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Community News - Issue Eleven
Community News
Photo: SCHHS nursing staff celebrating International Nurses Day. Photo: Wishlist.
July 2020
In This Edition Nursing the world to health
02 Message from the health service. Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service’s (SCHHS) dedicated
nursing and midwifery staff were celebrated for International Nurses
03 Nursing the world to health, International Day of the Midwife, Day and International Day of the Midwife.
10,000th baby welcomed at SCUH.
Fittingly, this year’s theme was Nursing the World to Health, focusing
04 Healthy changes are coming! You look good, but how do you
on the true value of nurses to help the people of the world.
feel? Health spotlight shines on pain. This year’s celebration was extra special, because the World Health
Organisation (WHO) has designated 2020 as The Year of the Nurse and
05 Community ‘hearts to staff’ donated across the health service. Midwife, the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
06 Quality of life improvement for Motor Neurone Disease suffers, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Suzanne Metcalf said
Staff leading by example and donating blood. nurses were essential in transforming health care and maintaining the
health of our community.
07 Let’s clear the air and waterways for smoke free healthcare.
“International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife is a
08 Yarning Circle, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference great opportunity to acknowledge the skill and passion of our nurses
Guide, Murri Women’s Worry-Up program, Help reduce Aboriginal and midwives who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure
and Torres Strait Islander hospitalisation. access to health care is available to all in our community,” she said.
09 Preventative Health, Heads up on diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes “Nurses and midwives are the single largest group of health
Technology helps patients, Further enhancements to our professionals and our health system relies on their professionalism
BreastScreen Queensland Service. and innovation. The contribution they make every day is invaluable.
“The decisions they make many times a day in everyday practice make
10 Wishlist Foundation.
a huge difference to our patients,” Ms Metcalf said.
11 Compliments. SCHHS Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), Sarah Pirere, is one such nurse
whose work is helping to keep staff and the community safe.
12 Upcoming Health Awareness Events.
Sarah works in Infection Management Service (IMS). Her team helps to
prevent and manage infections and communicable disease.
“I have worked as a nurse in infection management for most of the past
16 years, preventing infections and outbreaks in our community has
been the key goal of my role during this time. Cont. p3
Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Message from the health service
After consultation with consumers, and community groups Sunshine Coast Health’s new Consumer and Community Engagement
Framework is almost live, the health service will publish a copy of it in our next Community Newsletter.
The framework has been co-designed with consumer and community representatives. An initial workshop identified the agreed
key elements the health service should consider as well as the principles that will underpin our engagement. A steering group of
consumer and community representatives and staff continued the development of the framework.
Key to our revised approach to engaging is ensuring we Partner with Purpose using formal and informal activities and, among other
things, we have two new consumer and community representative groups to help this happen.
Get involved:
1. The Consumer and Community Consultative Panel is a strategic advisory committee reporting to the Sunshine Coast Hospital and
Health Board and the Strategic Executive Committee.
2. The Consumer Representative Network is a regular collaborative meeting to provide support to health service consumer
representatives. The network serves to connect members, encourage their continued activity and provide a forum for education/
information and sharing of ideas and activities. If you’re a consumer representative you can join these meetings. If you’re not already
a consumer representative and think you might be interested you can find out more here. Let us know if you’d like to attend the
Network.
This month seven Sunshine Coast Health nurses were deployed to Victoria to assist with their COVID-19 community outbreak. The
staff feel very confident and well supported in being able to assist Victoria and share what they have learnt in prepardness and
training, including testing and donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE).
In Victoria they have learnt to be adaptable and flexible, as criteria for testing is changing daily. The team has learnt techniques
through testing of patients for COVID-19 at the Fever Clinic here at Sunshine Coast Health, including de-escalation techniques,
to building of therapeutic relationships in a matter of seconds with patients, using clinical experience and knowledge as well as
observations to keep the community safe and also reassured.
Thank you team for keeping Victoria safe.
Page 2 Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Cont. from cover.
