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THHS Weekly Wrap - 17th of April 2026

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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!

Latest notices

Health Safety and Wellbeing - April Safety Focus

Attached are the Safety Focus for April 2026.

We are now publishing two editions each month, allowing us to cover all safety classifications in Riskman and introducing new topics for emerging risks, particularly those linked to upcoming construction activities.

The focus topics for this month are:

• Health Monitoring

• Situational Awareness

Please print and display this notice on your safety board. You can print the attachments by clicking on the images above.

Stay alert, Stay safe!

Brighter Lives

Mother’s Day Raffle

Win a relaxing trip to Magnetic Island and a pamper package valued at $1,400!

Enter for your mum or for yourself - the lucky winner will win a night stay at Pepper’s Blue on Blue at Magnetic Island plus the ferry trip there for the family thanks to SeaLink, $200 to spend at the Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar, an ultrafusion facial from Boheme Beauty, flowers from the Townsville Hospital Foundation, a Here and Then box, $50 gift card from Juliette’s, a basket full of goodies, a $25 voucher from Lily’s Nails, and a delicious hamper from Otto’s.

Thank you to our kind sponsors for their donation of prizes: Peppers Blue on Blue, Boheme Beauty, Here and Then, SeaLink, Townsville Hospital Florist, Juliette’s and Lily’s Nails.

Tickets are $5 each | 3 for $10 | 20 for $50 | 50 for $100.

Buy tickets online or in person at the gift shop: https://rafflelink.com.au/brightmothersday2026

All profits support Brighter Lives and help here in Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

Must be 18+ to enter, QLD residents only.

The raffle will be drawn on 6 May at 10am and the winner will be contacted the same day.

Healthcare Worker Agents, This is it.

At 0715 Wednesday 22nd April the doors to Operation Immunity officially open. we take the first strike against our seasonal adversary. you protect your mission, your identity, your team… and your cover. Your assignment:

• REPORT FOR FLU VACCINATION.

• STOP THE FLU BEFORE IT STOPS YOU.

Where: Robert Douglas Auditorium Foyer

When: 0715 – 4pm

Bring: Your Medicare Card

• Agent readiness is critical. Your participation ensures full operational strength across the unit. No agent left unprotected. No vulnerabilities in the field.

• Equip yourself. Arm your immune system. Show the flu we don’t negotiate.

• See you on the front line of immunity, Agents. Suit up. Roll up your sleeve. Complete the mission.

Transmission ends....

Agent Carrucan

Nursing Director & Commander, Operation Immunity

Training, Education & Research

Organisational Development

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.

• Recognise and challenge assumptions or biases that can impact inter-generational teamwork.

• Apply practical communication and engagement strategies to work more effectively across generations.

• 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

• 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

• Giving and Receiving Feedback

• Foundational Skills for Negotiating

• 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.

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.

• Business Partnering

• Conversations That Make a Difference

• Effective Writing Skills

• Essential Coaching Skills

• Manage4Improvement

• Maximising Stakeholder Relationships

• Step Up Leadership Program

• Take the Lead

• Wellbeing & Resilience

• Wellbeing Leadership

• Workload, Email and Meeting Management

Click to register now Programs include:

Project ECHO

ECHO can make a difference for you

People around the world use ECHO to break down silos, collaborate on solutions, and upskill workers. The panel and participants learn and share together through live, facilitated discussions. Our inclusive and interactive approach informs every ECHO network and session.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

Join an ECHO:

Taking part in an ECHO network is always free. All you need is a device with an internet connection, webcam, and Zoom. ECHO includes the core principles of:

• All teach, all learn

• Amplification of scarce resources using technology

• Sharing best-practices

• Case-based learning

• Monitoring outcomes.

Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to register now.

Clinical Simulation Centre

Procedural Skills Workshops

Drop-in, hands-on skills sessions using part-task trainers, delivered in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Time: 1600 – 1730hours

Where: Clinical Simulation Centre

• Tuesday 5 May Massive transfusion protocol and blood product transfusion

• Tuesday 19 May Lumbar puncture

Oncoming courses

• ILS (Immediate Life Support (27 April) – provides clinical staff development in efficient recognition and initial management of a deteriorating patient utilising a structured approach and crisis management principles. Book in via LOL: Course: ILS (Immediate Life Support)

• USG/PIVC (20 April and 19 May) – introduces the aseptic technique, ultrasound “knobology”, insertion technique and machine care required for inserting a PIVC under ultrasound guidance. PIVC competency is required to attend this course. Book in via LOL: Course: Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation | THHS-LOL

• CVAD ( 21 April, 30 April, 5 May) – provides competency based program to educate clinical staff in the management of CVAD’s. Book in via LOL: Course: CVAD - Central Venous Access Device Care and Maintenance | THHS-LOL

• OPTIMUS PRIME (18 June) – teaching emergency health care staff how to care for critically unwell children. Book via LOL: Course: Optimus Prime | THHS-LOL

Disability Awareness Training Webinar Series 2026 - Session 4

Making adjustments in high sensory environments

Staff Training Room EG.062 (Education Block, Ground Floor TUH)

Healthcare settings can be overwhelming. They may be crowded, unfamiliar and noisy, and people often need them at times of great worry and distress. Join us as we reflect on how healthcare environments might affect people with disability, particularly those who live with sensory sensitivities and a history of traumatic healthcare experiences. Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for details about the event and to register now.

