APRIL 2021 EDITION South West Hospital and Health Service
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South West Hospital and Health Service
APRIL
2021 EDITION
From the Board Chair 3 Our Teams 19
Board out and about 4 Palliative care streaming into remote homes 19
From the Chief Executive 7 TRAIC Grazing Futures 19
Our Communities 8
First Nations tackle flu 8 Our Services 20
Surat partnerships support early Lymphoedema training for South West clinicians 20
childhood development 8
Roma’s Rehabilitation area supporting
South West HHS COVID-19 vaccine update 9 the community 20
Connecting with Roma’s farming community 12 Collaborating to help prevent domestic violence 21
School holiday colour splash in Charleville 13
Driving Miss Daisy on World Health Day 13 Our Resources 22
Vintage cars come to Charleville 14 Reconnect with Village Connect 22
Disney Princesses tour Cunnamulla 15 South West Spirit Award – Chrissy Tincknell 24
Introducing Tallis Landers – Roma CAN’s
new chair 16
On the road with the Oral Health Team 17
Ryan’s Rule 18
Cover image: South West HHS Executive Director Allied Health Helen Wassman
catches up with Bollon CAN member Larry Wilson
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
1
We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands across the South West. We also pay our respects to the
current and future Elders, for they will inherit the responsibility of keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture alive,
and for creating a better life for the generations to follow. We believe the future happiness and wellbeing of all Australians
and our future generations will be enhanced by valuing and taking pride in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples – the oldest living culture of humanity.
SOUTH WEST TRADITIONAL OWNERS
Augathella – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Quilpie – Bunthamarra (Bun-tha-mar-ra) and
Wangkumara (Wong-ka-mara)
Bollon – Kooma (Coo-ma)
Roma – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee)
Charleville – Bidjara (Bid-jara)
St George – Kooma (Coo-ma) with Kamilaroi, Mandandanji,
Cunnamulla – Kunya (Koun-yah) with other interests Bigambul and Gungarri interests
Dirranbandi – Kooma (Coo-ma) Surat – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee)
Injune – Kongabula (Kong-ga-bull-a) Thargomindah – Kullila (Coo-lee-lar)
Mitchell – Gunggari (Gon-gari) Wallumbilla – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee)
Morven – Bidjara (Bid-jara)
Mungindi – Kamilaroi (Car-milla-roy)
QUALITY COMPASSION ACCOUNTABILITY ENGAGEMENT ADAPTABILITY
This newsletter is produced by the South West Hospital and Health Service.
All feedback and contributions are welcome to SWHHS_Communications@health.qld.gov.au.
All published material has been approved by the Health Service Chief Executive.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
2 PULSE July edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
From the Board Chair
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s
about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”
Brian Solis, Digital analyst and anthropologist, 2014.
Members of the Executive Leadership Team and South West We were fortunate to have Craig join us on our recent
Hospital and Health Board have been out and about the board travel where he was able to meet a large number
Western and Southern areas in our region and it was great to of staff and community members, as part of his induction
catch up with staff and community members in Charleville, to the South West HHS. Keep an eye out for Craig, as he plans
Quilpie, Thargomindah, Cunnamulla, Bollon and Dirranbandi to be a regular visitor to our dispersed health facilities.
as well as a ‘meet and greet’ event in Eromanga.
I would also like to thank board member Fiona Gaske for her
Overwhelmingly, one comes away from our small communities numerous contributions to the South West community over
with a palpable and noticeable sense of the spirit and pride many years. Fiona is not seeking reappointment to the Board
that permeates not only our HHS staff team at each facility, but and finishes up on 17 May as a Board Director.
a real awareness that our people are part of a wider community
group that is working towards the common goal of health, Fiona was first appointed to the South West Hospital and
wellness and an overall betterment of their local space (no Health Board in May 2014 and is currently our longest
matter how big or small) in the vast South West region. serving board member. She continuously chaired the Safety
and Quality Committee from July 2015 until 2020 and has
The insights gained whilst visiting facilities and listening to local also been a member of the Executive Committee for the
residents is important to the Board and Executive Leadership same period. In short, Fiona has been a board member of
Team. As key strategic decision makers for the South West HHS, significance during her board tenure.
we have a strong responsibility to understand what our residents
and staff want and need. As we move around the region, we Prior to her appointment, Fiona was the inaugural St George
learn so much about our fabulous team members, the great work Community Advisory Network Chair and held this role
that is being undertaken in each area; the unmet needs and the from 2012 until her board appointment. She has a keen
enormous volume of work we are collectively undertaking that is and insightful understanding of the health needs of rural
supporting health and wellness. It is a privilege to be part of the communities which has been gained as a local resident and
HHS team that is contributing to work that matters to people. through her roles as a Speech Pathologist in the St George
Primary Health Care Unit (2008 – 13) and as Deputy Mayor of
Later in May, the Board will be having our monthly meeting in the Balonne Shire for many years.
