycentred research.

Coming from an Indigenous health practitioner background, Mettassa has been with TIHRI for the past three years attached to various research contracts.

Now with a permanent full-time position, Mettassa said it was an important step forward to building and maintaining relationships with mob and their participation in research activity.

“One of the first trials I was involved with here had no First Nations research staff onboard and they couldn’t successfully start the program without anyone involved with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background,” Mettassa said.

“I worked closely with the research nurses and doctors, they took me under their wing, we learnt from each other, and worked out our processes for recruiting participants.

“I have a protocol I use to engage with patients to build the trust and relationship with them, listen to their experiences and concerns, teach them about what research involves, and walk their journey with them.”

Mettassa said participation in research had not only increased but there were higher rates of completion from participants involved in studies.

“We want to make sure there is proper, informed consent so I’m there the whole time with them, I’m watching their faces for how they take in the information, and I’ll check with them after to see if they understand,” he said.

“I’m there to translate the information for them so they see it’s someone accessible, approachable, and familiar to them and we’ve formed a connection.

“We’ve had less people withdraw from a study because they’ve been able to see how we’ve worked to make a smoother journey for them.”

TIHRI research manager Trudie Harris said the institute was excited and proud to see the position come to fruition.

“This is a great achievement for the health service and the research department, marking a successful outcome from our 2023-2026 Research Strategic Plan,” she said.

“Mettassa will provide culturally appropriate liaison between researchers, health services, and First Nations communities, while supporting co-design of research and fostering the trust and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and consumers.”

“Phenomenal”

program providing specialised care for tiniest patients

Twenty-six nurses from the Townsville University Hospital neonatal unit have just celebrated their graduation from the neonatal transition program, marking the next step in their careers as neonatal nurses.

Registered nurse Georgia Ross, who just completed year two of the program, said the highly specialised program was targeted at the skills and knowledge required to deliver care for the region’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

“Babies who are born unwell or early have an extended stay with us in the neonatal unit, and the program hones our skills and teaches us what’s involved to help them go home with their parents,” she said.

The two-year program is divided over the two main areas of care in the neonatal unit: the special care nursey and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

“Year one is mainly based in the special care nursery and teaches us the basics of neonatal care and is more focussed on the transition from hospital to home,” Georgia said.

“Year two focusses on NICU, which requires more complex care for higher-acuity babies who are a little more unwell.

“They usually require more respiratory support and might have a few other things going on in the background and our job is to build up their strength, get them breathing on their own, and get them to the nursery for the rest of their stay before going home with mum and dad.”

The program has been running for more than 25 years, with neonatal nurse educator Louise Thiele at the helm for the last seven.

“It’s such a complex and specialised area and Louise has been absolutely phenomenal at facilitating the course for us,” Georgia said.

“A nursing degree at uni is so broad and when I came into the unit, I remember saying to mum and dad, ‘that degree I just did? Throw it out and start again!’

“We’re so lucky to have such a great program here in Townsville and the neonatologists, Louise, and everyone involved invest so much of their time into us, and we’re so grateful because we’re much better nurses for it.”

Tilley sets sail for retirement

After almost 16 years championing clinical innovation through allied health research, Dr Tilley Pain has chartered a new course to retirement.

The avid sailor has recently stepped down from her role as health practioner principal research fellow for allied health in the Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, with plans to spend more time sailing, travelling, and gardening.

Tilley said her work had been fulfilling, but she was ready for the transition.

“I am going to do those things I haven’t really been able to do because I have been so busy with work,” Tilley said.

“I am going to see more of Australia in my campervan, as well as spend more time on the open water in my boat.

“It will just be more of the things that I want to do.”

Tilley started with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service as the first allied health research fellow in 2010.

“I arrived with a background in medical laboratory sciences and was given the task of building research capacity from the ground up in an environment where allied health staff were rarely driving their own research pathways,” she said.

“Through speaking with allied health professionals and gathering data, I knew early into my role that there was a desire to carry out research to change clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

“During my time with the health service, we saw a significant rise in allied health research activity, PhD completions, peer-reviewed publications and an increase in research funding.

“However, some of my proudest days have been the days when I have been in the academic parade for my students’ graduation.

