Metro North Health

"I absolutely love my role as an administration officer at STARS. My goal is to make sure coming here feels as comfortable and stress free as possible, less like a hospital and more like a place of care. I work all over every department, which means I get to know both the amazing patients and the dedicated staff who keep everything running smoothly. I also have a chemistry degree and am currently working on my Masters in Nanotechnology." 📚💡 #StaffMondayMantra ☁️ Luke, Administration Officer, STARS.

Lana, Jess, and baby Charlotte are ringing in the festive season at RBWH maternity, with the ward now decked with newborn babies and holiday cheer as decorations start to line the halls.   “Christmas is such a fun time of year,” said Lana.   “There’s a real sense of camaraderie among the midwives and so much respect for those working over the holidays.”   Let the countdown to Christmas begin! 🎄

The North Pole may have Santa’s workshop, but STARS has its own kind of magic happening at the Rehabilitation Engineering Centre (REC). Alan is one of our clever craftspeople, transforming assistive technology and mobility equipment to improve the lives of Queenslanders with disabilities. For nearly 34 years, Alan’s passion for his work has left an incredible impact, not just in the workshop, but in the smiles and gratitude of patients and their families. “The Centre has been such an enjoyable place to work thanks to the amazing team environment. Seeing the reactions of patients and their carers to the modifications you’ve made is so rewarding, you really see the difference you’ve made to their quality of life.” #ShoutoutSaturday to Alan on his retirement and the joy he's brought to so many! 🥰

We love the festive season - it's one of the busiest and best, especially for people like Clodagh and Ben in medical imaging at Redcliffe Hospital. 🎄 From x-raying broken bones to diagnosing medical conditions, our radiographers are here and ready to help. "Christmas is always a busy time of year for the medical imaging team, with lots of injuries occurring over the holidays," says Ben.

A new artwork made up of close to 10,000 plastic items from operating theatres packaging is now on display at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. Anaesthetic Healthcare Practitioner and local artist Rushanthi created the work, after being engaged by Associate Professor and Anaesthetist Kerstin who wanted to use reverse recycling to create a beautiful piece of art for patients. "An idea was born to create something from rubbish and everyone in theatres was involved by collecting the plastics - 60 per cent of operating room plastic is potentially recyclable but a large number of items still end up in landfill," Kerstin said. "My main focus when creating the piece was for the artwork to help people when they may feel anxious before surgery, so this piece of art can distract them and make them feel more happy and relaxed," Rushanthi said. "Flipped Circles" is made from various operating theatre plastic items, of which RBWH anaesthetics would use over 1000 each day, including medical vial caps, airway device protection, IV caps and cannulas.

It takes a truly special person to care of others at the end of their life, and senior social worker Anita is exactly that. ❤😇 Alongside the small but dedicated team in the Community Palliative Care Service, Anita goes above and beyond for her patients. The team create care packs filled with thoughtful items like fingerprint kits to make keepsake jewellery, books, teddies, and symbols of hope to allow patients' legacies live on, even when they're gone. The Community Palliative Care Service focuses on supporting people with life-limiting illnesses and enhancing their quality of life. They help patients spend their final days in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by care and compassion. “It’s a heavy space to work in, but it gives you a unique perspective on living,” said Anita. “We have the opportunity to help patients share their legacy, their story. It’s a real privilege.” The Community Palliative Care Service at North Lakes Health Hub are looking for a compassionate senior social worker to join their team. If this sounds like you, apply now! https://lnkd.in/gRXH5cJ2

Did you know that Queensland has the highest rate of tooth decay in Australia? Oral Health Therapist Zoe explains how we can prevent this by looking after our teeth. 🦷👄 "Regular brushing, twice per day, for a minimum of two minutes, using a soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and interdental aids is the answer to healthy teeth. It sounds basic but still people aren't brushing twice a day," said Zoe. "Eating healthy foods low in sugar and acids and having regular dental check-ups about every 6 - 12 months is another key to good oral health. "Quitting smoking or vaping drastically improves your oral health as well."

“I began my career as an occupational therapist in 2005 at Toowoomba Hospital before moving to Townsville, where I gained diverse experience in hospital and community health settings. I've always been focused on emergency care, supporting elderly patients to recover in the community rather than being admitted. So, when I had the opportunity to become the program manager of the QAS Falls Co-Response program, I jumped at it. The patients we see have been very positive of the service and the comprehensiveness of care. They love the 'magic lifting machines' we use and the fact they can continue their care in community rather than in hospital”. #StaffMondayMantra ☁️ Kym, QAS Falls Co-Response Program Manager.

For the past week, Biomedical Technology Services (BTS) at RBWH has been hosting six Australian Defence Force (ADF) electronic technicians, giving them invaluable hands-on experience maintaining the hospital’s 35,000+ medical devices. 🏥🔧 Scott and the five other ADF techs are diving into everything from routine testing to repairs on essential equipment, ensuring Metro North’s healthcare gear remains safe and reliable. “The processes are similar to the army but working in a clinical environment - especially around patients, was a totally new experience,” Scott said. The training helps prepare ADF techs to tackle high-pressure situations, whether deployed overseas or managing complex systems in remote locations. 🌏

Baby Lola spent 162 days in RBWH a couple of years ago, after she was born prematurely at 23 weeks, weighing in at just 579g. Just recently, Lola attended her two-year assessment with the growth and development clinic and is hitting all her milestones! 🏆 "Lola was able to walk into the unit by herself for the first time. It was a very cool moment for us, and the team as well I think," said mum Kristy. "She is just an amazing little person that has taken all of the challenges in her stride." "The NICU team at RBWH are the absolute best there is. They got us through the toughest time of our life. We are forever a Royal family." #ShoutoutSaturday to RBWH NICU team from Lola and her family. ♥