A group of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health staff who were trapped on a clinic roof during a flooding event and a program designed to attract highly skilled nurses to the region have been named as finalists for major health awards.
TCHHS is thrilled to confirm it has been named as finalists in two categories of the prestigious annual Queensland Health Awards for Excellence which will be held in Brisbane on 19 June.
The Wujal Wujal Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) team is a finalist in the Strengthening our patients’ care category which focuses on sustainable, personalised healthcare that delivers outcomes that matter most to patients and the community.
Seven staff members spent the night of 17 December 2023 on the roof of the clinic after the Wujal Wujal community was significantly impacted by flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The team were caring for a young child who required clinical observation and his mother during the night.
In the aftermath of the flooding event the community was cut off and the entire population had to be evacuated.
The Wujal Wujal staff played a leadership role in the community in help facilitate the evacuation by the Australian Defence Force, while providing emergent first aid to community members.
The clinic suffered extensive damage due to the flooding and a temporary facility has been erected and was officially opened last month to deliver healthcare to the community.
TCHHS’s Transition to Remote Practice Program has also been nominated in the Prioritising our people category which celebrates a responsive, skilled, and valued workforce where staff feel supported.
The program, which was launched in 2022, allows motivated Registered Nurses direct entry into positions at TCHHS’s rural and remote facilities.
The nurses are offered dedicated support from senior TCHHS nursing education staff and given opportunities to upskill in various situations which might occur at remote PHCCs including advanced life support and imminent birth.
TCHHS Chief Executive Rex O’Rourke said having two finalists in the awards was a huge coup for the health service.
“This is a testament to the incredible work our staff do at all levels of our organisation,” he said.
“The Transition to Remote Practice Program is an example of true innovation which has proven to be a way we can both attract and retain good quality staff but provide them access to opportunities to grow their skills with a focus on clinical and cultural safety.
“Our Wujal Wujal team have truly gone above and beyond to support their community through a genuine disaster and the way they have responded to both the flooding event and in the aftermath has been inspiring.”
“I wish the staff involved in both our entries the best of luck and hope they know how much they are valued by our health service.”