Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service

Before babies say words, they communicate in many different ways. 👶 They use verbal and non-verbal cues. These include sounds, crying, facial expressions, eye contact, and body movements to communicate their needs. Babies will 'talk' to you to let you know many things. For example, 'I'm hungry', 'I'm uncomfortable', 'I'm tired', 'I'm ready to play' and 'I need a break'. Parents and carers learn to understand their baby's individual cues and respond to their baby's needs. This can take practice as sometimes it is not always clear what a baby wants! 🤷 Speech pathologists have an important role in supporting communication across the lifespan. Can you guess what these babies are communicating to us in each of these photos? 🤔 #AlwaysCare #SpeechPathologyWeek #CommunicateYourWay #SPW24 #HowBabiesCommunicate

📣 New Positions Available 📣 Would you like to join the team at Gold Coast Health? Take a look at the jobs below and see if one these positions suits you! 🏥 Social Worker (Community Child Health) - https://bit.ly/4775b8r 🏥 Senior Registrar or Registrar (Gastroenterology Heaptology Fellow) - https://bit.ly/4dZHt0k 🏥 Fellow (Vascular and Endovascular) - https://bit.ly/4dQ4GSu #AlwaysCare #JobOpportunities #GoldCoast #GoldCoastJobs #HealthJobs

Today marks the beginning of Speech Pathology Week! 💬 Chris Payten is just one of our dedicated Speech Pathologists. 👋 Chris, who has worked as an Advanced Speech Pathologist at Gold Coast Health since 2016, began his Doctoral research journey in 2019. His research is investigating the diagnostic process of voice disorders through the lens of an enhanced Speech Pathology initiated assessment pathway. Chris strongly believes in advocating research capacity and building capability into improving patient care. Chris says he feels lucky to be at Gold Coast Health as he feels there is great support to do meaningful research. “We have a great allied health research division – they’re very supportive, there’s a lot of opportunities for funding. We share knowledge and our interest of research across the division which is rewarding. It only motivates me further and brings more enthusiasm about our work” he said. Chris is currently working toward completing his PhD through the University of Sydney and Gold Coast Health. In addition, he works part-time as a research officer investigating the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) as a decision tool in the triage of new referrals. It is hoped his research will inform the development of a prediction model to identify patients for a speech pathology-initiated assessment, contributing to an earlier clinical diagnosis, reducing wait times, and improving patient outcomes. Chris was awarded the Allied Health Value Award for “Quality Improvement, Research, and Knowledge Translation” in 2023. Chris’s achievement underscores his outstanding dedication, innovative approach to patient care, and commitment to advancing the field of speech pathology. #AlwaysCare #SpeechPathologyWeek #SPW24

A few years ago, Spiritual Care Coordinator Michelle Philp came up with a novel idea to help connect with staff and boost moral on our wards. “We realised staff were struggling during COVID and we started an initiative called ‘Tea for the Soul’ to connect with staff, check in with them, be inclusive with them and remind them that the community was thinking of them,” Michelle said. “Every few months we nominate a ward at either Robina Hospital or Gold Coast University Hospital that might be experiencing increased trauma or stress, and we provide a morning or afternoon tea to help build relationships. “We usually have a few corporate sponsors, such as the Parkwood Rotary Club and Gold Coast Hospital Foundation who provide the tea trolley and snacks, and we often receive support from our Team Health team too.” Michelle said the Spiritual Care Services team, which includes many volunteers, recently held a Tea for the Soul event for the Maternity, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Oncology wards. “Our most recent event was for the Mental Health and Specialist Services team at Gold Coast University Hospital,” Michelle said. “We want staff to know that we see them, and we are here to support them.” #AlwaysCare #SpiritualCare #MentalHealth #SupportingStaff