“The nicest part of my job, and one of the things I will miss the most, is helping staff to do their research; it has been a real privilege to be able to be a part of their projects.”

While Tilley will miss the people, the collaborative brainstorming, and the shared thrill of clinical discovery, she said she was excited about the next stage of her life.

“While it still does feel a bit surreal, I can’t wait to see what my next adventure looks like.”

Consumer voices at the centre of service planning

In June, 60 occupational therapists from Townsville, Ayr and Ingham came together for their annual planning day, reflecting on current services and shaping priorities for the year ahead.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service director of occupational therapy Michelle Watson said this year’s event marked an important milestone, with consumer engagement adopted as a key component of the planning process.

“Recognising that meaningful service improvement starts with listening to those who use our services, the occupational therapy team decided to partner with person-centred care coordinator Alisha Dicton to bring consumer perspectives directly into the conversation,” Michelle said.

“We were privileged to welcome three consumers, and two partners, who generously shared their experiences throughout their patient journey at Townsville University Hospital.

“Dot Wolstencroft, Philip and Wilma Grier, and Kevin and Stanka Seaton spoke openly about their hospital experiences and offered insights into what matters most to patients and families.”

Past patient and stroke survivor Dot Wolstencroft shared her story at the planning day as a consumer and said, although she was initially nervous about speaking, the team’s support in the lead-up helped her go ahead with it.

“I experienced a stroke on 14 June last year, spent one week in hospital, followed by roughly threeand-a-half months in rehabilitation, before being discharged home,” Dot said.

“I had very positive experiences with occupational therapy and rehab staff, but the adjustment of relearning independence, and accepting help is something I couldn’t do alone.”

Dot said her core message to attendees on the planning day was to treat patients with respect.

“We’re all individual people so just treat us with respect, that’s all I ever wanted,” Dot said.

Michelle said a key message that resonated throughout the consumer stories was the importance of involving partners and families in treatment and discharge planning.

“The consumer stories carried a consistent thread that I hope helps shape how teams approach care going forward,” Michelle said.

“Above all, what stayed with us was the reminder that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion, at every stage of their recovery journey.”

Love at first transfusion wins the day

Surgical Ward 3 has taken out first place in Townsville University Hospital’s Blood Awareness Month display board competition, with their “Love at First Transfusion” concept winning over judges.

Surgical ward 3 registered nurse Portia Crawford came up with the concept for the display and said the dating theme used matchmaking to explain different blood products.

“We wanted to make a technical topic simple and easy to understand for staff and keep education engaging,” Portia said.

“There are different blood products for different reasons, so we thought why not make it fun by giving it a dating theme.

“This is actually Kara’s and my second win in one of these board competitions following our recent delirium awareness display, and I am super excited to have won again.”

Surgical ward 3 clinical nurse consultant Erin McGrath said the whole ward was proud of the clever idea Portia and Kara came up with.

“We’ve had lots of feedback from nurses, doctors, physios, and allied health staff walking past, and really good engagement from patients and their families too,” Erin said.

Other high scorers included the paediatric intensive care unit taking second place with “The Blood Management Superheroes,” while the oncology ward’s “The Bloody Legends” claimed third.

Surgical ward 1 was awarded the Consumer Choice Award for its interactive “Journey to Safe Transfusion” display.

Hemovigilance clinical nurse consultant Joanna Hutchins said she wanted to congratulate all participating wards.

“Congratulations to all wards and units that got on board, it was fantastic to see wards coming together, sharing ideas and getting creative,” Joanna said.

“These competitions showed that learning does not always have to happen in a classroom, sometimes the best lessons come through teamwork, imagination, and a little friendly rivalry, all while keeping patient safety front and centre.”

All entries can be viewed on the QHEPS Blood page.

RADD initiative improves patient care

A new Townsville Hospital and Health Service initiative aimed at reducing the number appointments for kidney and diabetes care patients is set to expand after starting just four months ago.

The Renal and Diabetic with a Dietitian (RADD) clinic is a joint venture between the endocrine and renal teams which has combined several separate clinics into one.

Diabetes nurse practitioner Casey Thompson, renal nurse practitioner Dr David McIntyre, and dietitian Kerri Carmichael spearheaded the initiative which involves having all three clinicians in the room with the patient at the same time.

