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 - March Safety Focus
Attached are the Safety Focus for March 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:
• Slips Trips & Falls
• Sexual Harassment / Assault
Please print and display this notice on your safety board.
Stay alert, Stay safe! Work Area Safety Inspections
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
• Understand the escalation process post critical incident
• Understand and identify cultural safety considerations
• Understand the ISTART debriefing framework
• 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!
Brighter Lives
Brighter Easter Raffle
Don’t miss your chance to win an incredible prize package valued at over $1,400! The lucky winner will take home a Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill & Air Fryer, a one-night stay at Main Stay Suites, and a Cocktail Crafternoon for two at Twin City Hotel, a family pass to Billabong Sanctuary, a family movie pass from BCC Townsville, a $100 meat tray from Lamberts Produce, a $50 gift card from Juliette’s, and a $50 voucher from Ceramic Pantry, an Easter basket from Woolworths Fairfield Waters and an insulated cooler and tumbler from Bunnings Fairfield Waters. The ultimate Easter package to keep you full of chocolate and busy this Easter!
Thank you to our kind sponsors for their donation of prizes: Main Stay Suites, Twin City Hotel, Billabong Sanctuary, BCC Cinema Townsville, Lamberts Produce, Juliette’s, Ceramic Pantry, Woolworths Fairfield Waters and Bunnings Fairfield Waters. 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/brightereaster2026
All profits support Brighter Lives and help here in Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
Must be 18+ to enter. The raffle will be drawn on 1 April at 10am and the winner will be contacted the same day.
First Responders Weekend
Harvey Norman will have a special sale for first responders this weekend – Friday 20 March to Monday 23 March. Discounts across the entire store for first responders, presentation of ID will be required.
Thanks to Brighter Lives sponsor, Harvey Norman, for this special deal for our first responders.
Greenspace 4 Hospital Staff
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are seeking nursing, midwifery and medical staff who are current employees of Australian hospitals to take part in a national survey about their experiences of nature and greenspaces in the workplace. Staff in both clinical and non-clinical roles may participate. The study intends to improve understanding of the range of nature and greenspace experiences that are available across different Australian hospital contexts. The researchers are looking for diverse perspectives on how hospital professionals value and interact with nature and greenspace during their work duties, and how workplace interactions with nature and greenspace impact staff wellbeing, job capacity and job satisfaction
Participation involves completing a 20-minute online survey conducted by the University of Melbourne. To acknowledge the time taken to complete the survey, participants will be offered entry into a prize draw to win one of twenty-five $100 E-gift cards. In addition, for each survey completed, the Research Team will make a small donation to a charitable organisation according to the participant voting tally. The four charities we have shortlisted operate across Australia to promote on-the-ground outcomes in environmental conservation and social justice.
You can access the survey using the link or QR code above, or visit Greenspace 4 Hospital Staff for more information.
Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) 2026 Annual Forum
Early bird registrations are now open to attend the Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) 2026 Annual Forum on 27 and 28 April at Southport Sharks Event Centre on the Gold Coast and online via Zoom Events. The Forum brings together health consumers, carers, clinicians, health service leaders, researchers, and policymakers to share, learn and partner on strategies that ensure better health outcomes for all Queenslanders.
The program theme ‘Influence in Action’ will showcase how consumers create change at all levels of the health system through projects that demonstrate the power of consumer advocacy.
Highlights:
• Keynote speaker Jean Kittson AM, popular performer, author and passionate advocate for health issues
• Panel discussions
• Interactive workshops
For more information and updates visit 2026 Annual Forum Home - Health Consumers Queensland
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.
Programs include:
• 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
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.
Do you have a clinical skill you need to refresh or build?
Check out the Clinical Skills Development Service course calendar to find a course that fits your training needs. Places do fill quickly, so it’s worth jumping in early.
Click to book your next course today!
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 24 March Central Line insertion
• Tuesday 7 April Defibrillation, COACHED, CPR. Cardioversion, pacing
• Tuesday 5 May Massive transfusion protocol and blood product transfusion
• Tuesday 19 May Lumbar puncture
Oncoming courses
• ILS (Immediate Life Support (30.03.26) – 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
• ILS (Immediate Life Support (15.04.26) – 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
• THHS ALS 2 - Advanced Life Support – Team Leader – one place has now become available. Book in via LOL: Course: THHS Advanced Life Support 2 - (Team Leader) | THHS-LOL
Enrolled Nurse Acute Care (ENAC) Program
The ENAC Program is a 12-month blended learning initiative that supports early- to mid-career Enrolled Nurses (ENs) to develop safe, high-quality, person-centred practice in acute care environments. Through a combination of online learning and face-to-face workshops, the program strengthens foundational knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviours relevant to acute care settings.
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for more information on the program.
Disability Awareness Training Webinar Series 2026 - Session 3
Not all disability or conditions that impact on function and participation are visible. Join us as we explore hidden disabilities and the opportunities to grow awareness through programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Awareness helps us understand how we can address both active discrimination and the barriers to inclusion that people with hidden disabilities experience in health settings both as members of our workforce as well as healthcare consumers.
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for details about the event and to register now.
