Latest notices
Health Safety and Wellbeing – July Safety Focus
Attached are the Safety Focus for July 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:
• Animals and Insects
• 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!
Townsville Health Library - New titles available!
Brighter Lives
Brighter Day 30 July
Join us for our annual giving day!
This year, Brighter Lives is fundraising to bring a donor stem cell transplant service to Townsville Hospital, providing life-saving treatment for regional Queenslanders with cancer.
Currently, patients need to move to Brisbane for up to six months for this treatment, taking them away from their families, homes, pets and support
Help us this Brighter Day to bring this service here to Townsville to help local patients have the care they need close to home.
Sign up as a team to help fundraise!
The THHS team who fundraises the most will receive a trophy as well as a $100 gift card to be used to treat your team.
Donate or sign up a team: brighterday.brighterlives.org.au 100% of all donations stay in north Queensland, helping here!
Ahead of NAIDOC week, Closing the Gap shirts and Johnathan Thurston medical scrubs can be purchased at Brighter Lives gift shop with all profits raised going towards local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives.
NAIDOC Week
Closing the gap, staff shirts are $55 each only at the Brighter Lives gift shop. Johnathan Thurston scrubs are available for $59.95 per piece through the Brighter Lives gift shop at Townsville University Hospital or online www.brighterlives.org.au/shop
We encourage you to come down and support this amazing initiative and make a local impact.
Launch of the Queensland Health Workforce Wellbeing Hub
The Workforce Wellbeing Hub is a central, accessible resource for all Queensland Health staff seeking wellbeing support beyond (and inclusive of) EAP.
It is intended to become a primary wellbeing resource promoted across the organisation. Staff can also access it via the SharePoint app on personal devices, improving reach and usability outside the workplace. Accessing the Queensland Health Workforce Wellbeing Hub on a personal device
Accessing the Queensland Health Workforce Wellbeing Hub on a personal device This first release includes:
• comprehensive all-staff personal wellbeing resources across wellbeing pillars
• a dedicated Medical Officers Wellbeing Hub, developed with the Medical Workforce Wellbeing Team.
For more information click the ‘Find Out More’ button to visit Queensland Health Workforce Wellbeing Hub.
Training, Education
For further information, please contact Organisation Development: THHS-Learning@health.qld.gov.au/
Performance and Development (PAD) Templates and Resources – Now Live THHS has launched updated Performance and Development (PAD) templates and supporting resources.
The updated PAD approach is designed to support more meaningful conversations about:
• Performance and achievements
• Strengths and development
• Expectations and priorities
• Growth opportunities and support
What’s changing - Updated PAD templates for:
• Leader of Self
• Leader of Others
• Nursing & Midwifery
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Yarning Journe
• New Companion Guides for employees
• New Line Manager Resource Guides
Which template applies to who:
• Leader of Self – employees without direct people leadership responsibilities
• Leader of Others – employees with staff reporting responsibilities, including supervisors and team leaders.
• (including NG7 and above).
• Nursing & Midwifery PAD – nursing and midwifery employees
• Yarning Journey – a culturally informed PAD option available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• who wish to use it. Participation is voluntary.
The updated resources reinforce that PAD conversations should occur regularly throughout the year and focus on meaningful discussion, reflection, development, and support rather than simply completing a form.
All templates, guides, and resources are available on QHEPS: https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/tville/human-resource-services/performance-development
Line managers are encouraged to attend upcoming briefing sessions and webinars to support implementation.
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
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
Clinical Simulation Centre
Oncoming courses:
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 19 May Lumbar puncture
• ILS (Immediate Life Support 30 June | 10 August) – 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)
• CVAD (16 July | 31 August) – 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
• VEP (Venepuncture) (15 July | 29 July) – Book via LOL: Course: Venepuncture Education Program (VEP) | THHS-LOL
• PIVC (Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation 15 July | 29 July) – Book via LOL: Course: Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation (PIVC) | THHS-LOL
• OPTIMUS Core (27 July) – Optimising Paediatric Training in Emergencies. Book via LOL: Course: OPTIMUS Core | THHS-LOL
Emergency Management of Severe Burns (EMSB) Course - Townsville
Trauma Service - Education Opportunities
Cannington Lecture Theatre, TUH
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to assess, stabilise and manage severe burn injuries in emergency and acute care settings – Be ready ~Act Fast ~ Save Lives
• Hands on training + expert Led Learning, Real scenarios, Practical skills
• Assessment MCQ + Simulation – Certificate on Completion
Start Date: 08 August 2026
End Date: 08 August 2026
Start Time: 7:30am
End Time: 5:45pm
Venue: Townsville University Hospital, QLD
Contact Name: ANZBA Courses
Contact Email: courses@anzba.org.au
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for details about the event and to register now.