Life-long Learning

The Mona Kendell Nursing Development Association (MKNDA) supports nurses and midwives at THHS to expand their knowledge and advance their careers. Members can access funding for conferences, education, and professional development, including opportunities to travel within Australia or internationally to learn and bring new ideas back to our service.

Join MKNDA

For just $16 per fortnight, you can invest in your professional future while contributing to strengthening nursing and midwifery practice across THHS. Membership is open to nurses and midwives in permanent positions. Join MKNDA Take the next step in your career and join today.

Invest in Your Future – Mona Kendell Nursing & Midwifery Award

The Mona Kendell Nursing & Midwifery Award provides up to $1,000 per year to support nurses and midwives undertaking tertiary study that strengthens professional growth and enhances patient care.

MKNDA award 2026

If you are a permanent THHS nurse or midwife enrolled in a health-related tertiary program and a member of the Mona Kendell Nursing Development Association, you are eligible to apply. MKNDA award 2026 Applications close 3 May 2026. Invest in your career and apply today.

Adult & Paediatric NHF Respiratory Support Seminar

Date: Thursday 14th May 2026

Time: 0800 hrs- 12:30 hrs

Venue: CELS/COAST Department, Level 2, Townsville University Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive Douglas 4814

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the physiology of gas conditioning in the airway.

• Describe the physiological mechanisms of action of NHF.

• Demonstrate the competency in the set up and management of the NHF delivery device. This seminar is endorsed by Australian College of Nursing and has been allocated CPD hours.

Please wear smart casual and bring a jumper.

Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to register now.

Better Way to Care Workshop EOI – Tuesday 19th May 2026 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Please register your interest in attending the Workshop. You will receive a confirmation email with further details if your registration is successful.

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

1. Discuss the challenges in the hospital experience for older people

2. Recognise the potential adverse impact of the hospital environment and care practices

3. Identify strategies to enable high quality assessment and care of the older patient in hospital

4. Apply practical strategies to assist with care of the cognitively impaired patient

5. Recognise the roles of staff from all disciplines and family members in meeting older patients’ needs

6. Share and advocate for successful strategies for improving care of older patients

Practical strategies to improve care and outcomes for older patients. 6.5 (CPD hours)

Location

Brothers Leagues Club Townsville, 14 Golf Links Drive, Kirwan QLD 4817 (Ample parking available at venue)

Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to register now. Please ensure line manager and PDL approval.

Registrations close on Friday 8 May 2026.

Policies and Procedures

New / updated policies and procedures available on the Townsville Hospital & Health Service, Policy & Procedure Homepage

Intravenous Vancomycin - prescribing, administration and monitoring for patients aged 18 years and older | THHSCLI150903 | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedure Replaced: v6

Target Audience: All Medical, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery staff

Intravenous Vancomycin - prescribing, administration and monitoring for paediatric patients aged less than 18 years of age | THHSCLI161013 | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures Replaced: v5

Target Audience: All Medical, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery staff

THHSSUP161059v4 dress standards in CSD | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures Replaced: 3

Target Audience: All persons who enter a CSD in THHS, including staff, students, visitors and external contractors

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

• Discharge Summary – CYDC 00200:1095v8

• Receipt & Storage of CAR-T Cells 00200:1354v2

• Record and Notification of Adverse Event Post CAR-T Cell Infusion 00200:1290v2

• Request for Admission of Baby to Birth Centre 00200:1391v3

• Request for Admission of Mother to Birth Centre 00200:1390v3

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

and

Strengthen Patient Safety & Operational Resilience with Enterprise Risk Management Training

Enterprise risk management isn’t just for leaders — it’s for everyone. Learn how to recognise and respond to risk in your role. Whether you weekk in clinical services, operations, administration or leadership, this training shows you how enterprise level risk is identified, assessed and managed across THHS — and how you can confidently contribute.

