Weekly Wrap Your weekly dose of Heath Service updates!
Submit your updates now: Where, how and when do I submit my submissions? Submissions for the Weekly Wrap must be received by 12pm, the Thursday before publication. Submissions should be sent as free text in an email or free text in a word document with title, key summary information, and links to QHEPS, documents, or external websites where appropriate. Undated submissions will be removed after two editions, unless otherwise requested. You can submit your submission by clicking thr ‘Find out more’ button and contacting the Broadcast Team now!
Weekly Wrap Edition #19
Latest notices Health Safety and Wellbeing - January Safety Focus
The Safety Focus has been refreshed for 2026! We are now publishing two editions each month, allowing us to cover all safety classifications in Riskman. We’re also introducing new topics for emerging risks, particularly those linked to upcoming construction activities—so stay tuned. To kick off the year, our focus is on: •
Environmental Factors – especially important during the monsoon season.
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Journey Incidents – which historically spike in January and February.
Please print and display this notice on your safety board. Stay alert, Stay safe! Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Post Critical Workplace Incident Staff Support THHSSUP251664v1 The Post Critical Workplace Incident Staff Support procedure describes the process for supporting staff following a critical workplace incident that may occur in any work unit across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS).
This training will provide you with an understanding of the Post Critical Workplace Incident Staff Support procedure. On completion of Post Critical Workplace Incident Staff Support course on Learning Online (LOL), line managers will have an: •
Understanding of what a critical incident is
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Understand the escalation process post critical incident
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Understand and identify cultural safety considerations
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Understand the ISTART debriefing framework
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Understand how to follow up and monitor staff wellbeing
To commence the training please click the following link: https://thhslol.nth.health.qld.gov.au/course/ view.php?id=3364 Target audience: Line Managers Duration: 20-30 minutes Frequency: Once only Delivery mode: Online
Townsville Health Library - New titles available!
Health Service Orientation and Workplace Induction Consistent. Connected. Welcomed. HSO & induction is changing. From January 2026, THHS will launch an updated Health Service Orientation (HSO) and Workplace Induction Framework. What’s changing: Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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New HSO content including the mandatory Cultural Practices Program (face-to-face).
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Colleagues based in Townsville will attend the face-to-face HSO, while those in rural facilities will participate in tailored online HSO sessions.
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Clinical Orientation continues at the end of HSO.
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HSO and Clinical Orientation move to Tuesdays from January 2026.
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New resources and templates to support line managers with local workplace induction.
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These changes are designed to strengthen our workplace culture, create a positive first impression, and foster a stronger sense of belonging for new colleagues.
For more information or to register for a Line Manager drop-in briefing session, visit QHEPS.
Brighter Lives volunteer services closed from 11.30am on Friday 12 December
Brighter Lives volunteers will be enjoying their well-earned Christmas lunch this Friday 12 December. Volunteer services will close at 11.30am this Friday. Brighter Lives volunteer services will closed over Christmas from 19 December and return on 5 January 2026.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Closing the Gap shirts for sale now at Gift Shop THHS Closing the Gap shirts are back in stock at the gift shop at Townsville University Hospital. Unisex Sizes XXS-XXXL Women’s Sizes 8-24 Colours – Blue, Turquoise, Black, Pink, Purple The shirts are $55 The gift shop is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
Hard copy deceased packages to electronic resources from 2 February, 2026. Townsville Hospital and Health Service will transition from hard copy deceased packages to electronic resources from 2 February, 2026.A dedicated deceased packages page is available now on QHEPS. It is a comprehensive resource for clinicians, providing: •
Descriptions of different types of hospital deaths (reportable and non-reportable).
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Requirements for documentation and processing.
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Direct links to all key documents.
Important note for medical officers From 2 February 2026, Townsville HHS will move to the next stage of the Electronic Death Certificate roll-out. From this date, medical officers must exclusively complete death certificates electronically. Hard copies will no longer be the standard practice. Where to find it on QHEPS? Go to the THHS QHEPS page, move cursor over the “clinicians” tab (located in the top lighter blue ribbon), and click on “deceased packages”.
Training, Education & Research Organisational Development Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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For further information, please contact Organisation Development: THHS-Learning@ health.qld.gov.au Understanding Intergenerational Teams In today’s workplace, five generations work side by side - each shaped by different life experiences, values and expectations. At THHS, Gen Z and Millennials make up more than half of our workforce, bringing new perspectives, skills and ways of working. Program objectives: •
Understand the key traits, values and motivators of different generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials.
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Recognise and challenge assumptions or biases that can impact inter-generational teamwork.
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Apply practical communication and engagement strategies to work more effectively across generations.