David said it allowed the clinicians to discuss the patients‘ needs and come up with a plan of care.

“We noticed that we shared the care of more than 600 patients between our separate kidney and diabetes clinics,” David said.

“Previously, these patients faced multiple separate appointments where they often received overlapping information.

“By getting everyone in the same room, we make shared decisions, which places the patient at the centre, and then delivers a unified message that streamlines their care.

“If I need to adjust a medication dose from a kidney perspective, Casey is right there to offer insight from the diabetes side allowing us to fix problems on the spot rather than rebooking weeks down the line.”

Casey said the model had also fostered peer-to-peer clinical learning and support.

“Having the support in the room from colleagues ensures there’s a collaborative approach which is the best fit for the patient,” Casey said.

“Every patient offered this service has been incredibly enthusiastic, telling us it has improved their quality of life by cutting down their appointment burden.”

Renal and endocrine patient Pam Cronin said the model had provided more clarity and comfort to her care.

“When you are dealing with an intense daily medication regimen, hearing three or four clinicians delivering the exact same message face to face really changes your mindset and helps you manage the illness,” Pam said.

“It has been great to have the nurse practitioners and dietitians in the same room at the same time with me to explain and plan my healthcare.

“It has also ensured a single, joint letter is sent directly to my GP meaning my care in the community is just as consistent.”

Reportable conduct scheme rolls out to protect kids

The safety and protection of children is at the core of a new statewide tool to report misconduct and abuse.

The health service is one of more than 10,000 organisations across Queensland to roll out the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Director of nursing newborns and children Katrina Roberts said the scheme came into effect earlier this month and provided a framework to identify, investigate, and address allegations of concerning behaviour by a worker.

“The scheme follows the release of the Child Safe Standards earlier this year, a commitment by the Queensland Government to prevent harm to children,” Katrina said.

“Under the scheme, staff are given guidance for reporting and investigating child-related misconduct, building community confidence in our service, and supporting a culture where children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“This is applicable to all staff, and everyone working within the health service is responsible for reporting concerns if they are identified.”

Katrina said staff and the community could be confident that allegations involving child-related misconduct would be properly investigated.

“The framework lays out clear and transparent responsibilities and steps for staff and executives to identify and respond to allegations,” she said.

“The scheme and standards have come from the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024.

“The health service is required to embed child safe standards into the organisation, educate everyone about what is reportable conduct, put systems in place to report concerns, and investigate reportable conduct where concerns are raised.

“I encourage all staff to go to the QHEPS page and read over the scheme to see what their responsibilities are.

“There are several resources there to explain the scheme and the standard.

“There is also information on how to make a report if you see or suspect abusive or harmful conduct towards children who are in your care.”

Dermatology service making its mark

Townsville University Hospital’s dermatology service is hitting its stride, with a string of research milestones, new diagnostic technology, and a growing commitment to specialist care putting the department firmly on the map for north Queensland.

Director of dermatology Dr Crystal Williams said the service team was providing a more specialised and inclusive service.

“As a proud Wiradjuri woman, prioritising health equity for regional and First Nations communities and doing our best as a hospital service to be proactive with providing safe, appropriate, and culturally responsive care is extremely important to me,” Crystal said.

“The service recently launched dermatology clinics on Palm Island, and we have a dedicated fortnightly First Nations clinic, run by Associate Professor Rob Miller, which provides both a pathway to access but also helps to train junior doctors in First Nations dermatology care.

“This year we also welcomed three First Nations James Cook University medical students on rotation, all performing to an exceptionally high standard.”

Crystal said the team had also worked hard to bring down wait times.

“We ran around 12 months of Saturday clinics, bringing category 2 and 3 patients back within acceptable timeframes,” Crystal said.

“We also now run monthly combined clinics for cutaneous lymphomas with haematology and a monthly rheumatology clinic for shared complex rheumatological patients. Sharing expertise between teams has resulted in significant improvement for these complex patients.”

On the research front, Crystal said the department had secured a SERTA grant to build research capacity, led by VMO and experienced researcher Dr Adam Daunton, while PHO Dr Madeleine Kelly had several of her papers accepted nationally and internationally.