Mitchell before travelling on to Injune and Wallumbilla to catch
up with our dedicated HHS teams. The Board sincerely thanks Fiona’s contributions to the board and the HHS have been
all for your warm welcome and generous sharing of your work, immense, and her deep interest and forthright advocacy
your thoughts and achievements. As board members, we has often been related to patient safety and quality and the
genuinely appreciate the opportunities to meet both our South services offered to support this. She has enthusiastically
West HHS team and community members. contributed to enhancing governance standards and with
her learning mindset, has encouraged fellow members to
In recent weeks, we have warmly welcomed our Acting Chief explore new ideas and opened our decision making to greater
Executive Craig Carey to the team. Craig will be in this role until possibilities for health service enhancements and efficiencies.
28 August, after which a (yet to be appointed) permanent CE
will lead our HHS. Prior to arriving in South West Queensland, Fiona, your wise contributions to the South West have been
Craig was with the Central West HHS where he was the General immense over a great period of time, and I thank you most
Manager of Acute Health Services. humbly for your contributions to not only the St George
community, however also the wider South West Queensland
Growing up in Warwick and having lived in recent years in communities. We wish you all the best in the future.
Longreach, Craig has a strong commitment to rural people
and small communities, and he brings a person focussed Karen Tully
leadership style that encompasses a comprehensive Board Chair
understanding of quality rural and remote health.
Additionally, he has had several years of experience
working with the Service Agreement Strategy Unit within
the Department of Health in Brisbane.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
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Board out and about
BOLLON, QUILPIE AND THARGOMINDAH
Bollon CAN Chair and birthday girl South West HHS Executive and Board meet with members Bollon Director of Nursing Sonia Brady
Jane Kirby and Donna Burke in Bollon of the Bulloo Shire Council in Thargomindah and Bollon CAN Chair Jane Kirby catch up
Helen Wassman, Rodney Landers Snr, Michelle Karen Tully, Ray Chandler and Alan Chris Small, Rebecca Greenway, Jan Chambers, Sonia
Donohue and Chris Houghton in Quilpie Thompson at Thargomindah Brady, Wendy Winks and Rodney Landers Snr in Bollon
Robin Tully, Liza Hamlyn, Jan Chambers, Cr Jenny Hewson and Melanie Crack at Quilpie Mayor Cr John Tractor Ferguson OAM, Rebecca Greenway
and Deputy Mayor Cr Shirley Girdler in Thargomindah
South West Executive and Board catch up with Bollon CAN Jan Chambers, Karen Tully, Alan Thompson Jane Kirby, Rebecca Greenway, Chris
members on their recent road trip and Chris Small in Thargomindah Small and Helen Murray in Bollon
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
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Board out and about (continued)
CUNNAMULLA
Geraldine Tuite, Catherine Barlow, Norma Bate, Claire Liza Watkins, Chris Small and Tina Jackson Some of our South West Board members
Alexander and Craig Carey in Cunnamulla in Cunnamulla catching up with members from CACH
in Cunnamulla
Claire Alexander, Karen Tully, Craig Carey and Geraldine Tuite Catching up with the CACH team in Cunnamulla
in Cunnamulla
The South West HHS Executive and Board enjoy Glenn de Jong, Ryan Lindsay and Renee Craig Carey with Allan Hatchman and Lawrence
morning tea with staff and CAN members at the Samuela in Cunnamulla Anderson in Cunnamulla
Cunnamulla Hospital
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
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Board out and about (continued)
DIRRANBANDI, CHARLEVILLE AND EROMANGA
Rebecca Greenway, Chris Small and Kerry Rebecca Greenway, Rodney Landers Snr, Kerry Dr Mark Waters, Clare Alexander, Jan Chambers,
Crumblin listen to Dirranbandi Director of Crumblin, Mary Dunne, Cr Robert Eckel in Charleville Karen Tully, Monica Hadenfeldt and James and
Nursing Jane O’Shannessy while visiting Fran Hetherington
Dirranbandi recently
South West Hospital and Health Board (back from left) Kerry Jeff Potter, Jan L’Estrange, Kate Field, Karen Tully, Rodney Landers Snr and Donna
Crumblin, Dr Mark Waters, Ray Chandler, Jan Chambers, (front) Helen Murray and Deb Alick in Charleville Hooper catch up in Dirranbandi
Fiona Gaske, Karen Tully and Claire Alexander in Charleville
Dr Sonya Manwaring, Ray Chandler, Jan Chambers, Neil Polglase, South West HHS Executive and South West HH Board at the
Helen Wassman, Dr Deb Tennett and Claire Alexander in Charleville Eromanga Natural History Museum
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
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From the
Chief Executive
Since commencing in April, I have had the opportunity
to travel across the South West and to hear the stories
of community and staff members alike.