“In the past I’ve been involved in our response and preparedness
for Avian influenza, Swine flu and then Ebola, which has been
valuable experience for the current situation”.
Sarah said: “As a CNC for IMS I have been the lead within our
nursing team for the COVID-19 response. It has been great to be
a part of such an efficient response by our health service and see
so many teams pull together to be so prepared in such a short
time.
Clinical Nurse Consultant, Infection Management Service Sarah Pirere.
“Recognition for International Nurses Day, during the pandemic,
is very timely. I feel very fortunate to live in Australia where the
government and community have done such a great job to flatten
the curve, it is hard to imagine what health workers in other
parts of the globe are going through, she said.
International Day of the Midwife
5 May was International Day of the Midwife, and our marvellous
midwives celebrated with some cake. The theme this year
is Midwives with women: celebrate, demonstrate, mobilise,
unite—our time is NOW!
Due to social distancing measures, not all of our midwives
and nurses could attend, so the staff made sure to share the
experience via videoconferencing with their colleagues.
Allison Johnston was nominated by her peers as our SCUH
Midwife of the Year for 2020.
Her team said: “she is a great role model to students and new
staff, always making them feel welcome and included. She is
a decisive leader ensuring all the staff she supervises are well
supported. Allison frequently cares for women experiencing SCUH Midwife of the Year, Allison Johnston.
traumatic births and in this role she is very caring and
extremely sensitive to the family’s needs.”
SCUH Midwife, Talah. And
Allison is also very humble, saying: “We have such an below: Big brother Dakota, and
amazing team, they could have picked anyone of us, I am very Mum’s Natalie and Jamie
honoured.” holding baby Ocean.
We appreciate all of the hard work all our midwives carry out
every day.
10,000th baby welcomed at SCUH
Exciting events keep rolling on for our midwives during the
Year of the Nurse and Midwife. On 27 May we welcomed our
10,000th baby born at SCUH. Little baby Ocean came into the
world safely, weighing in at 3065g.
First-time Mum Jamie and baby Ocean took their new-found
stardom in their stride, already chatting to the local media.
Watch the 7 news story here.
Big brother Dakota can’t wait to read Ocean books and when
she is a bit older take her to the park and help her with her
sports, what a lucky girl!
Our midwife Taylah, who delivered Ocean, graduated from her
dual degree of nursing and midwifery recently. Baby 10,000
was her first “catch” as a registered midwife.
That has got to be a sign of all the amazing experiences to
come in her career.
Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare. Page 3
Community News - Issue Ten Sunshine Coast Health
Healthy changes are coming!
From 1 July 2020 we will be making more healthy foods
available in all of our facilities; Sunshine Coast University
Hospital, Gympie Hospital, Nambour General Hospital,
Caloundra Health Service and Maleny Soldiers Memorial
Hospital.
We are also encouraging our staff to promote healthy food
and drinks when ordering catering, doing fundraising or
organising functions.
The changes are part of the state-wide directive for healthier
foods and drinks.
It means more healthy foods will be available, making
healthy choices easier and keeping Queenslanders healthy.
For more information head to https://www.health.qld.gov.
au/public-health/topics/healthy-lifestyles/workplaces/
choice
You look good, but how do you feel? Health spotlight shines on pain
In 2012, Sunshine Coast resident Annie fainted, smashed the bone Ms Stewart said: “Everyone’s experience of pain is different. It is
right under her eye and all the nerves in the left-hand side of her your body and your pain. Helping you to understand your pain can
face. Eight years on, she still lives with the legacy of this injury– be the key to learning how to manage it.
pain.