Disability Awareness Training Webinar Series 2026 – Session 5
Recruitment, targeted positions and workplace adjustments
Cannington Lecture Theatre, TUH
Queensland Health could be an employee of choice for people with disability. Join us as we reflect on disability-inclusive employment across Queensland Health and the broader public sector. We will unpack the how-to of creating disability identified positions and learn from the experiences of inclusion (or otherwise) from lived experience members of the Queensland Health workforce.
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button for details about the event and to register now.
Queensland Trauma Symposium - 20 and 21 August 2026
RBWH Education Centre
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane
The Queensland Trauma Symposium is excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary trauma care providers to collaborate at a professional level, educate on current practices and discuss ideas for the future of trauma care. Proudly hosted by RBWH Trauma Service and Jamieson Trauma Institute. Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to register now.
MHPOD - What is it and why should you sign up?
The Mental Health Professional Online Development Program (MHPOD) aims to build the capacity of Australia's health and related workforces with the professional skills required to deliver mental health support on the frontline.
Audience: All Townsville HHS Queensland Health staff Learning Outcomes:
• Free, self-paced and easy to complete
• Over 100 hours of materials for mental health related topics
• Enhanced career development
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to visit now.
Dual Diagnosis eLearning Series of Presentations
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Mental Health
The Dual Diagnosis eLearning Series of Presentations on THHS-LOL has added a new in service on Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Mental Health. This module explores what GHB is, the forms it comes in, how its delivered, the physiological effects and the implementation of treatment and management strategies. This presentation contains the latest information on the use of GHB.
Click the ‘Find Out More’ button to complete your training now.
Policies and Procedures
Are you using the most recent template for your policy, procedure or standing order development / review?
It is important to use the current version to make sure you align with the governance expectations for documents within the THHS. Do Not save templates on local drives. All templates can be found on the Policies & Procedures Home Page along with useful guides to step you through the process
Please note that any document submitted without adhering to the processes outlined in Policy, procedure and standing orders management THHSCOR140803 and the Checklist for document submission will not be progressed by the Policy and Procedure Unit.
All policies, procedures and Standing Orders are available on the Policies & Procedures Home Page.
New / Updated / Rescinded
THHSCLI251669v2 | Blunt chest Trauma | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures
Replaced: v1
Target Audience: All THHS staff working in environments which is impacted by blunt chest trauma.
THHSCLI261698 Day Admission for commencement of Atenolol for Infantile Haemangioma | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures
Replaced: New
Target Audience: This procedure applies to all Medical Officers and Registered Nurses within the Children’s Ward at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
THHSCLI120574v6 Lead aprons - maintenance, testing and purchasing | Townsville HHS | TPPU | Procedures
Replaced: v5
Target Audience: All THHS staff working in environments which have X-ray producing equipment and radiation apparatus
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
• Children’s Early Warning Tool (CEWT) Rural and Remote 1 - 4 Years SW142 v12
• Children’s Early Warning Tool (CEWT) Rural and Remote 12 -17 Years SW144 v12
• Children’s Early Warning Tool (CEWT) Rural and Remote 5 -11 Years SW143 v12
• Children’s Early Warning Tool (CEWT) Rural and Remote Less than 1 Year SW141 v12
• Chronic Hypoxia/Hypercapnia Respiratory Chart for Tertiary and Secondary Facilities SW1171 v3
• EDIS Rural and Remote Emergency Q-ADDS SW597 v10
• Maternal Postnatal Clinical Pathway SW1308 v1
• Maternal Postnatal Clinical Pathway Ongoing Care (Additional Page) SW1308a v1
• Maternal Postnatal Clinical Pathway Clinical Events/Variances (Additional Page) SW1308b v1
• Neonatal Early Warning Tool NEWT (Without Nursery Or NICU) 28 Days or Less SW706 v6
• Neonatal Early Warning Tool NEWT Birthing Services/Postnatal Ward 28 Days or Less (for Tertiary facilities only) SW947 v3
• Queensland Adult Deterioration Detection System (Q-ADDS) for Hospital In the Home (HiTH) SW350 v4
• Queensland Adult Deterioration Detection System (Q-ADDS) for Rural and Remote Facilities SW149 v11
• Queensland Maternity Early Warning Tool (Q-MEWT) Antenatal Rural SW353 v11
• Queensland Maternity Early Warning Tool (Q-MEWT) Antenatal SW351 v11
• Queensland Maternity Early Warning Tool (Q-MEWT) Postnatal SW352 v11
• Rural and Remote Emergency Children's Early Warning Tool (CEWT) 1 - 4 Years SW343 v10
• Rural and Remote Emergency Children's Early Warning Tool (CEWT) 12 - 17 Years SW345 v10
• Rural and Remote Emergency Children's Early Warning Tool (CEWT) 5 - 11 Years SW344 v10
• Transition Care Program Clinical Handover 00200:1261 v2
Retired Clinical Forms
If you currently use the any of the forms listed below, please email TSVClinicalCommunication@health.qld.gov.au
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
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 work 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 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:
• 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
FIND OUT MORE ▶▶
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
THHS Acute Capacity Framework-Business Continuity Plan
The Acute Capacity Framework (ACF) supersedes and replaces procedure THHSCOR130681v6 Escalation management of patient flow during levels of capacity
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) Acute Capacity Framework (ACF) is authorised by the Chief Executive, THHS in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 2003. THHS Acute Capacity Framework, Business Continuity Plan (BCP):
• Outlines the core business with clear processes for escalation, communication, and accountability during peak periods of increased activity and demand.