Putting our new campaign on your radar
Syphilis cases have more than doubled in the last decade, and in 2025, Chief Medical Officer Michael Kid declared syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance in an effort to coordinate an enhanced national response to the rapidly rising infection. However, research conducted by ASHM found that many frontline healthcare workers still don’t view syphilis as a common concern, and also lack confidence in discussing and testing for the infection.
The survey of over 800 Australian clinicians aimed to understand current awareness, attitudes, and practices related to syphilis management within the Australian healthcare workforce. The findings revealed that though syphilis is easy to prevent and treat, more needs to be done if Australia is to reach its targets of reducing syphilis transmission and eliminating congenital syphilis by 2030.
In response to this, ASHM developed a National Syphilis Awareness Campaign to raise awareness amongst all healthcare workers on the spread of syphilis within Australia, and to equip healthcare professionals with practical tools for early detection and testing. Utilising radar imagery, the campaign highlights how syphilis will often evade detection due to its ability to “imitate” other conditions, and the fact it frequently present as asymptomatic. ASHM has worked to develop the campaign with doctors, nurses and community workers across Australia to help spread the message across the healthcare sector. Today, we are proud to launch this campaign with our community and beyond.
Looking to increase your CPD hours before AHPRA registration renewal? THHS staff can access a range of Ausmed online learning modules through LOL, covering topics such as clinical care, paediatrics, wound care, and professional practice.
Ausmed 2025
These short, practical modules can be completed anytime, at your own pace, making it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule while strengthening your knowledge and clinical practice.
Take advantage of this opportunity to boost your CPD and support your ongoing professional development.
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for details about the modules and to register now.
Invest in Your Professional Growth & Future
Mona Kendell NURSING DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
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.
Occupation Violence Prevention Unit - Safety Interventions
Registration is now open for an extra one day Essentials course - 25th of March 2026. The course is limited to 13 people – all Clinical / Operational streams.
Using a combination of theory, scenario based learning and physical disengagement skills training, CPI Essentials provide all THHS staff with foundational skills aimed at safely managing actual or potentially difficult and challenging behaviour in the workplace.
The course emphasises on de-escalation skills and least restrictive safety interventions to maximise safety and minimise harm to staff and patients/ consumers.
Duration: 8 hours (0800-1630 hours
More Courses: Townsville HHS | OVTU
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to register now.
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.
Policies and Procedures
New / updated policies and procedures available on the Townsville Hospital & Health Service, Policy & Procedure Homepage
THHSCOR201481 Respiratory Protection Program Replaced: v2
Target Audience: All employees, contractors, and consultants within Townsville HHS.
Integrated Workforce Management (IWFM) user responsibilities and requirements THHSSUP251690| Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures Replaced: NEW
Target Audience: THHS staff working in an IWFM Organisational Unit, specifically Roster Support Office (RSO) Team, Line Managers and other Delegates (including Shift Coordinators, Roster Creators and Administration staff), Staffing Support Officers & Relief Managers
Management and Use of Negative Pressure (Class N) isolation rooms.THHSCLI120575 | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures Replaced: v4
Target Audience: All employees, contractors and consultants at THHS
Target Audience: THHS Nurses, Midwives, Medical Officers, Dental Officers, Pharmacists and other registered health practitioners authorised to administer/possess medications
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
• COPE Program Comportment Scale 00200:1153v2
• COPE Program DAD Questionnaire 00200:1154v2
• COPE Program Interest Inventory Tool 00200:1155v2
• COPE Program LACLS-5 Screening Tool 00200:1156v2
• Pre Procedure Assessment - Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) 00200:0815v3
• Queensland Youth Cancer Service (QYCS) Referral SW539v10
• Referral to Service Integration Coordinator 00200:0422v5
• Referral to Multicultural Mental Health Coordinator (MMHC) 00200:1447v1
• Request for Admission of Baby to Birth Suite 00200:1389v2
• Request for Sleep Study 00200:0316v14
Retired Clinical Forms
If you currently use the any of the forms listed below, please email TSVClinicalCommunication@health.qld.gov.au
• Referral for Anaesthetic Assessment Prior to Delivery (replaced by qhRefer)
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
Enterprise Risk Management Training
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:
• 24 March 2026
• 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:
• 24 March 2026
• 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.
For further information, please contact the Enterprise Risk Team at THHS-EnterpriseRisk@health.qld.gov.au
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.
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
Read the latest Patient Safety Newsletter “Safety Matters” by clicking the ‘find out more’ button.
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
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.
Townsville HHS Medication Newsletter
S/4Hana Update
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 no
please leave a contact name, number and ward). Someone will be assigned.
Community Noticeboard
Tips to help women balance the super scale
Not sure you’ll have enough to retire? See how 3 women on our team took charge of their super to feel more confident about their future.
Click the ‘Find out more’ button to learn more.
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’). 264673. 03/26.
Bupa Corporate - Let’s talk about your health cover!
Get tailored benefits, discounts, and support with Bupa Corporate Health Insurance – designed for the way you live and work. Whether you’re looking for healthcare solutions that offer flexibility, affordability, or access to health & wellbeing services, Bupa’s Corporate Health Cover helps to ensure you and your family are wellprotected.
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for details to book your appointment now.