I am grateful for the warm welcome that has been extended, Our common purpose to deliver and support safe, high quality,
while being reminded of the expectations and challenges effective and sustainable health care that people both value
we strive to meet and overcome in the delivery of healthcare and trust, is what brings us together. I ask each of you to think
services each day. about the difference that you will make. Remember that it is
not just a responsibility, but also an incredible privilege, to
Collectively our performance is something of which we can deliver and support healthcare services for the individuals,
be proud. As a learning organisation, there is opportunity to families, and communities across the South West.
improve our performance, to enhance our services and their
reach, to introduce new models of evidence based practice, Many thanks
to create, to be innovative and to better understand and
respond to the needs expressed by our communities. Craig
More than a word. Reconciliation takes action is Reconciliation
Australia’s theme for 2021. National Reconciliation Week,
from 27 May to 3 June each year, is a time for all Australians
to learn of our shared histories, cultures and achievements
while exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving
reconciliation in Australia. Let us hear the First Nations’ voices
as collectively we work towards closing the gap in healthcare
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
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Our Communities
FIRST NATIONS TACKLE FLU
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community “Anyone can become seriously
members in Roma and surrounds are taking zero unwell from the flu and the
goal of the Tackle Flu campaign
chances this year by tackling the flu head on!
is to encourage people to
get vaccinated every year,”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer RJ Landers
he said.
said they had run two Tackle Flu Clinics (influenza vaccination)
at the Roma Hospital with both being well attended. “It takes just a few minutes
of your time and can keep
“The Tackle Flu Before it Tackles You campaign is a great way
you safe from severe
of encouraging First Nations people to get their flu jab before
influenza.”
the flu season kicks off,” RJ said.
RJ said that as well as an annual vaccination, there were
“For the past few years we have worked with CWAATSICH and
simple additional measures that can be taken to prevent the
Goondir to ensure our First Nations people across the South
spread of the flu.
West have access to the flu vaccine.
“Washing your hands thoroughly, throwing tissues away
“This year we have had to run it a little differently and be
immediately after sneezing and staying home when you are
mindful of the COVAX clinics as we needed to ensure the
sick are easy to do and can make a big difference in keeping
two-week space between the different vaccines.”
the flu at bay,” he said.
RJ said the flu vaccine wasn’t just for the elderly but equally
important for the young people.
SURAT PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Surat has a strong network of partners in its Early “It was great to reconnect with our Early Years Network partners
Years Network, which came together recently to for the first time this year and hear about their ongoing plans
for 2021 and how we, the South West HHS, will support these
look at what’s working well across the local early
plans,” said Kathy. “It was also lovely to see so much green
childhood offering as well as how things could be across the landscape after all our recent rain.”
improved.
The group also discussed their plans for upcoming events
The network also considers how best to influence the including Under 8’s Day in June as well as ongoing activities
Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), which is a such as the Surat ECEC’s regular monthly visits to the council
nationwide data collection of early childhood development library and the State Library of Queensland’s First 5 Forever
at the time children commence in their first year of full-time literacy program, which is being delivered at the pool.
school. AEDC data is important because it provides the
Network members also committed to reviewing the
evidence to inform health, education and community policy
Queensland Government’s recently released Early Years Plan
and planning for children and their families.
before they meet again.
Kathy Morrow from the Healthy Communities Team represented
South West HHS at the April gathering, which also included
people from Surat Aboriginal Corporation, Maranoa Regional
Council, Education Queensland and the Surat Early Childhood
Education Centre (ECEC).
PULSE November edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
8 PULSE July edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
SOUTH WEST HHS COVID-19
VACCINE UPDATE
South West HHS’s vaccination teams have been
on the go, by land and air, delivering the COVID-19
vaccine across our communities.
Our COVID-19 Vaccination Coordinator Robyn Brumpton said
the coordinated rollout of the vaccine was a massive team effort Elizabeth McKenzie
from Augathella
from everyone involved.
“Our teams have now been to our outreach communities
vaccinating all frontline and non-frontline workers and are
well into our communities, who are part of the 1b group. Once
that’s completed, they’ll move onto vaccinating the whole
community,” Robyn said.
“The vaccine teams have been warmly welcomed in all facilities Robyn said the South West would continue to roll out
and they are so thankful for the collaborative approach from the vaccines as per the new agreement between the
staff, who have worked together to vaccinate everyone.” Commonwealth, states and territories.
Robyn said there were so many people to thank for their efforts “They have all agreed on how Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine
in the vaccine rollout. rollout will be recalibrated following recent advice from
Australia’s vaccine experts about the AstraZeneca vaccine,”
“We have had help from the Royal Flying Doctors Service who she said.
have flown the vaccine team to Thargomindah,” she said.
“We also appreciate the great partnerships we have with our “Our vaccination clinics are continuing to operate under the
Indigenous health workers and clinical staff, who have been new national guidelines for the delivery of the AstraZeneca
supporting us by contacting our patients.” vaccine, which is not recommended for people aged 50 years
and under who have not yet had their first dose.
“We have also welcomed six graduate nurses into our vaccine
team who have been a great help with the rollout. And I can’t “However, if you are aged from 18 to 50, you can still go ahead
forget everyone else who works behind the scenes in ensuring with the AstraZeneca vaccination if you wish to do so, with
the South West communities get their vaccinations. the recommendation that you discuss this and your medical
history with the immunisation team or your GP in order to make
“This includes everyone from our pharmacists, nurses, an informed decision.
operational and administration teams and doctors – I want
to thank them all!” “People who have had the first dose of AstraZeneca without
any serious adverse effects or blood clots can be given the
second dose, including adults aged 50 years and under.”