• Strengthens the THHS capacity to predict, prepare and effectively manage flow, including peak variations in service demand.
• Enables efficiency in patient flow processes with improved safety and quality patient outcomes.
• Provides staff with documented processes with a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities in their accountability for patient flow.
Read the latest Acute Capacity Framework-Business Continuity Plan by clicking the ‘Find out More’ button.
Improving Service Performance, Capacity and Sustainability
Project Snapshot
Key Focus Areas:
Clinical Redesign Healthcare Improvement (HIU) Collaborative Program
Executive Sponsor: Susan Freiberg (COO)
January 2026 through to December 2028
Spotlight: Delivering 87 recommendations across four major projects
Project: Specialist Outpatient Department
Delivering 18 strategic recommendations to support long-term improvement
Principle Project Officer: Deb Phillips
ND Clinical Redesign Specialist Outpatients: Kelly Graf
• Strengthening Governance and Leadership
• Improving Referral Pathways
• Optimising Appointments and Administration
• Clarifying Clinical Roles and Responsibilities
• Enhancing Models of Care
• Modernising Information and Communication Systems
• Balancing Demand and Capacity
Where are we now
• Current Phase : Stabilisation
• Overall Status : On track
• Progress: 14% complete
Key Achievements:
• Successfully realigned North Queensland (NQ) Referral Hub under the Chief Operating Officer (COO) portfolio to provide operational alignment with health-service- wide contributors to specialist outpatient services.
• Embedded Specialist Outpatient meetings across Service Groups with Terms of Reference, and established the Planned Care Committee as a Tier Three committee
What’s Happening Next
• Explore the SOPD Practice Manager position as a single point of strategic coordination and support for Service Groups to optimise and operationalise excellence of outpatient and ambulatory care services across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS).
Read the Clinical Redesign Program by clicking the ‘Find out More’ button.
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
Issue 11 – May 2026 – Patient Safety Net
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
March Medication newsletter | March 2026 | Townsville HHS | Newsletter
Read the latest Patient Safety Newsletter “Safety Matters” by clicking the ‘Find out More’ button.
Townsville HHS Medication Newsletter
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.
Chaplin Services – Contact List
Australian Christian Churches (ACC)
Anglican Church (Church of England)
Baptist Church
Buddhist
Church of Christ
Robert Messmer 0415 654 990
Fr John McKim
Rev Stephanie Patching 0408 188 574 0408 112 467
Garry Wynn 0468 958 508
Phil Heang
Helene Rankin
Bill Ang 0448 401 066 0429 321 396 0439 891 452
Pastor Simon Teunis 0486 198 362
Greek Orthodox Maria Gianoulis 0417 627 427
Islam
Jehovah’s Witness
Lutheran Church
Roman Catholic Church
Salvation Army
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Uniting Church in Australia
(Methodist/Congregationalist)
Suggestions:
Dr Shahead Chowdhury
Sr Ferzana Khan
Sr Hera Oktadiana 0402 036 087 0425 000 822 0404 921 065
Bruce Ridden 0427 774 850
Kees Sturm 0428 992 002
Father Mobin Sebastian 0475 580 721
Katrina McIntosh 0431 019 750
Orlando Pule 0406 376 917
Rev Bruce Cornish 0417 707 419
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 cannot return the call if no message is left.
3. If you cannot get someone, ring the Pastoral Care Coordinator on 0447 880 993 (if no answer
please leave a contact name, number and ward). Someone will be assigned to ring you back at availability
Community Noticeboard
Tax-smart ways to power up your super Making extra contributions can be a great way to help grow your super. Adding just a little extra could have a big impact on your future retirement due to the power of compounding. Discover tax-savvy ways to give your super account a boost and get your savings on track.
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.
Employment