“This can bring a sense of empowerment, control, improved
Since getting help from the SCHHS Persistent Pain Management physical functioning, adaptive coping skills and improved
Service (PPMS), Annie says her suffering has been greatly reduced confidence in living life with pain.”
and is part of a group of patients urging others to contact their GP
and find help that really works. There are many active patients (young and old) who use the
service, through multiple group and individual therapeutic
One in five Australians lives with persistent pain, and PPMS helps pathways, which reflect the complexity and self-management
residents all the way up to the Capricornia Coast, to live better, approach required for persistent pain.
despite pain. Sunshine Coast PPMS aims to support people living
with complex persistent pain to manage their pain in collaboration Anyone living with persistent pain who would like to learn how to
with their GP. better manage their condition is eligible to receive a service at the
PPMS; all you need is a referral by your GP.
PPMS psychologist Carmen Stewart said the service taught those
suffering with persistent pain that they could be in charge of For more information about the Sunshine Coast Persistent Pain
their pain and live active lives by learning how to manage their Management Service: - Call 5470 6785 or 5370 3577 or visit.
condition.
“Persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, is a debilitating and
complex health condition,” Ms Stewart said.
“Pain is a protective response in all humans and normally alerts us
if we have suffered actual harm or damage to our body, as in acute
pain.
“Chronic pain however, lasts beyond the time expected for
healing following surgery, trauma or other condition. It can also
exist without a clear reason at all. Although chronic pain can be a
symptom of other disease, it can also be a disease in its own right,
characterised by changes within the central nervous system,” Ms
Stewart said.
Pain is not just a physical sensation. It is influenced by attitudes,
beliefs, personality and social factors, and can affect emotional
and mental wellbeing. PPMS psychologist Carmen Stewart and Patient Annie.
Page 4 Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Community ‘hearts to staff’ donated across the health service
Christine (Sitting) and Vicki (Standing) Individualised hearts donated to the An operational staff member receiving
Block 2A level 1—CSU.
delivering hearts on 13 July 2020. health service.
Block 2A Level 1—Renal. a heart for staff.
The Sunshine Coast community of the Sunshine Coast has once
when life is hard, when the job is too much, someone is thinking
again proved that they are not only thinking of our patients, but
of them, that they are cared for and remembered. Working in a
our staff hold a special place in their hearts also.
hospital creates many challenges for staff as they deal with the
Hospital Chaplains across the health service are based in each public, as they care for patients in some of most sacred moments
ward, they visit patients and support the staff and have become of life, and sometimes staff feel alone and overwhelmed with the
part of the team. During the past few months the Chaplains demands on their time and emotions. We hope this is a simple way
have noticed when staff are having a bad day, a few words of to help staff feel cared for.
encouragement or a small act of kindness can make all the
It’s just a little reminder that they are not alone, and they have the
difference. Here at SCUH the Chaplains have adopted a similar
program set up by the Gold Coast University Hospital called
skills, strength and courage to move forward. Thanks to Vicki and
‘Hearts for staff’. Christine we are able to hand these out to staff and really make a
difference’
Ladies from the community Vicki and Christine reached out to the
Volunteer Services wanting to make items and donate them to the Each heart is accompanied by the following words: “Small enough
Block 6 Level
hospital. Christine had2—MHU2.
read of a story about a lady in Tasmania to place in
Recycling your pocket to hold and squeeze. This soft little heart
material.
making hearts which were small enough to hold but significant gives you permission to hold your own heart tenderly, to feel
enough to change the way a person may be feeling. sadness, to remember the good days when life is not so difficult.
This little heart can be carried for as long as you need it—finding
Fate brought the two ideas together and just like that the
comfort in its soft touch, so that when thoughts may otherwise
Chaplains have commenced the ‘Hearts for staff’ program, not
overwhelm you, you know that others care.”
only offering the hearts but also offering a space to meet in the
Multi Faith Room where there are several activities to help staff All donations to our hospitals should be coordinated via Wishlist
unwind and take time out. or dropped off at the SCUH or volunteers office Nambour General
Hospital - for more information send our volunteers team a
Christine and Vicki dropped another 50 hearts off this month with
message: SC-Volunteers@health.qld.gov.au
more to come. Chaplain Coordinator Rev Tanya Richards couldn’t
be happier saying, ‘as Chaplains we just want to remind staff
Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare. Page 5
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Quality of life improvement for Motor Neurone Disease suffers
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive, terminal “Now patients can come to Caloundra and see all of the team in
neurological disease. There is no known cure and no effective one visit. Between appointments the Allied Health Community
treatment for MND. Each day in Australia two people die from Chronic Condition Services and Community Palliative Care
MND and two more are diagnosed. Services keep in touch, and patients have contact details
for our Clinical Nurse Consultant so we can help in crises or
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) Neurologist
troubleshoot.