As a result of the decision to preference the Pfizer vaccine for
adults under the age of 50, more doses of the AstraZeneca
vaccine can be directed to Australians aged 50 and over.
“As part of the recalibrated rollout plan, AstraZeneca vaccine
will be made available to all people aged 50 or over through
GP-led respiratory clinics and state and territory clinics from
3 May 2021,” Robyn said.
Kelvin Duiker, Goondir Roma team
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
9Loretta Clayton, Administration – Augathella Jill Duff from Charleville vaccinating some staff members, Clodagh Finall (left) and
Dr Kassie Kahler (right)
Ronald Currie receiving his COVID-19 vaccination Jenna Nunn after she received her vaccination Roma – Sonia Small
in Charleville
Chris Small, Helen Wassman, Dr Deb Tennett,
Rodney Landers
Sally Gorman from Charleville getting Julz Eather – CNC Perioperative Services
her vaccination – St George receives her vaccine from
Lynne Balzan RN
Courtney Steedman
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
10Miranda Donohue – Charleville Julz Eather – St George
Dr Alan Richardson receives his COVID-19 vaccination Claudette Duiker – Roma Roma – Jane McArthur
Ron Roberts QAS St George St George – Dr Adam Coltzau
Chloe Armstrong receiving her COVID-19 vaccination
South West HHS COVID-19 Vaccination St George – Taylor Castles
Coordinator Robyn Brumpton
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
11CONNECTING WITH ROMA’S FARMING COMMUNITY
On a lovely sunny April day in Roma, the Rapid
Relief Team organised a well-deserved day out for
farmers and their families at Bassett Park.
Country people came together and connected with a range of
support groups including local drought assistance services,
Qld Farmer’s Federation, Rural Financial Counselling,
Anglicare, TAFE, veterinary support, the Royal Flying Doctor
Service and South West HHS.
Kathy Morrow from South West HHS’s Healthy Communities
team said it was a great way for people to reconnect, catch up
with friends and neighbours, and gain a better understanding
of all available services.
“The morning included a free barbecue and barista coffee, and
the 180 people who’d registered for the event also received a
one tonne bulker bag of livestock pellets,” Kathy said.
South West HHS staff took the opportunity to run some health
promotion activities around the importance of heart health,
good nutrition and keeping physically active. They also took
the opportunity to check people’s blood pressure and discuss
various health issues including home care and vaccinations.
Kathy also explained that there was a strong focus on quitting
smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, with the help of
some interesting and effective equipment.
“We encouraged people to test drive our ‘beer goggles’ which
simulate the vision impairment that results from consuming
alcohol at different levels,” Kathy explained. “People also
experimented with ‘smokerlyzers’ which measure levels of
carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.”
Other demonstrations included simple yet effective
representations that carried important health messaging such
as livestock pellets in buckets to show the energy required
each day for livestock versus humans.
“Farmers are highly skilled when it comes to feeding and
caring for their animals,” Kathy explained, “but are they as
knowledgeable when it comes to feeding themselves?”
Connecting with Roma’s farming community
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
12 PULSE July edition | South West Hospital and Health ServiceSCHOOL HOLIDAY COLOUR
SPLASH IN CHARLEVILLE
Charleville’s school kids had lots to choose from
during the April school holidays thanks to a fun
program coordinated by CACH and supported by
RESQ, Deadly Choices, Anglicare, CWAATSICH
and South West HHS.
From lawn bowls and netball clinics to resin and wood
workshops, there was something to interest everyone,
including a crazy activity that had kids and adults flinging
coloured powder at each other in the park.
Jane White and Carmel Baker along with the Donna Enders, Left: Ashley, Isabella and Sienna having fun at the Charleville colour run
Jenny Peacock, Graham Sullivan, Jolene Russell and
Paulina Martinez helped to marshal the kids and make sure
everyone was having fun and being safe.
“The colour run was brilliant,” said Donna. “The kids and
adults really got into it and everyone had a fun morning in
the park on a stunning April day.”
DRIVING MISS DAISY ON WORLD HEALTH DAY
Charleville came up with its own brand of fun to
celebrate World Health Day on 7 April.
Organised by staff from Primary and Community Care, Healthy
Ageing and the HOPE Program’s Jenny Peacock, community
members of all ages came together in the spirit of this year’s
World Health Day theme, ‘Building a Fairer World.’
Jenny got creative and drew a larger-than-life snakes and ladders
game that required players to answer a health-related question
before moving to the next square. She also dusted off Miss
Daisy and encouraged people to get on board and get peddling.
“It was so much fun,” Jenny said. We had some pretty crazy
answers to some of our health questions and almost everyone
Miss Daisy and friends ready to get active
wanted to have a go on the bike.”
Charleville’s community nurses De Dennis and Catherine
O’Connor were also on hand for health checks, chats and
to answer people’s questions about a whole range of
health issues.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
13VINTAGE CARS COME TO CHARLEVILLE
For a week in April, Charleville was host to more
than 70 vintage cars and their enthusiastic owners.
The one and two-cylinder cars, all more than 100 years old, had
been polished to the max and looked shiny and magnificent
under Charleville’s vast blue outback sky.
