Metro North Health

Dr Rita has a PhD in molecular biology and is the Supervising Scientist at the Infectious Diseases Laboratory in Herson. 👩🔬 "We were responsible for processing all of Queensland's COVID-19 PCR tests. During the height of the pandemic, the team were processing thousands of tests every day, helping to keep Queenslanders safe. Now that things have calmed down, we're back to focusing on over 35 different tests for all kinds of viruses and bacteria. No two days are the same, that's what I love. "🧬🔬 #StaffMondayMantra ☁️ Rita, Pathology Queensland, RBWH. [Accessibility image description: Rita stands in front of an infectious diseases testing machine and she is wearing a pink jumper.] 

STARS dietitian Hannah is leading the way in accessible nutrition information for patients. "Through this collaborative project, we've brought together consumers, students and dietitians across the state to co-design new nutrition information videos. These videos cover things like eating to prevent another stroke, eating when it's harder to eat, and eating for health, recovery and wellness." Watch this space for the implementation of these videos and our statewide launch onto the Nutrition Educational Materials Online Website 🎉 You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/g74ajJjX

Dr Katherine's groundbreaking research on "Physical Activity of Inpatients Under Forensic Mental Health Care" just won the Lived Experience Choice Award at the Mental Health Research Symposium! 🏆 Her study uncovered that forensic patients prefer to get moving when they have a familiar and supportive staff member by their side. 🚶♂️💪 “We’ve learned that our forensic services need to get creative and flexible when it comes to offering physical activity, especially considering the unique challenges of our environment,” Katherine shared. “By breaking down barriers, we can help inpatients focus on getting active while also boosting their knowledge, confidence, and skills!” 🌟 Read about our other mental health research award winners here: Mental Health research symposium award winners announced | Metro North Health #ShoutoutSaturday [Accessibility image description: Katherine is smiling, wearing a blue top and holding her Lived Experience Choice Award certificate.]

Community mental health services are now all under the one roof at the Spring Hill Mental Health Centre 🤩 Opening its doors in April, the centre already has over 1200 open cases. Services include acute and continuing care, Homeless Health Outreach, Mobile Intensive Rehabilitation and Older Persons Mental Health Services.   Forensic Liaison Officer Lindsey explains the importance of an all-in-one facility for the community.   “The demand for Mental Health services is at an all-time high, so we needed a purpose-built facility which would allow more collaboration for the team and ease of access for our consumers,” Lindsay says.   “It has made a big difference to be able to talk to other clinicians face-to-face and in one central location, allowing for an even more multidisciplinary approach to care”.   [Accessibility image description: From left to right, social worker Angela, forensic liaison officer, Lindsey and clinical nurse Jarryd are standing in front of the main doors of the spring hill mental health centre]

Today is R U OK? Day, and Sasha, Clinical Coder at RBWH, is this year's R U OK? Champion Award winner! 🌟 "I was honestly shocked! There are so many kind and compassionate people here, I don’t feel like I’m that special," Sasha shared. "We spend a third of our lives at work. It’s so important to look out for your colleagues. You never know what someone might be going through, so just be kind and listen without judgement." Sasha wants more workplaces where everyone feels confident enough to ask, "Are you OK?" – because that one question could save a life. 💛 R U OK have a range of resources available on their website with tips for starting conversations. You can view them here:

As the Acting Nursing Director, Danielle leads and supports nursing teams at Caboolture and Kilcoy hospitals. 🏥 Danielle is a champion of professional development in the nurses she leads, working in one of the fastest-growing regions of South East Queensland. She says that with new facilities and satellite hospitals at Kallangur, Caboolture, and Bribie Island, there are lots of opportunities for nursing professionals. ⭐ "It's exciting to be at the forefront of such dynamic nursing, balancing competing priorities while driving growth," Danielle shares. Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Directorate are looking for a Director of Nursing and Midwifery. "The role is well-supported by a dedicated executive team and committed nurses across Caboolture, Kilcoy, and Woodford, with endless opportunities to make a lasting impact." Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g-kY8XNu

Eighteen-month-old Lewis Mika is one of only 40 people worldwide with KCNK9 Imprinting Syndrome, a rare condition affecting muscle tone, speech, and motor skills. Despite the challenges, Lewis is a happy, positive toddler, bringing joy to everyone he meets ✨ For families like the Mikas, the Redcliffe Hospital Children’s Ward has become a second home. This year, donations from the Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital's Giving Day are going towards renovating the parent lounge and children’s playroom, to create a welcoming, home-like space for families to relax away from the clinical environment. “These spaces are vital,” says Acting Clinical Nurse Coordinator Alyssa Kemp. “They give families a place to gather, relax, and feel a little more at home during difficult times.” To find out more about you can help Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital visit: https://lnkd.in/ee8UEUB

"I initially pursued industrial psychology at university, but I soon realised I wanted a more hands-on career, so I switched to nursing. I have a deep passion for it, especially paediatric nursing—there's nothing quite like the joy of caring for children. I was involved in planning the redevelopment of TPCH's paediatric emergency department back in 2012, and it’s rewarding to see the impact of our work. I particularly appreciate how the ED focuses on family-centred care, which makes a real difference for the families we serve." #StaffMondayMantra ☁️ Tanya, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, TPCH Paediatrics Emergency Department. [Accessibility image description: Tanya wears dark blue scrubs and is smiling in front of cardboard cutouts of people surfing.]

Dr Cameron wants to change the way people think about plastic surgery. As the Clinical Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at RBWH, his team primarily focuses on complex surgeries to reconstruct and restore normal anatomy after major surgery or trauma. Each year, Dr Cameron and this remarkable team care for more than 8,000 patients - rebuilding bodies and lives after misfortune. Dr Cameron's goal is to continue the evolution of Plastic Surgery Services at RBWH, moving with technology and the changing needs of patients. "I'm here to support the team, making sure they have everything they need to provide excellent patient care while finding purpose and fulfilment in their work." ❤ [Accessibility image description: Dr Cameron wears a blue shirt, dark blue jacket and glasses and is smiling.]

After 24 years in critical care and emergency, Rebekah recently joined the Caboolture Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department as the Associate Nurse Unit Manager. Known for her colourful scrubs and shoes, she says it's important to bring positive energy to the emergency department. "I love kids and believe in creating a fun, welcoming environment. It's important to bring out some childlike energy—families and staff pick up on that vibe." As a mother of three boys, Rebekah adds, "I bring in as much pink as I can!" Rebekah is passionate about family-centred, culturally appropriate care. Her approach is simple: "Whether I'm in resus or treating a broken finger, I give each patient and their family my full attention because, for them, it could feel like the worst day of their life." [Accessibility image description: Rebekah wears a colourful shirt, glasses and a stethoscope and is smiling.]