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In this issue
- The real story about public health services on the Gold Coast
- Gold Coast Health selected for RecruitAble Program
- Say no to vapes
- Rapid Access Service for cardiac patients
- Healing inspired murals for Robina Hospital
- Donate now and save a life
- Work commencing on Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit
- Run for kids like Thomas
- Opportunities for our community
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The real story about public health services on the Gold Coast
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While the challenges in healthcare are real; politically motivated media stories do not always paint an accurate picture of the world-class care offered by Gold Coast Health.
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Board Chair, Ian Langdon, sets the record straight about how the unrelenting media negativity on Queensland's public health system not only, unfairly, erodes public confidence, but it also demoralises staff who are giving their absolute best.
"Politically fuelled media reports continue to focus on the need for more health funding, however the increase in investment into the Gold Coast public health service since my appointment as Chair of the Board in 2012 has been extraordinary."
This is a must read. |
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Gold Coast Health Selected for RecruitAble Program
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Gold Coast Health has been selected by Dylan Alcott’s (AO, Paralympic gold medallist and grand slam tennis champion) organisation, Get Skilled Access, to participate in the RecruitAble Program, in partnership with Ranstand.
The aim of the program is to create equal employment opportunities for people with disability and continuously improve inclusive workplace practices.
“This program is a great opportunity to increase our inclusive workforce capability as well as creating more equal employment opportunities for people with disability,” said Diversity and Inclusion Manager Ebru Dogan.
Gold Coast Health is committed to attracting people with disability and have already placed people in our workforce through the DisTinct Pathways Program.
“I was placed through the existing DisTinct Pathways Program and GCH has given me a valuable opportunity to bring my whole self to work and to contribute in a meaningful way,” said Learning and Development Administration Officer David Franks.
Find out more about the RecruitAble Program here. |
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In Queensland, it is illegal to sell or supply an e-cigarette/vape to children. It is also illegal to possess or sell an e-cigarette or vape containing nicotine unless it was obtained on a doctor’s prescription and dispensed by a pharmacist.
The Australian Department of Health continues to advise there are NO safe vape choices – even vapes that do not contain nicotine. The healthiest option is not to vape or smoke.
Watch the ‘say not to vapes’ video below to explore the risks associated with vaping. |
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Rapid access service for cardiac patients
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The Cardiology Rapid Access Service (CARDiAC) provides patients with time-critical, comprehensive specialist care without the need for an extended stay in the Emergency Department or hospital admission.
Callum Moore was holidaying on the Gold Coast when he experienced chest pains and presented to the Gold Coast University Hospital ED.
The 25-year-old was referred to the Cardiac Rapid Access Service at Robina Hospital for further assessment after experiencing non-life-threatening symptoms.
“I passed out a week ago for no reason and felt ill again on the Gold Coast. After 20 minutes of tests, I now have peace of mind,” said Callum.
“It was daunting at first because I never had any previous medical issues. Everyone at the Rapid Access Service was really good and made me feel at ease. It was great not needing to stay the night in hospital and being able to access the service as an outpatient. Best of all, I can now make my flight," he said.
Callum made it back home to Melbourne safely and is visiting his GP as a follow-up measure.
CARDiAC operates from 8am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and is one of 24 Rapid Access Services opening across Queensland courtesy of an $11.66 million commitment in the 2023-23 State Budget. |
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Healing inspired murals for Robina Hospital
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Local artist Melony Gordon drew on both her indigenous heritage and Lived Experience when she brought her creative flair to the Crisis Stabilisation Unit at Robina Hospital.
Yalburro’angabah – a place to become happy/content - has transformed the space into a more modern, soothing environment for patients dealing with mental health issues.
Melony's own struggles helped her to understand the power of art as therapeutic and healing.
“It's been so satisfying working alongside people with similar issues to help them feel comfortable and relaxed." she said.
Read more and see more pics here. |
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Donate now and save a life
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Dr Michelle Bryson is a Clinical Haematologist and the Clinical Director of Cancer, Blood Disorders and Respiratory at Gold Coast Health, so she knows all too well the importance of blood donations for helping seriously ill patients.
“I work mainly with patients diagnosed with blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma," said Michelle.
“Last year, more than 10,000 units of blood were transfused to patients across our health service, helping to save the lives of those with cancer and blood disorders, and also people having surgery, pregnant women, infants and many more.”
Having moved from the UK in 2008, Dr Bryson had not been able to donate in Australia until the ban on UK donors was lifted, and she jumped straight on the opportunity.
“More donors are needed, if you're lucky enough to be in good health, what is stopping you from finding the time to donate and save a life?” she said.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online or via the DonateBlood app. |
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Work commencing on Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit
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The tender has been awarded to Watpac Constructions to build the new 40-bed Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) at Gold Coast University Hospital, with the establishment of the construction site now underway.
The new two-level facility will provide mental health rehabilitation to support the recovery of consumers with severe and complex mental health disorders.
The unit will help meet the growing demand for mental health care in our community and provide a more contemporary environment for consumers and staff.
You may notice some site fencing up, but you can still access the parklands through the cafeteria entrance/exit point and also along the pathway from Hospital Boulevarde to F Block and the main building.
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Gold Coast Hospital Foundation has been named one of the official charity partners of the 2023 Gold Coast Marathon.
Go one step further and sign up to run and fundraise for the Foundation to support patients like Thomas, who rely on lifesaving emergency care.
When Thomas was born three months premature and then diagnosed with cerebral palsy at five months of age, nobody knew if he would ever walk, talk or eat by himself.
Miraculously, he learned to stand and took his first steps by using specialist equipment purchased by Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, thanks to generous donations from supporters.
You never expect to end up in hospital, but when a life-threatening emergency happens, the Foundation steps in to fund the very best equipment, vital support services and hospital facility improvements to give critically sick kids and adults a fighting chance.
Run for kids like Thomas and fundraise for the Foundation at the 2023 Gold Coast Marathon. | |
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Opportunities for our community
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Check out these fantastic opportunities on offer:
- First Nations School-based Scholarship: Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS) and Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) are working together to offer support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in the Gold Coast region to complete Year 11 and Year 12 through the QATSIF scholarship program.Closing 31 March 2023. Find out more or apply.
- Multicultural Queensland Awards: Nominations are open to recognise the valuable contributions of Queenslanders who support and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive community. Closing 5 April 2023. Find out more.
- Consumer training and skills building: Health Consumers Queensland offer a range of training, mentoring sessions and events to to equip, empower and enable consumers to participate in a wide variety of consumer partnering opportunities. Find out more.
- Health & Wellbeing Queensland Grants and Funding: Health and Wellbeing Queensland has created a grants program to support initiatives that help to drive generational change and improve the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders. Find out more.
- Volunteer with Gold Coast Health: We're seeking volunteers that wish to join our friendly team and are able to offer us a minimum six month commitment rostered on a weekly basis. Our volunteers contribute significant support services to our patients, visitors and staff. Find out more.
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Make a difference through our Consumer Network |
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If you, or someone you know, is interested in contributing toward healthcare improvement and shaping future services, please consider joining the Always Care Consumer Network.
As part of the Always Care consumer network, you may be asked to complete surveys, join focus groups and/or community discussions on the area of the health service where you have direct experience. Activities are voluntary and primarily undertaken online.
The advice and feedback you provide to us will be used in the planning and delivery of services and infrastructure at Gold Coast Health.
Have your say and help shape the future of health care on the Gold Coast.
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Our Values: Integrity | Community First | Excellence | Respect | Compassion | Empower |
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