Dr Antony Winkel explained MND is the name given to a group of
diseases in which these neurones fail to work normally. Muscles “While there is still much to learn about MND, understanding of
then gradually weaken and waste, as neurones degenerate and this complex condition globally has transformed over the last
die. decade and continues to advance. We are currently establishing
research links with Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and
“As neurones directly activate muscles, people with MND
interstate centres, so that patients can be offered cutting edge
progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak,
research as soon it is available.
swallow and breathe, whilst their mind and senses usually
remain intact,” he said. “Overall, the clinic is a substantial step forward for the Coast and
treats very vulnerable patients to a world-class standard we are
A specialised MND multidisciplinary clinic, treating 25 to 30 MND
proud of,” Dr Winkel said.
patients on the coast at any one time, was established in October
2019 at Caloundra Health Service. The clinic was modelled off
the success of other clinics in Australia.
Dr Winkel said: “There is strong evidence in MND that a
multidisciplinary clinic improves quality of life, but also
increases quantity of life.
“Prior to this clinic, patients would see numerous specialists
from Neurology, Respiratory, Palliative Care and multiple Allied
Health services all at different appointments. Many patients
were forced to drive to Brisbane to the MND clinics there for
multidisciplinary care.
MND Clinic patient Michelle with Dr Antony Winkel.
Staff leading by example and donating blood
SCHHS staff are leading by example and rolling up their “I downloaded the blood donor app in the waiting room and
sleeves to make vital donations to Australian Red Cross booked in for my next donation before leaving the clinic.
Lifeblood.
“I’m not a massive fan of needles but everyone in the donor
Lifeblood is calling on eligible Australians to become blood centre was fantastic. It was much better than I expected, and
donors and for existing donors to honour their appointments, my daughter thought I was pretty brave. Also, there are lots
especially during the traditionally challenging winter period. of goodies to munch on afterwards as well which helps!”
Jan English, Clinical Nurse Consultant for Transfusion and Nicholas said.
Blood Management said its important to remember blood
and plasma donations remains vital. Lifeblood Donor Centres are safe places to visit and have
strict sanitation protocols in place.
“Donating blood and plasma remains essential to keep blood
flowing to patients across the country. Watch the WIN News story here.
“Coronavirus does not stop the need for blood and plasma.
It is a critical resource and demand for blood is constant and
will continue to be,” Ms English said.
SCHHS Physiotherapist Nicholas Brooke answered the call,
donating blood for the first time.
“I have always been meaning to start giving blood, but
never got around to organising a donation. My wife gives
blood regularly, and one day my six-year-old daughter
asked me why ‘I wasn’t giving blood like mum?’ I didn’t
have an answer, so we all got into the car and went to the
Nick (Physiotherapist), Jan (Clinical Nurse Consultant for Transfusion
Maroochydore Blood Donor Centre and I donated that day.” and Blood Management) Rebecca (LifeBlood).
Page 6 Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Let’s clear the air and waterways for smoke free healthcare
Locals are urged to butt out to protect their health and our SCHHS facilities comprise Sunshine Coast University
environment. Hospital, Nambour General Hospital, Maleny Soldiers
Memorial Hospital, Caloundra Health Service, Gympie
Adj Prof Naomi Dwyer, Chief Executive Sunshine Coast
Hospital, Glenbrook Aged Care Facility, The Janelle Killick
Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) said the health impacts
Centre, Maroochydore Community Hub, Dalton Drive and
of smoking were well known.