“We have also been selected as a site for the Skin Uncut study, a nationally significant melanoma confocal research project led by Professor Miller through his high-risk melanoma clinic to deliver specialised melanoma care for high-risk patients,” Crystal said.

Crystal said the department had also deepened its multidisciplinary reach, with the team now sitting on three multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDTs) including the high-risk skin MDT, lymphoma MDT, and paediatric vascular abnormalities MDT to help improve patient outcomes.

“We also welcomed internationally trained dermatologist Dr Rahim Jokani who is due to complete his supervised practice shortly prior to being recognised as a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and who brings much valued subspecialised surgical and laser expertise to the team,” Crystal said.

“When you look at everything from the research, the new clinics, new staff, and MDT work - it’s a lot.

“Although general practitioners manage many skin concerns well, our service is functioning as a highly specialised tertiary referral service for patients in north Queensland with complex dermatological conditions that otherwise wouldn’t get access to specialist and subspecialist complex care.

“Where we are at, and where we will continue to grow, is something the whole team should be proud of.”

Multicultural Day is back, and we want YOU to be part of it!

Multicultural Day is a Townsville University Hospital staff event celebrating the diversity that makes our hospital community extraordinary.

Whether you’re from Townsville or the other side of the world, your culture has a place at our table.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Expressions of interest are now open for staff who want to:

Perform

Music, dance, song, spoken word, present flags

Share food

Traditional dishes and home-made favourites

Host a stall

When is it?

Friday 28 August 2026

RobertAuditoriumDouglas 12-2pm

Cultural displays, art, craft, clothing, or demonstrations

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE FRIDAY 31 JULY

To host a stall or present on the day, scan the QR code to complete the EOI form. Contact tsv-public-affairs@ health.qld.gov.au with any questions.

A Note...Brighter

Giving Day helps patients like Lisa

This Brighter Day, seven-year-old Harper is showing our community what it means to make a difference.

To help bring a donor stem cell transplant service to Townsville, Harper is bravely shaving her hair and fundraising so that families facing cancer can stay close to home during treatment.

Harper’s inspiration is deeply personal.

In 2021, her aunt Lisa Thomson (featured in last week’s blah, blah, blah) was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after what began as a routine blood test.

Lisa needed to move to Brisbane to receive a lifesaving donor stem cell transplant.

For four months, Lisa was separated from her home, her four children, and her support network while undergoing life-saving treatment.

Like every patient needing a stem cell transplant, she also needed a support person by her side, and Lisa’s mum accompanied her for the 100-day long treatment in the state’s capital.

This Brighter Day, 30 July, Brighter Lives is fundraising to bring a donor stem cell transplant service to Townsville, the first of its kind in regional Queensland, so that patients like Lisa can access cancer treatment close to home.

Harper has already raised more than $7,000 and the passionate tiny fundraiser is determined to raise at least $10,000 to help ensure other north Queensland families won’t have to make the same journey in the future.

Brighter Lives CEO Steph Naunton said the foundation was hoping to raise more than $350,000 this Brighter Day.

“The money will go toward purchasing specialised equipment needed to establish the service, giving patients fighting cancer from across north and central Queensland access to life-saving treatment closer to home,” Steph said.

“It’s a big goal, but we know our north Queensland community will get behind us this Brighter Day to ensure we have this important treatment for cancer here in Townsville.

“Every donation this Brighter Day makes a big difference and every donation stays local to get this equipment here, close to home, to help others like Lisa and their families.

“We would like to say thank you to Harper and her family for supporting Brighter Day. She is an incredible little girl and we are so amazed by her bravery.”

To make a donation or join us to fundraise for Brighter Day, visit brighterday.brighterlives.org.au

Title Title

As an observer I believe Jael went above & beyond expectations & appreciate her as a dentist.

EMERGENCY

DEPARTMENT

I would like to thank the surgeons, doctors, nurses, allied health staff and anyone else who helped me through my recent brain tumor removal procedure. I do not remember much from my stay but truly appreciate everyone who helped me through getting the little buggers evicted at the end of April....... Kind regards & again - many thanks to everyone involved

NEUROSURGERY, SURG 3 NURSING, AND ALLIED HEALTH STAFF

To all staff Emergency Ward; Angus, Josh, Teagan, Megan, Ness, Molly and a whole lot of other people, I didn’t get their names - Thank You ! not just from me but for everyone.