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Reflect and commit to one small action that strengthens inter-generational relationships at THHS.
Click to register now Build Your Leadership Workshop The Build Your Leadership Workshop provides participants with the next step on from ‘Ignite Your Leadership’ and builds people and team leadership skills. Program Objectives: • Examine the mindset shift from Leader of Self to Leader of Others •
Learn and evidence-based framework to develop flexible leadership and when to use each style
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Learn and evidence-based framework to lead a team, create a positive workplace culture and build performance
Click to register now Essential Communication Skills For the Workplace This programme is designed to provide staff with tools, strategies and techniques to assist in achieving effective two-way communications and positive relationship development. It encompasses the following four (4) x 4-hour modules: •
Communication Foundational Skills
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Giving and Receiving Feedback
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Foundational Skills for Negotiating
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Dealing with Difficult Conversations
It is recommended the modules are undertaken in order, with Communication Foundational Skills prerequisite to all other modules. Click to register now Positive Performance Management – Developing People Management Skills This program will equip line managers with tools, processes and frameworks to demonstrate good, day-to-day people performance management within the requirements of the Public Service Commission Directive 02/24 (Positive Performance Management) and HR Policy G9 to develop a good workplace culture. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Click to register now Caring Together – Interprofessional Teaming Focus on the benefit of interprofessional collaboration and the impact effective teaming has on the health outcomes of patients, staff wellbeing, and the sustainability of the health system, Caring Together – Interprofessional Teaming explores the barriers and enablers of effective collaboration and creation of an actionable plan to improve interprofessional collaboration in your workplace. This 1 day programme enhances participants understanding of what it means to be a part of an interprofessional team and the value of interprofessional collaboration, recognises the importance of teaming in healthcare settings, explores the challenges and barriers to successful collaboration and identifies opportunities for improved interprofessional collaboration. Click to register now This programme delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Leadership Excellence, health Workforce. Centre for Leadership Excellence (CLE) Statewide Capability Development Program The Centre for Leadership Excellence’s Statewide programs are available to all Hospital and Health Service employees including emerging, aspiring and experienced leaders and managers in Queensland Health. Statewide programs are offered as facilitated programs delivered virtually, offering formalised training opportunities to develop leadership skills, capability and enhance career pathways. Programs include: • Business Partnering •
Conversations That Make a Difference
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Effective Writing Skills
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Essential Coaching Skills
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Manage4Improvement
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Maximising Stakeholder Relationships
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Step Up Leadership Program
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Take the Lead
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Wellbeing & Resilience
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Wellbeing Leadership
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Workload, Email and Meeting Management
Click to register now
ATODS Workshopfor 2026! The ATODS Workshop is a comprehensive two-day, face-to-face training program designed to enhance clinicians’ understanding of psychoactive substances, their impact on individuals’ health and well-being, and the critical skills healthcare professionals need to provide effective care for individuals navigating substance-related challenges. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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To find out more and where the ATODS Workshops will be held; click the ‘Find out more’ button to register your attednance now!
V.A.C Therapy Education Workshop Townsville University Hospital- Pathology Meeting Room 2-EG.8109 Date: 3rd February 2026 Time: 0800 hrs- 1230 hrs
Learning outcomes: • Understand the mechanisms of action and science supporting V.A.C.® Therapy and VerafloTherapy • Demonstrate the safe application of V.A.C.® Therapy and VerafloTherapy • Select appropriate wounds for V.A.C.® and VerafloTherapy • Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot and effectively use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy devices and dressings. This seminar is endorsed by Australian College of Nursing and has been allocated 4 CPD hours. Registration required. Click the ‘Find out more’ button to register now!
Policies and Procedures New / updated policies and procedures available on the Townsville Hospital & Health Service, Policy & Procedure Homepage Nonconformance and recall procedures for reusable medical devices (RMD) | THHSCLI211515 | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures Replaced: v4 Target Audience: This procedure applies to all employees, contractors and consultants within THHS who handle or use RMDs Least Restrictive Practice | THHSCLI191322 | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Policies Replaced: v6 Target Audience:THHS staff, clinical and non-clinical staff (permanent, temporary, and casual) and all organisations and individuals acting as its agents (including Visiting Medical Officers and other partners, contractors, consultants, volunteers, and students).
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Violence and aggression - risk assessment and management, THHSCLI201463v3,| Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures Replaced: v2 Target Audience: All THHS clinical staff (excluding clinical staff in RACF and MPHS Aged Care Services) Residential Aged Care Facility Fees | THHSCOR140704 | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Policies Replaced: v4 Target Audience: This policy applies to all THHS facilities and employees.