Oral Health and Community centres across the region.
“Tobacco use (including second-hand smoke) kills one
For support to Quit:
person every four seconds. A startling statistic,” she said.
• Talk to your GP
“But did you know tobacco use also damages our
environment, with cigarette butts being the leading cause of • Phone Quitline (13 78 48)
plastic pollution in our lakes and oceans. About 4.5 trillion
• Visit the Quit HQ website.
cigarette butts, are littered each year into waterways.
https://quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/quit-support/quitline/
“One of the greatest things about living in our region is our
get-help-from-quitline/
environment. Let’s work together to protect it!”
All Queenslanders are eligible for free nicotine replacement
Once in the water, the plastic filters slowly decay and release
therapy products between 12 July-1 August when combined
toxins into the ocean. What makes this worse is that filters
with a specialised support program delivered by Quitline.
on cigarettes don’t even protect smokers from the harmful
effects of tobacco use.
Naomi said since 2015, smoking had been banned at
all Queensland public and private hospitals and health
facilities, and for 5 metres beyond their boundaries.
“These no-smoking laws to apply at all times, and to all staff
and patient areas on healthcare facilities and include the
use of all smoking products, including electronic cigarettes.
“Across our facilities we promote and enforce Queensland’s
no-smoking laws and promote the benefits of being smoke-
free.
“If you’re willing to risk it, you could face a $260 on-the-
spot fine and this is enforced by Health Service authorised SCHHS Cancer Care Patient Alex shares her story here.
officers.
“We know there is more work to be done and we must all
work together to provide a smoke free environment for the
benefit of the Sunshine Coast’s next generation,” she said.
SCHHS patient Alex, an ex-smoker and long-term patient,
said during cancer treatment last year she walked past an
off-duty nurse picking-up bucket loads of cigarette butts out
of the garden surrounding the hospital doors.
“I would often walk through clouds of cigarette smoke on my
way to treatment. It makes a hard experience even harder
and more unpleasant.
“I think it is important for smokers visiting the hospital to
consider others. When you are a smoker, you don’t realise
how bad it smells and the affect it can have.
“Hospitals just have to enforce the no-smoking laws and
smokers should try and get support to quit, I know first-hand
it isn’t easy to do it by yourself,” Alex said.
Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare. Page 7
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Yarning Circle
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Guide
SCHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service has developed a comprehensive
health guideline for the community, topics include:
General Health and Wellbeing, Dental and Child Health, Youth and Family matters, Womens’
business, Mens’ business, Elder Supports, Disability Support, Emergency relief, Women’s
and Children’s crisis accommodation, Addiction support services, Mental Health services,
Non-government Mental Health supports, Sexual health, LGBTIQ, Police station and court
houses, Legal services, Department of Human Services, Housing, Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Resources, Cultural connections, Transport help, Education and Employment,
Community organisations, Goodbul “To Give” by Mulumba (story and artwork).
You can download a free copy here.
Murri Women’s Worry-Up program
The Murri Women’s Worry-Up Program is developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Women in the community 16 and up to:
• Engage and support each other in an informal setting—Yarning Circle—to empower
yourself and encourage each other by learning different aspects of anxiety and how to
recognise the signs and triggers.
• Arm participants with skills to deal with different situations in life with courage
• Women’s Worry Up Flyer: Gympie (PDF 1333 kB)
• Women’s Worry Up Flyer: Nambour (PDF 1324 kB).
Help reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hospitalisation
The aim of the Preventable Hospitalisation Program (PHP) is to Closing the Gap is everyone’s business and referring to the
support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHP team is easy via the
existing chronic health conditions who may be at risk of Community Referral Intake Service Form.
admission, or have been admitted, to hospital.