Mayor Shaun Radnedge was delighted to report that the vintage
car gathering attracted around 180 visitors to the Murweh Shire
and created a fascinating spectacle for residents, who all got
behind the week-long event. Nurse Catherine O’Connor checks the blood
pressure of a visiting vintage car enthusiast
“The vintage car people visited all our local attractions and
were really generous in allowing spectators to get up close and
personal to their beautiful machines,” he said.
“The gaslight parade was a real highlight – it was incredible
to see these amazing museum-quality vehicles driving along
Charleville’s wide streets.”
The vintage car schedule also included a luncheon at Charleville’s
Evening Star Caravan Park, where visitors mixed with locals and
had another opportunity to admire not just the cars but also the
drivers’ vintage costumes.
South West HHS’s Primary and Community Care Team took
the opportunity to run some health promotion activities. RNs
Catherine and Jen were on hand to take people’s blood pressure
while Sue from the Allied Health team talked to people about falls
prevention and Jenny from the HOPE Program offered Quitline
information.
Sue Harvey, Jenny Peacock, Jen Frazer and Catherine O’Connor
“The vintage car people visited all our
local attractions and were really generous
in allowing spectators to get up close and
personal with their beautiful machines”
Catherine O’Connor runs some vintage health checks
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
14DISNEY PRINCESSES TOUR CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla hosted some very special royalty
recently at the Under 5’s Easter Fair.
Organised by Cunnamulla’s Librarian Tammy Hickey, the
‘Princess Tour’ brought to town the enchanted worlds of Frozen
with Elsa and Anna, as well as all-time favourites – Moana,
Cinderella and Snow White, who came to Cunnamulla without
the seven dwarves.
Tammy explained that families came from across the region to
share in the fun and fantasy.
“It was almost as if the Disney Princesses had jumped out of
the screen and into our little corner of the world, right before Anna and her princess friends find a little look-a-like in Cunnamulla
the children’s eyes,” she said. “These delightful princesses
cast their magic across the community, thrilling lots of children
and bringing to life some much-loved characters.”
The princesses weren’t the only ones in costume that day, as
everyone was encouraged to come dressed as their favourite
storybook character.
Tammy and her team got behind the magic by creating their
own unique versions of the princess theme – putting to good
use borrowed tiaras and tutus!
“The appeal of dressing up seems to be universal and
ageless,” said Tammy.
The Under 5’s event was supported by the State Library of Cunnamulla’s librarians Tammy Hickey and Teresa King join
Queensland’s First 5 Forever program, KEYS and South West the Princess team
HHS’s HOPE Program, and included a community barbecue in
the park, courtesy of the Cunnamulla Corporation for Health.
The day was so much fun that Tammy and her team are already
looking at the possibility of bringing a new crew of characters to
town for a Spring Fair event – superheroes are on the agenda!
“It was almost as if the Disney
Princesses had jumped out of the
screen and into our little corner of the
world, right before the children’s eyes”
Frozen’s Elsa and Anna meet
little Princess Aria
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
15 PULSE July edition | South West Hospital and Health ServiceINTRODUCING TALLIS LANDERS – ROMA CAN’S NEW CHAIR
At 22, Tallis Landers is the youngest Community “I also see the hard work of so many others in their various
Advisory Network (CAN) Chair and South West roles with the South West HHS, for our culture and mob in
helping deliver quality and compassionate healthcare.”
HHS’s first Indigenous Chair, having recently
been appointed to chair the Roma CAN. Tallis said he is looking forward to his journey as Roma CAN
Chair and helping build on the wonderful work that the group
Tallis has rolled up his sleeves and dived head-first into already does.
something he feels ‘has been a part of him all his life’.
“I have already learnt so much from the CAN members. They
“My Mum had been involved in the Roma CAN and when she truly are a very special group and I am so honoured to be a
passed away last year, Heather Geary (Roma CAN Chair at the part of it. I am also very fortunate I am able to engage with so
time) asked if I would like to take over from Mum,” Tallis said. many people who were my Mum’s friends,” Tallis said.
“It was an honour to be asked to join such a highly regarded and “Every meeting is special, and I feel as though there is a
well-respected community group,” he said. “I have grown up small part of my Mum, sitting at the table with me and some
watching my Mum’s passion for the community and the CAN.” of her dearest friends – Judy Kelly, Sandy MacDonald and
Heather Geary.”
Tallis’s family has long been a part of the Roma community.
He was born in Roma along with his three siblings, parents,
grandparents and great-grandparents.
“I feel like I have always wanted to give back to the community.
It is something that always been important to me and I guess
I have been brought up that way,” Tallis said.
“Roma is a wonderful community and I really love it here.
I am now in a very fortunate position to help and give back
to the place I love.
“It is very exciting time for not only the Roma community but
for the whole South West after the new Roma Hospital opened
last year. I feel very humble to be given this opportunity at
this time, and I know my Mum would be so proud,” he said.
From left, Amy McNamara, Kaitlyn Landers, Jezamay Landers,
“A number of my family have taken the health environment Tallis Landers, Joseph Armstrong, Lane Brookes, RJ Landers and
Rodney Landers Snr
path however, I chose a different path and have worked for
Santos for the past three years,” he said.