Disability Awareness Training Webinar Series 2026
The 2026 Disability Awareness Training Webinar Series series aims to build disability awareness and health system workforce confidence, knowledge and capabilities when working with people with disability, their loved ones, and supporters. Session 1: Partnering with supporters, carers and loves ones Wed 18 Feb 12:00 - 13:00 GMT+10 Online via Microsoft Teams Join us as we reflect on the important role that supporters, carers, and loved ones play in the healthcare journey of people with disability. How can we learn from the experiences that supporters have when engaging in healthcare and how might we partner better with supporters of people with disability?
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Clinical Forms Are you using the CURRENT version? It is very important that you are using the current version of a clinical form. To ensure you print the current version, DO NOT save these forms to your local drive or photocopy these forms. If you need to continually refer to a form, you may ‘Add to Favourites’ in your web browser. All clinical forms used within Townsville HHS can be found on the Clinical Forms webpage New / Reviewed Clinical Forms • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
4AT - Assessment Test for Delirium & Cognitive Impairment (SW683 v3) Abbey Pain Scale (SW157 v4) Adult Sepsis Pathway High MRSA Tropical (north of Mackay) (SW1285 v2) Bicillin Injection Administration Plan Cleveland Youth Detention Centre (00200:1362 v2) Caregiver Strain Index (SW159 v3) Childhood Hearing Clinic Case Conference Consent (00200:0493 v3) Clock Drawing Test (SW160 v3) Community Exercise Program Balance and Mobility (00200:1417 v1) Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) (SW685 2v) Geriatric Depression Scale - Short Form (SW161 v3) Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) (SW165 v2) Medical Clearance By ENT Specialist (00200:0653 v3) Neonatal Intensive Care 24Hr Flowchart (00200:0267 v5) Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (Short IQCODE) (SW163 v2) Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS) - Cognitive Impairment (SW167 v3) Request for Health Service - PHS (00200:1136 v4) Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) (SW168 v2) Standardised Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) (SW169 v3) Sunflower Form (SW881 v2)
Patient Access and Flow Webpage The ONE STOP location for all things Patient access and flow at THHS New Guideline on the Demand Management and Escalation webpage Guideline 2 - Demand Response Unit – Flex Beds New Guideline on the Patient Flow and Support Unit webpage Guideline 8 – Requesting an inpatient bed Kidney Transplant Recipient
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Enterprise Risk Management Training
Strengthen Patient Safety & Operational Resilience with Enterprise Risk Management Training Every one of us contributes to THHS achieving its goals – delivering exceptional care, supporting our teams, and making a real difference in our community. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) helps us do exactly that by giving us the tools to anticipate what could go wrong before it does, make informed decisions, and stay on track to achieve our objectives. Whether you work in clinical care, administration, facilities, or leadership, this training will help you see the bigger picture of how enterprise risks are identified, managed, and reported across THHS. You’ll learn practical ways to identify and respond to potential risks early, support confident decision-making, and strengthen how we deliver on our shared purpose. What you’ll gain: • • • •
Confidence to identify and manage enterprise risks in your area A clearer understanding of how risk connects to THHS objectives Practical tools to support decision-making and problem-solving A stronger voice in shaping a safe, resilient organisation
Register now through: Education and Training | Townsville HHS | Risk Management (health.qld.gov.au) START HERE: Course: Risk Management Basics | THHS-LOL (ONLINE MODULE - 30 mins) This training will provide you with an understanding of the core components of the THHS Enterprise Risk Management Framework. FACE-TO-FACE & MICROSOFT TEAMS WORKSHOPS: Register via LOL: Title – Risk Management Essentials (2.5 hours) Course: Risk Management Essentials | THHS-LOL (health.qld.gov.au) This training is to ensure risk owners have the necessary skills to apply all aspects of the THHS Enterprise Risk Management Framework. Register via LOL: Title – Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan (RATP) Workshop (2 hours) Course: Risk assessment and treatment plan (RATP) Workshop | THHS-LOL (health.qld.gov.au) This course is aimed at increasing your confidence and skills in assessing enterprise risk using the THHS Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan (RATP) template. BUILD ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING: Course: Strategic Risk Management | THHS-LOL (ONLINE MODULE - 20 mins) This eLearning module is designed for the THHS senior leadership team, executive and directors, and focuses on shaping a risk intelligent approach to enterprise risk management. Course: Risk Management Toolkit Sessions | THHS-LOL (8 X ONLINE VIDEOS – 10 mins) These Toolkit Sessions are designed to provide targeted training in specific processes and functions set out in the THHS Enterprise Risk Management Framework. For further information, please contact the Enterprise Risk Team at THHS-EnterpriseRisk@health.qld.gov.au Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Staff Noticeboard Car Park Shuttle Service The TUH shuttle bus is a service operating from 6.30pm with a final run at 9.30pm from the hospital’s front foyer to eastern campus car park 17. he service is a safety measure for all streams and operates Monday to Friday. Please share your feedback to ensure the smooth running of this service.