Simply fill out as much information as possible, check the
The PHP provides person-centred care in the community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Team box, and
empowers clients to self-manage their condition. if you want your client to see a particular resource such as a
health worker, exercise physiologist or clinical nurse, add that
The range of support clients can receive includes home and information in.
centre-based visits, falls risk assessment, and support to
engage with an appropriate general practitioner to undertake Give the Preventable Hospitalisation Program team a call if you
an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check, known would like more information on 5479 9852.
under the Medicare code 715.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is everybody’s
Further support is also available to suit specific clients’ needs, business.
which can include referrals to other services or into clinics run
under the PHP including eye health, breast screening, diabetes
and exercise physiology.
Clients have the opportunity to have support from both male
and female health workers, a clinical nurse and exercise
physiologist over specified course time.
A coordinator, administration officer as well as health promo-
tion activity support the Preventable Hospitalisation Program,
and a drop in referral service is available as needed.
The Preventative Health Program team is closing the gap.
Page 8 Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
diabetes workshops, and we have also established a partner-
Preventative Health ship with local diabetes health professionals and consumers to
raise awareness of local diabetes services and supports. The
Heads up on diabetes partnership recently published the Diabetes Directory a free
resource which aims to assist people find the right services they
need to manage their condition.
National Diabetes Week, 12– 18 July 2020 had a focus on
supporting emotional and mental health of people living with
‘Heads Up on Diabetes’ National Diabetes Week campaign is
diabetes.
an opportunity for everyone to be reminded how difficult this
condition can be and that diabetes stress, anxiety and burn out
Research shows that managing the daily challenges of diabetes
are real.
and the longer-term impacts can lead to anxiety, distress and
depression for one in three people living with the condition.
Whether or not you are experiencing diabetes related stress it is
Diabetes-related distress refers to the negative emotions and
still important to look after your emotional wellbeing and know
feelings that can come from living with and managing diabetes.
these and many other supports are available in our community.
It isn’t depression in the clinical sense, instead it refers to the
daily challenges of living with diabetes.
If you would like further information on the SCHHS type 2
diabetes workshops or Diabetes Directory phone 5202 9772 or
We have a range of supports for the community, monthly type 2
email SC-T2D-Education@health.qld.gov.au
Type 1 diabetes technology helps patients
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Clinical Director of “My wife can also follow my levels on her phone, and my mum does
Endocrinology Dr Brett Sillars said: “Type 1 diabetes is an auto- as well, it’s peace of mind for them too.”
immune condition in which the immune system is activated to
destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. We do not If not diagnosed in time, type 1 diabetes can be fatal. A diagnosis
know what triggers this auto-immune process.” tool, called the 4 Ts has been developed to help people recognise
the early warning signs of type 1 diabetes.
“Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not linked to modifiable
lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important The 4 Ts are:
in helping to manage type 1 diabetes. Although there is no cure, • Tired – unexplained or excessive fatigue
there has been significant advances in technology to improve our
• Thirsty – a thirst that can’t be quenched
treatment and reduce the burden of the disease on patients.”
• Thinner – sudden or unexplained weight loss
These advances in technology have made a huge difference for • Toilet – going to the toilet a lot.
Sunshine Coast local Jeremy Morris.
The 27-year-old was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just nine
years old.
Recently, Jeremy began using an insulin pump connected to a
continuous monitoring system, which is a patch he wears on his
skin. The technology has been around for a few years but has
recently been updated. Jeremy is the first local patient to use the
latest version of continuous glucose monitoring technology and
has had some very positive results.
“It’s ground-breaking, amazing technology. The patch I wear has a
sensor wire that sits just under your skin and constantly monitors
your glucose levels. If they go too low or too high, an alarm on my
phone goes off, alerting me to it,” Jeremy said.
Diabetes type 1 patient Jeremy Morris with Dr Brett Sillas.