“I take great pride in being able to advocate for my people
and in the great relationships I’ve built with the First Nations
“It was an honour to be asked to join such
people in our communities.
a highly regarded and well-respected
“This is something I am passionate about. I believe that
community engagement and the ability to build meaningful community group”
relationships across our communities will help everyone.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
16ON THE ROAD WITH THE ORAL
HEALTH TEAM
The South West HHS Oral Health Team has been
busy visiting many of our facilities and delivering
quality oral health care to our rural and remote
communities.
South West’s HHS Director of Oral Health Dr Sandra Dolan said
so far this year the team had treated people as part of the dental
outreach in Quilpie, Augathella, Cunnamulla, Mitchell, Injune,
Surat, St George and Mungindi.
“We do get around! This is as well as providing services from the
two hub sites of Roma and Charleville,” Dr Dolan said.
A/Senior Dental Assistant Sophie Hartley unpacking the car
in Mitchell for the Mitchell Dental Outreach
“And during March and April, our Outreach School Services have
visited Quilpie, Mitchell, Dirranbandi and Thallon, while services
continue to be provided to Roma Middle School.”
“It is logistically a lot of work but together as a team we have
robustly tried and tested processes which are now very efficient,
and all staff are trained in these.”
Dr Dolan said these processes include ensuring the correct
amount and type of instruments, consumables and materials for
all patients booked into each clinic are packed for every trip.
“Another important part of our process is the work our dental
administration do behind the scenes including booking cars and
accommodation for our teams,” she said.
“It definitely takes a team effort all round!”
“Another important part of our process
is the work our dental administration do
behind the scenes including booking
cars and accommodation for our teams”
Acting Senior Dental Assistant Sophie Hartley getting ready for their
first patient in Mitchell
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
17Queensland Health
Ryan’s Rule
for all patients, families and carers
Use Ryan’s Rule to get help when you are concerned about a patient in hospital
who is getting worse, not doing as well as expected, or not improving.
Who can call: patients, families or carers.
Follow these steps to raise your concerns.
Step 1
Talk to a nurse or doctor about your concerns.
If you are not satisfied with the response.
Step 2
Talk to the nurse in charge of the shift.
If you are not satisfied with the response.
v1.01 - 03/2021 We acknowledge ACT Government Health CARE resources. Artwork produced for Queensland Health by Gilimbaa.
Step 3
Phone 13 Health (13 43 25 84)
or ask a nurse or a Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Support Person and they will call on
your behalf.
Request a Ryan’s Rule Clinical Review and
provide the following information:
• hospital name
• patient’s name
• ward, bed number (if known)
• your contact number.
A Ryan’s Rule nurse or doctor will review the
patient and assist.
If you have feedback or a complaint,
please speak with the nurse in charge or
ask for a feedback form.
For more information, speak with your
nurse or your Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Support Person.Our Teams
PALLIATIVE CARE STREAMING INTO REMOTE HOMES
The Gold Coast HHS’s Rural and Remote Telehealth changing their quality of life while clinicians were complimented
for their caring manner.
Service is providing palliative care to patients living
in some of Queensland’s most remote areas. “We receive referrals from regional GPs, rural hospital doctors
or specialists requesting specialist palliative care advice, with
The Robina-based service is one of four hubs delivering virtual most patients seen within five days of the referral,” Alyssia said.
palliative care to rural and remote parts of the state through the
“Our team includes the equivalent of 1.5 consultants, one
QHealth Telehealth Portal, or other virtual channels.
registrar, one clinical nurse consultant, and on one day each
The Robina hub offers multidisciplinary team consultations to week, a social worker, occupational therapist and pharmacist,
residents living in the Southern Downs, South Burnett, Western all supported by our very busy administration officer.
Downs and South West Queensland regions.
“They provide care to patients and their clinician during the
And the South West HHS was the first to refer to the service appointment in their own homes, in hospital, prior to discharge
in 2020. or at GP clinics.’’
South West HHS Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Consultant Anna Alyssia said the frequency of consultations was dependent on
Ferrier said the service has been integral in improving access to the patient’s illness and symptoms, varying from three times a
palliative care to our patients. week to once a month.
“One of our Roma-based nurses, Emma Douglas, saw the
benefit for our patients and was the first to refer to the
service,” Anna said.
“The hub service had improved quality of life for patients and
families on many levels,’’ she said.
“Discussions are conducted in a gentle but effective manner.
Patients are always at the centre of the consultation and
family members always have a clearer understanding after the
discussions.”
Project Team Leader Alyssia Berghammer established the
service for patients with end-of-life and symptom management. Dr Taylan Gurgenci and nurse Julie Barnes consulting with patient
She said patients and families had credited the service for Margarita Kehl and CNC Anna Ferrier
TRAIC GRAZING FUTURES
South West HHS’s (TRAIC) Tackling Regional Adversity It is hoped the calendar will encourage producers to attend
events, reduce event date clashes and provide opportunities
through Integrated Care team were recently invited
for agencies to collaborate when delivering services across
to attend the Grazing Futures meeting hosted by the six regional council areas of South West Queensland.