Healthcare Standards & Patient Safety Newsletter Check out the most recent newsletter from the Healthcare Standards & Patient Safety Teams. Click the links below to read the newsletters: Issue 5 – July 2025 Parkinson’s Disease Medication Issue 6 - August 2025 Change in Behaviour - Could it be Delirium? Issue 7 - September 2025 World Patient Safety Day 2025 Issue 8 - October 2025 Communicating for Safety Read the latest Patient Safety Newsletter “Safety Matters” by clicking the ‘find out more’ button.
Townsville HHS Medication Newsletter The most recent editions of the Townsville HHS Medication newsletter are out now. Click the links to read them: Feb Medication newsletter | February 2025 | Townsville HHS | Newsletter March Medication newsletter | March 2025 | Townsville HHS | Newsletter May Medication newsletter | May 2025 | Townsville HHS | Newsletter July Medication newsletter | July 2025 | Townsville HHS | Newsletter
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Signature Block The Queensland Occupational Violence Strategy Unit have recently collaborated with Strategic Communications to develop an Occupational Violence Prevention Signature block. The signature block reinforces messaging that occupational violence is not part of the job. The signature block generator can be found Signature Generator under the campaign banner “respect our staff”.
S/4Hana Update The Food Service has updated several material numbers to streamline our processes and improve efficiency. These updates are designed to enhance our service delivery and ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards. Stay up to date by utlising the link below for ordering food services for your teams. Stay up to date by utilising the link below for ordering food services for your teams. Please see below updated information: • Address number list for catering consumables. • s4hana order catering consumables Mar 24. Reminder: Update Your S/4HANA Substitutions Before Leave As you prepare for upcoming leave, please take a moment to review and update your S/4HANA substitutions. Doing so ensures that approvals and workflows continue seamlessly while you are away, with delegated tasks handled smoothly by your nominated colleague. Keeping these settings current helps avoid delays, supports business continuity, and makes it easier for the team to manage responsibilities in your absence. Thank you for taking the time to complete this important step before starting your break. For any assistance, please contact your local Finance Team or Management Accounting.
Denomination Emergency Contact List Australian Christian Churches (ACC)
Robert Messmer
0415 654 990
Anglican Church (Church of England)
Fr John McKim Rev Stephanie Patching
0408 188 574 0408 112 467
Baptist Church
Garry Wynn
0468 958 508
Buddhist
Phil Heang Helene Rankin Bill Ang
0448 401 066 0429 321 396 0439 891 452
Church of Christ
Pastor Simon Teunis
0486 198 362
Greek Orthodox
Maria Gianoulis
0417 627 427
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Islam
Dr Shahead Chowdhury Sr Ferzana Khan Sr Hera Oktadiana
0402 036 087 0425 000 822 0404 921 065
Jehovah’s Witness
Bruce Ridden
0427 774 850
Lutheran Church
Kees Sturm
0428 992 002
Roman Catholic Church
Father Mobin Sebastian
0475 580 721
Salvation Army
Katrina McIntosh
0431 019 750
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Alfredo Campos
0401 680 323
Uniting Church in Australia (Methodist/Congregationalist)
Sheree Budgen
0401 695 745
Suggestions: 1. When you require a Pastoral Care person – Ring Twice – the person may have missed the first call. 2. Leave a Message so the person can respond – Note: the Hospital phone system doesn’t leave a number so the priest can not return the call if no message is left. 3. If you are not able to get someone, ring the Pastoral care Coordinator on 0447 880 993 (no text messages please) and someone else will be assigned.
Community Noticeboard
If you’re thinking about what you’ll do once you retire, you’re not alone. Retirement planning doesn’t have to be hard. These 5 simple steps can help you take charge of your retirement journey. Click the ‘Find out more’ button to learn more.
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This is general information only. It’s not based on your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. So, think about those things and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination at art.com.au/pds before you make any decision about our products. And if you’re still not sure, talk with a financial adviser. We issue this information and all Australian Retirement Trust products. When we say ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘the Trustee’, we mean Australian Retirement Trust Pty Ltd (ABN 88 010 720 840, AFSL 228975), trustee of Australian Retirement Trust (ABN 60 905 115 063) (‘the Fund’ or ‘ART’). 262128. 12/25.
Employment Opportunities & Vacancies Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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Red Cross Lifeblood - THHS Progress Report
Click to view current vacancies and emploment opportunities
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
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