Further enhancements to our BreastScreen Queensland Service
A new state-of-the-art mammography system has been Each breast screen image taken at a BreastScreen Queensland
installed at our breast screening clinics at Caloundra, Service is reviewed by at least two specialist doctors. Women
Caboolture, Maroochydore, Nambour and Gympie enabling found to have an abnormal result are contacted by a nurse
higher quality images, enhanced workflow and a more and asked to come back to breast screen for further tests.
comfortable experience for women. These tests may include tomosynthesis, ultrasound, clinical
examination or biopsy with results reviewed by a multiciliary
Our chief radiographer Shane Judd advises: “The curved team of medical specialists.
compression surface of the new machine mirrors the shape of
the breast. This means that compression is more even and the The BreastScreen Queensland Program is provided free to
mammogram is more comfortable.” women aged 40 and over. Women aged 50 to 74 are strongly
encouraged to have a breast screen every two years. Your
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting patients can make an appointment via 13 20 50 or online at
Queensland women with one in seven being diagnosed in breastscreen.qld.gov.au
their lifetime. A breast screen can detect breast cancer very
early, well before a woman or her doctor can notice any breast
changes.
Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare. Page 9
Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Wishlist fundraising appeal
Every year, Wishlist pledges to fundraise $1 million to • Paediatric Critical Care Unit Family Room which will
support the needs of the SCHHS. As a charity based have one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchenette and a
entirely on the generosity of our local community, the fold-out sofa bed to help families stay together in times
past few months have been a continued challenge to our of medical crisis = $200,000.
fundraising efforts.
• Rehabilitation Garden at Gympie Hospital to enable
With COVID-19 restrictions, we have been forced to improved patient rehabilitation outcomes for adults and
cancel most of the events planned for 2020. This children = $380,000.
includes the Wishlist Spring Carnival, Wishlist Jazz and
Wine Festival, SCLMA Gala Ball as well as the Coast’s Wishlist has launched an urgent appeal, to help us continue to
beloved 92.7 Mix FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids. reach our fundraising goals.
Due to these cancellations, Wishlist is facing a $750,000 Now more than ever, we need your help to make these
loss in fundraising revenue. With many outstanding projects a reality.
items on our wish list, this is a huge blow to our local
health service and our community. Can you help by donating $25 today?
However, we will continue to garner the support of our Please visit www.wishlist.org.au to make a tax deductable
generous community to fund ongoing services, as well donation.
as fundraise for the following projects:
Help raise money for your local hospital or department
Wishlist Giving Day on August 20 is a unique opportunity for hospital teams to fundraise for their own departments - with every
dollar raised MATCHED on the day thanks to Wishlist corporate partners such at Jaguar Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Toyota.
This peer-to-peer fundraising appeal enables you to share your dedicated department or hospital fundraising page directly with your
friends, family or workmates. And even share on social media!
It’s all happening on Thursday August 20. Find out more about setting up your TEAM today. Email Bianca.keegan@health.qld.gov.au
or visit wishlist.org.au.
Spreading love with patient care packs
As Wishlist continued to Spread Love with messages of support to healthcare workers throughout April and June, our
focus shifted to our most vulnerable patients upon discharge from hospital. Patients were those struggling to make ends
meet with employment losses, the downturn in our local economy and those isolated from their family and support
networks.
Over the past two months, 700 Care Packs have been distributed by Wishlist, filled to the brim
with household essentials, personal care items, knitted blankets as well as vouchers for food
and very special home care assistance vouchers from Just Better Care.
The Wishlist office received many phone calls and messages of thanks from nurses, explaining
how much these care packs meant to patients who are currently going through some tough times.
Wishlist would like to give special thanks to every donor who financially contributed to the
Spread Love campaign, as well as generous business’s such as: Just Better Care Sunshine
Coast, Sunshine Toyota, IGA Marketplace Wises Rd, Push Productions, Colgate, Quik Corp,
Alpha-H, The Happy Snack Company, Big Top Shopping Centre, Sunshine Coast
Grammar School, Farmer’s First Sunshine Coast and more. One of our wonderful patients receiving a pack.