Why attend? You will learn how to:

• Identify risks early in your work area

• Make more confident, risk-informed decisions

• Link risks to THHS objectives and service outcomes

• Use practical tools to assess and treat risk

• Contribute to a safer, more resilient organisation

Start Here (Quick Online Module — 30 mins)

Risk Management Basics | THHS-LOL

A short introduction to the THHS Enterprise Risk Management Framework and core concepts. Register via: Risk Management Basics | THHS-LOL

Interactive Workshops (Face-to-Face & Microsoft Teams)

Risk Assessment & Treatment Plan (RATP) Workshop (2 hrs)

Hands-on training in how to assess and document enterprise risks using the THHS RATP template. Register via: Course: Risk assessment and treatment plan (RATP) Workshop | THHS-LOL (health.qld. gov.au)

Next Sessions:

• 21 May 2026

• 28 July 2026

• 24 September 2026

• 20 November 2026

Start Here (Quick Online Module — 30 mins)

Risk Management Basics | THHS-LOL

A short introduction to the THHS Enterprise Risk Management Framework and core concepts. Register via: Risk Management Basics | THHS-LOL

Interactive Workshops (Face-to-Face & Microsoft Teams)

Risk Assessment & Treatment Plan (RATP) Workshop (2 hrs)

Hands-on training in how to assess and document enterprise risks using the THHS RATP template. Register via: Course: Risk assessment and treatment plan (RATP) Workshop | THHS-LOL (health.qld. gov.au) Next Sessions:

• 21 May 2026

• 28 July 2026

• 24 September 2026

• 20 November 2026

Risk Management Essentials (2.5 hrs)

Build practical skills to apply the ERM Framework in your role. Ideal for risk owners and staff involved in risk management activities.

Register via: Course: Risk Management Essentials | THHS-LOL (health.qld.gov.au)

Next sessions:

• 20 May 2026

• 29 July 2026

• 23 September 2026

• 18 November 2026

Build Your Knowledge (Short Targeted Modules)

Strategic Risk Management (20 mins) — for senior leaders and directors Register via: Strategic Risk Management | THHS-LOL

Risk Management Toolkit Sessions — 8 short videos (10 mins each) focused on specific enterprise risk management processes Register via: Risk Management Toolkit Sessions | THHS-LOL

For further information, please contact the Enterprise Risk Team at THHS-EnterpriseRisk@health.qld.gov.au

Staff Noticeboard

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.

Car Park Shuttle 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

Issue 9 - January 2026 - 2025 Safety & Quality Wrapped

Issue 10 – March 2026 – Delirium & Cognitive Impairment

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

March Medication newsletter | March 2026 | Townsville HHS | Newsletter

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”.

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

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 (if

please leave a contact name, number and ward). Someone will be assigned.

Community Noticeboard

What happens to your super when you die?

Your super can be one of your biggest assets, like a house or car. But it’s not automatically part of your Will or estate. So, letting us know who you’d like to get your super when you die is important. If you don’t, it might not go where you want.

Click the ‘Find out more’ button to learn more.

Your employer is not responsible for the preparation of this communication. They are not providing advice or a recommendation. 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’). 265427. 04/26.

Help advance gynaecological cancer detection

The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research is looking for postmenopausal women to take part in a study exploring the feasibility of using blood samples to detect ovarian cancer earlier and more accurately.

If you know a woman aged 50-74 and postmenopausal, has no history of ovarian cancer, and has both ovaries intact, they may be eligible to participate.

Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for more information.

Consumer and Community Partnerships in Research

We are seeking THHS staff participation in a research project exploring Consumer and Community Partnerships in Research. The study has been approved by the THHS Human Research Ethics Committee, and the THHS Research Governance Office. An email link to the survey is also available: https://redcap.link/5arayqtf

If you would like any further information, click the ‘Find Out More’ button for more information. The survey (run via REDCap) will be live through to mid-May.

Have your say: sub and non-acute care survey

Feedback indicates there is variation in how patients are assessed and placed in a sub and non-acute care types (SNAP). The Healthcare Improvement Unit invites you to share your experiences to help inform the development of reliable, consistent guidance for hospital teams and improve SNAP data quality and patient outcomes. Survey is open now until Sunday 26 April. So click the ‘Find Out More’ button to complete the survery now.

Employment Opportunities & Vacancies

Click to open the flyers

Expressions of Interest - Infection Prevention and Control Services

Click to open the flyers

Allied Health Professional Enhancement Program (AHPEP)

Applications for the Allied Health Professional Enhancement Program (AHPEP) funded clinical placements and now access to Rural and Remote Research Capacity Building Program (RRR-Cap) placement support, a research capacity building initiative are now open and close Tuesday 5 May. Eligible allied health staff can upskill, network and build research capacity through a clinical placement opportunity in a variety of disciplines between July -December 2026.

Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to register now.

Click to view current vacancies and emploment opportunities

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THHS Weekly Wrap - 17th of April 2026 by Townsville Hospital and Health Service - Issuu