Department of Agricultural and Fisheries (DAF).
“We need to improve awareness of the calendar when events
Gavin Johannesen and Lea Walsh attended and were able to are being planned,” Gavin said.
promote the TRAIC program to representatives from a range of
Currently a Charleville-based DAF staff member is responsible
organisations who work with primary producers.
for updating and maintaining the calendar.
Gavin said the TRAIC team joined discussions regarding the
“We will continue to liaise with our DAF colleague to ensure
South West online collaborative calendar.
calendar dates are considered in our future planning.”
“This is a central calendar of primary producer-focused events
planned by various agencies across the South West District, with
voluntary contributions from a range of agencies,” Gavin said.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
19Our Services
LYMPHOEDEMA TRAINING FOR SOUTH WEST CLINICIANS
Clinicians across the South West were given the “Organising and hosting the lymphoedema workshop was a
significant achievement for the South West HHS and we would
opportunity to attend an upper limb lymphoedema
like to thank everyone who participated and helped us bring it
workshop in April to gain valuable skills in education, here,” she said.
treatment and lymphoedema management.
“All attendees of the upper limb lymphoedema workshop will
South West HHS Occupational Therapist Kirsten Grigor said the now attend a second five-day workshop in June on lower limb
workshop was presented by Leonie Newman, team leader of lymphoedema management, presented again by Leonie Newman
the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Cancer Care Unit and Hildegard Reul-Hirche and hosted at Roma Hospital.”
and Hildegard Reul-Hirche, retired lymphoedema specialist.
“This course was organised in partnership with myself, Joanna
Tutt, Lisa Bowman, Helen Wassman and the RBWH,” Kirsten said.
“Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and cancer care
nursing staff from across the South West attended the five-
day training workshop, which incorporated both theory and
practical skill sessions.
“Prior to the workshop, all participants were required to
complete 54 hours of online pre-learning, with all knowledge
and practical skills obtained from the pre-learnings and
workshop assessed in theory and practical exams.”
From left to right – Clare Cherry (patient), Lisa Bowman
Kirsten said these skills would allow trained clinicians to (McGrath Breast Care Nurse), Kirsten Grigor (Occupational
provide evidence-based, best-practice health care to our local
Therapist), Joanna Tutt (Physiotherapist)
community, in particular those diagnosed with lymphoedema.
ROMA’S REHABILITATION AREA SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
Peter Lucas will be forever grateful for the Mr Lucas said the new facilities made it easy for his family and
grandsons to visit and we all enjoyed relaxing in the courtyard.
rehabilitation (rehab) team and the excellent
facilities at the new Roma Hospital in helping “Everyone treated me like I was family and were so
him get back on his feet. encouraging to help me get up and going,” he said.
South West HHS physiotherapist Colina Grant said the rehab
facilities were a great addition to the new Roma Hospital.
“Our patients are loving the new area, ” Colina said.
And for Mr Lucas this was no exception.
“Everyone in the rehab area and hospital were wonderful.
Colina my physio was brilliant. She really pushed me to my
limits and I can’t thank her enough,” he said.
“And thank you to everyone else from the sub-acute team,
nurses, doctors, cleaning and kitchen staff. Peter Lucas exercises in the outdoor section of the new rehab facility
at the Roma Hospital
“I couldn’t have asked for any more help and support and the
facilities are truly state-of-the-art! I believe the new facilities made
a huge difference and helped my road to recovery as well.”
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
20COLLABORATING TO HELP PREVENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Earlier this year, South West HHS committed to
supporting Queensland’s domestic and family
violence (DFV) service system and cultural
reform program.
This means that our health service will roll out the DFV
Specialist Health Workforce Program, which initially will
involve two key goals – 1. to improve our workforce’s
knowledge of DFV through training and 2. to ensure South
West HHS’s response to DFV is safe, appropriate and integrates
with other DFV service providers in the region.
To help get the ball rolling on this important project, South
West HHS has appointed senior social worker Heather Scriven
from St George as the project lead.
Heather explains that she wants the project to be as effective
as possible as quickly as possible.
“To ensure the program gets off the ground and meets the
right targets, we’ve called on the expertise of the social work
team at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH),”
said Heather. Heather Scriven and Angela O’Malia visit Charleville Hospital
“In particular, Metro North HHS’s Director of Social Work
Angela O’Malia is very knowledgeable about DFV prevention
in the health service context, having published extensively on “Angela has been really helpful during
the subject,” explained Heather.
the initial stages of this project roll-out
“Angela has been really helpful during the initial stages of this
project roll-out in the South West, even inviting me to spend a
in the South West, even inviting me to
week with her team in Brisbane earlier in March.” spend a week with her team in Brisbane
Angela was so interested in the differences between DFV earlier in March.”
health service responses in the city compared to those in the
bush, that she willingly agreed to accompany Heather on an
outback road trip. Supported by Sue Eustace-Earle from the
HOPE Program, also a highly experienced social worker, the
pair visited several South West HHS facilities and met with
other DFV service providers in the region to understand how
the South West supports those affected by family violence.