Page 10 Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health
Patient compliments
Maleny Sunshine Coast University Hospital
Thank you to the NUM and her wonderful nursing staff I just want to put pen to paper to express my
who sang happy birthday to my mother. She commented appreciation to everyone who helped my husband, who
how impressed she was with the team and how caring recently had a stroke.
the environment was. As an ICU nurse herself, she
commended the team. To the trauma team—no words can describe these
wonderful people. To the nurses who took care of me, a
blubbering mess, and called our son. On to ICU where
Aged Care Assessement Team we were always informed by phone what was going on.
I had the pleasure of being present when Sue was Finally—Rehab, I just cannot speak highly enough of
assessing Dad, and I am writing this letter to send my these wonderful people. Dr. Milfurd, Julie and her staff
gratitude. in speech therapy, Lisa and lots more. Also the social
Dad and I have been depressed and not looking forward workers. The wardies who made us smile daily and the
to the assessment for reasons of hiding our pride and friendly meal staff. To every single person who helped
not wishing to expose our dirty linen. my husband get well enough now to be home, we
thank you sincerely. We are fortunate to have such a
Sue never mentioned the obvious words that would hurt wonderful hospital.
Dad or treat Dad in the third party, which we were truly
grateful, her kindness towards Dad was wonderful. She We may never see you again but we will definitely never
absorbed so much information in the first moments of forget you all.
the assessment and then patiently went through the
whole process with both Dad and I being emotional, but
Women’s and Families Gympie Hospital
in helping us to understand a lot of things we needed to
know. I arrived for my operation at Gympie Hospital, and from
the outset, the two ladies looking after reception made
If I ever trusted anyone in my life on a one and only
me feel comfortable. Right through from Maureen in
meeting, it’s Sue.
admission, then Helga who gowned me up for theatre,
Christine who answers queries in the district is another who made me very comfortable in the waiting room with
gem, I would like to give them credit for their work well two beautifully warm blankets, to Doctor Dissanayake
done. Thank you ACAT for your excellent judgement in and his very positive reassuring comments before
staff, I feel privileged and thankful. surgery to Adam Butler and his assistant nurse Sharon.
To the happy chirpy team in theatre, then to the staff
on day and night duty in women’s maternity ward. I
only have high praise for in doing a successful surgery
NGH Medical Imaging
and excellent after care. The entire staff ticked all the
I received exceptional care from Claire and the nursing boxes and I can highly recommend Gympie Hospital
staff at Nambour General Hospital Imaging. Claire went and their staff in my short stay. I was made to feel
above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. Her very comfortable and pleasant with a very homely and
kindness was appreciated more than she will ever know! personal atmosphere.
She even gave me updates on my baby who was in the
waiting area. All the nurses were so helpful and friendly. Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital
They made a really stressful situation easier on me.
Thanks to all the nursing staff and Dr Chris (Kris)! I am so
grateful.
Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare. Page 11Community News - Issue Eleven Sunshine Coast Health Are you following us on social media? facebook.com/ twitter.com/ Sunshine Coast Hospital SunshineCoastHHS @SCHealthnews and Health Service What’s coming up in August-September? Jump online to see more information on these events August 1-31 Tradies National Health Month 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week 2-9 August National Healthy Bones Week 3-9 August Sleep Awareness Week 3-9 August Dental Health Week 7 August Jeans for Genes Day 8 August Dying to Know Day 9 August Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples 31 International Overdose Awareness Day 31 – 7 Sept National Stroke Week September 1 - 30 Blue September 1 - 30 International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 1 - 30 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 1-7 National Asthma Week 1-8 Adult Learners Week 6-12 National Child Protection Week 7-11 Women’s Health Week 10 International Gynaecological Awareness Day 10 World Suicide Prevention Day 21-25 Headache Awareness Week 21 World Alzheimer’s Day 29 World Heart Day This newsletter contains information about what’s happening across our health service, including health awareness, community engagement, patient stories and details of upcoming events. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/ © State of Queensland (Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service) 2020 Produced by Communications and Corporate Affairs web: health.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoast phone: 5202 0085 Email: SC-Communications@health.qld.gov.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. Page 12 Exceptional people. Exceptional healthcare.
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