AYR HEALTH SERVICE

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Recipe of the week Grilled cabbage and vegemite

Laugh of the blah

Ingredient

• 1 tbs vegemite

• 1/2 tbs red wine vinegar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1/2 cup (125ml) canola oil

• 1 green cabbage, quartered

• 1 tbs canola oil

• 7 slices smoked bacon or pancetta, cut into 5mm cubes

• 200g goat’s cheese

• 3 tsp plain yoghurt

Method

1. Preheat a grill to medium.

2. For the dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together the Vegemite, vinegar and egg yolk. Continue to whisk the mixture, slowly drizzling in the oil until the dressing is well combined. Whisk in 2-3 tbs of cold water.

3. For the cabbage, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and pat dry.

4. Place the cabbage on the grill and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the surface is charred on all sides. Wrap the cabbage in aluminium foil and cook, turning occasionally, for another 5-10 minutes.

5. Heat the oil in a frypan over high heat. Add the bacon or pancetta and cook for 5-10 minutes, until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.

6. In a small bowl, combine the goat’s cheese and yoghurt and mix until smooth.

7. Unwrap the foil around the cabbage and discard any black outer leaves. Place the cabbage in a serving dish, spoon the goat’s cheese mixture between the layers, then sprinkle with the bacon or pancetta. Drizzle the dressing over pancetta. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage.

8. Serve at room temperature.

Capital works update

Works currently underway

Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

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

Have any questions?

Project: Ingham CT Scanner

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Carpark 17 expansion

Work location: Adjacent TecNQ

Project: Palm Island Staff Accommodation

Work location: Palm Island Health Service

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.

Changes to carparking at TUH

As part of the Townsville University Hospital

Multi-Storey Car Park project, Car Park 3 will close at 5am on Monday 27 July 2026.

To support this change, Car Park 17 has expanded by 328 parking spaces providing additional staff parking on the eastern campus. These new spaces will open from 5am on Friday 24 July 2026, ahead of the closure of Car Park 3.

Where can I park?

Day-shift staff currently using Car Park 3 are encouraged to park in:

• Car Park 17

• health service’s designated bays in the JCU Veterinary Sciences car park (PE4).

Afternoon and night-shift staff who currently use Car Park 3 can park in:

• Car Parks 4, 5 and 7

• night-shift staff may also use the main public car park

How do I access the new Car Park 17 extension?

• access is via the internal roadway near the helipad

• an additional parking area is located on health service land adjacent to Tec-NQ

Please note there is currently no access from Discovery Drive; however, works are underway to create this access.

Refer to the map for parking locations and vehicle access routes.

What do I need to know?

While Car Park 3 is closing to enable construction of the Multi-Storey Car Park, we have increased parking capacity elsewhere on campus to help accommodate staff parking needs.

During the transition, please:

• allow a little extra travel time

• follow all signage and traffic management directions

• watch for further parking updates

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we deliver this important expansion project for Townsville University Hospital.

For more information, please refer to the updated Parking – Management of Staff Parking at the Townsville University Hospital procedure on QHEPS or email TUHCarParking@ health.qld.gov.au.

Classifieds

FOR SALE

Mini dachshund AKA Bandit is a smooth coat,14 weeks old, pure breed Mini Dachshund male $1800. Bandit is up to date with all his vaccinations, worming and has been microchip. Bandit loves to snuggle and is the last little man looking for a loving lap. Bandit’s parents are pure breed dachshunds Mum is wild boar wirehair, and Dad is Chocolate smooth coat. Contact Kristina 0418 980 884 for photos of Bandit, can also provide photos of mum and dad. BIN: 0012133981650. (15/6)

VINCENT – 3-bedroom 1 bath home. Highset fully fenced, new fans and split aircon, newly painted inside and out. Low maintenance large yard. Owner occupier neighbours in quite street. 10 minutes to Townsville University Hospital. Looking at offers over $599k contact Naomi 0400751848.

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.