Workforce training for South West HHS staff is due to
commence in June.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
21Our Resources
RECONNECT WITH VILLAGE CONNECT
Many staff will have heard of Village Connect and our Ultimately, we can all come to work each and every day and
key principles towards design, involving and growing keep doing the same things – which in many cases is service
excellence and compassionate care despite challenges and
a resilient health care system for the South West.
hurdles placed before us…but wouldn’t it be better to reapply
our energy and focus on improving what we can control, rather
Originally initiated in 2018, the ethos behind Village Connect
than struggling against obstacles and long running issues?
has been reflected in our Innovation Well (covered in the
January / February 2021 edition of Pulse), promoting staff We are therefore currently on the look out for further
engagement in St George and also the development of the opportunities to reintroduce Village Connect thinking as we
new graduate residences being built next to the new Roma seek to continue to progress what’s been working well for us as
Hospital. Our key principles are also reflected in a range of key an organisation in response to the past 12 months, but to also
initiatives such as Healthy Communities, the Person Centred use this opportunity to critically review where we can further
Roadmap, Compassionate Care Bundle and Healthcare Homes. improve our working environment.
“Operational necessity over recent COVID times has meant that Our QHEPS page has recently been updated with a range of
the flexibility to bring along further initiatives has slowed, but short videos outlining our ethics and design principles which
we are now in a position where we can look to the future and ask will provide further context and help support development of
ourselves where do we want to go next and how will we reapply the next four year South West HHS Strategic Plan, which will
this mindset in a dynamic environment” said Sheila Marshall. start later this year and take effect from 1 July 2022.
“It’s important to remember that this also doesn’t necessarily To get involved with Village Connect, visit:
have to be all about big ticket items, as any gains and https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/swest/village-connect
improvements are wins, and I’m sure you all have personal
views on what we can immediately do to make our roles easier
and outcomes better for wider communities”.
Three ethics and 12 principles underpin our Village Connect
framework in order to inform new developments, ideas, and
solutions for rural and remote healthcare.
“Our three core ethics – Care of the Earth, Care of People and
Fair Share – neatly align with our central Vision, Values and
Purpose and are intuitive in terms of how we currently think,
operate and - by and large – function”, added Chris Small,
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Services.
The 12 design principles provide a framework for a proactive
approach in terms of developing a practical solution as opposed
to a reactive, workaround response to an immediate issue which
probably gets you through the day but will circle back around
again in no time and demand more of your attention.
Dealing with these regular disruptive issues is time consuming
and takes away time from caring for our patients and each
other – Village Connect therefore provides us with a better
way to observe deficiencies, promote our strengths, and work
through an inclusive solution”.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
22Design
Involve
Grow
Our Ethics
Care of People Reduce waste
Care of the Village Design from patterns to
details
Returning the surplus
Integrate rather than
segregate
Our purpose Observe and Interact
To act as the central connection
use small and slow solutions
point to facilitate true and authentic Catch and Store energy
connection for our community,
providing the opportunity to design Use and value diversity
innovation, involve our diverse area Obtain a Yield
in every process, with the aim of
nurturing and growing healthy Use edges and value the
connected communities. Self-regulate and accept marginal
Design feedback
Involve Creatively use and respond
Use and value renewable to change
Grow resources and services.
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
23South West Spirit Award
CHRISSY TINCKNELL, SOUTH WEST
HHS EXECUTIVE SUPPORT OFFICER
FINANCE, INFRASTRUCTURE &
CORPORATE SERVICES
A smiling face together with her commitment,
quality and accountability for her work are three
very common themes when it comes to Chrissy’s
attitude towards her role in the South West and is
why she has been chosen as the #swSpirit April
recipient.
Chrissy’s ability to engage with her colleagues, on both
Congratulations Chrissy for giving so much to the South
a compassionate and professional level is another of her
West finance team and the people and the communities we
outstanding attributes.
work with every day. You are a wonderful example of how to
One of her colleagues, Lisa Cosmo, said the reason she bring the South West HHS values alive into your workplace.
nominated Chrissy was for her ‘can do and helpful attitude’. By embracing all five values of quality, accountability,
compassion, adaptability and engagement every day
“Nothing is a worry to Chrissy and she always goes above you are a true asset to the South West.
and beyond to assist everyone. She is always polite,
friendly and real pleasure to work with,” Lisa said.
South West’s A/Senior Director Finance, Ken Bissett, said as “Chrissy is pro-active and will often
well as always being friendly and welcoming in the workplace, action items independently, so that
Chrissy was very active in her role supporting Sam Edmonds,
Executive Director Finance Infrastructure and Corporate delays are minimised.”
Services and teams.
“She has a good communication style, especially when
contacting staff on Sam’s behalf,” Ken said.
“Chrissy is pro-active and will often action items
independently, so that delays are minimised.
Ken said she also has great intuition in her role.
“For example, she will scan submissions, briefs etc and
make sure that they are complete, and she will provide advice
on what further information may be needed and she also
actively follows up on outstanding matters.”
PULSE April 2021 edition | South West Hospital and Health Service
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