New opportunities are now available to join the team at Gold Coast Health! Take a look below to see if you would be the right fit! 👀 🏥 Health Information Manager - https://bit.ly/4fVcYtW 🏥 Nurse Unit Manager (Geriatric Evaluation and Management / Memory Support Unit) - https://bit.ly/4cx8gzN #AlwaysCare #Jobs #JobOpportunity #GoldCoast

Are you interested in a career in mental health? The Specialist Programs and Alcohol and Other Drugs Service assists consumers from within the Gold Coast region, with co-occurring disorders. We are a diverse range of teams that work across our Emergency Departments, inpatient settings, community sites and clinics. Our teams support consumers in the Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Clinic, Numinbah Correctional Facility and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Service. We promote research and offer great professional development opportunities for all our staff. Our lived experience voice is also embraced within our services. For all Gold Coast Health job listings, visit https://lnkd.in/gdQFw2Gu #AlwaysCare #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCareers

Multicultural Mental Health Coordinators Millie (pictured right) and Susie (pictured left) hail from two countries thousands of kilometres apart but can both see how their unique cultural perspectives benefit Gold Coast Health. 🌎 Millie was born in Zimbabwe and has Malawian and Mozambican descent and is immersed in three different cultures, including, English, French, Portuguese, and her mother’s native language Shona. Millie proudly spoke about her heritage, stories, dances, folklore, and cultural background. “My culture is special to me because there is a great emphasis on community connectedness, where people connect through food, stories, music, and dance.” Susie was born in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and migrated to Australia at the age of 10. Being raised within two cultures allowed Susie to develop an insight into different ways of living, thinking and being. “Although I now live in Australia, many aspects of my culture remain central to my being. This includes valuing family and community; it supports my sense of self and connection to my community," Susie said. It is currently Multicultural Month, which celebrates different cultures, customs, folklore and learn more about each other’s culture while working together to create an inclusive multicultural community.” "Multicultural Queensland Month takes place every August and is focused on creating a more inclusive multicultural Queensland through learning, action, and celebration," Susie said. #GoldCoastHealth #AlwaysCare

Are you interested in a career in mental health? The Gold Coast Community Mental Health Services teams provide world class acute care to the Gold Coast community. We understand the psychosocial and medical needs of consumers and provide tailored interventions and supports alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Non-Government Organisation (NGO) partners, as well as the Primary Health Network. Our Lived Experience workforce provides a perspective that is highly respected, adding value to the care of our community. For all Gold Coast Health job listings, visit https://lnkd.in/gdQFw2Gu #AlwaysCare #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCareers

Join Lann Levinge for an immersive workshop in "Moving Meditation: A Sensory Response to Country" at the ‘Art of Healing’ event this Tuesday, 20 August, from 10am to 1pm at the Healing Garden, Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah “a place to be made healthy”). Explore the profound health benefits of mindfulness, sound energy, and chant through Yugambeh Country. This workshop integrates First Nations wisdom, knowledges, stories, and culture which explores the profound health benefits of mindfulness, sound energy, and chant through Country. Discover how soundscapes and cultural chants inspired by the three waterbirds can align your body's natural rhythms, promote relaxation, improve sleep, and enhance mental clarity. Facilitated by Lann Levinge, a proud Kombumerri man and distinguished multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and director, this workshop will guide you through a holistic wellness approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a multi-sensory celebration of culture and community. Witness the unveiling of Grace Brown's stunning sculpture, Banyahr jagun - banyahr garal janabi nyubani (Healthy Country – Healthy Community), right in the Healing Garden. Be part of this enriching experience! Read more about the Culture Therapy Workshops 👉 https://bit.ly/3AypOOx Secure your spot for the event here 👇 https://bit.ly/4erJKCm #AlwaysCare #GoldCoastHealth #CloseTheGap #HealthEquity #CommunityEngagement #NationalAgreementonClosingtheGap #FirstNationsHealthEquity #CommunityEvent #GoldCoastpopulationhealth #getinvolved #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek #BlakLoudProud

🏥 Meet Melissa Peters, the Project Procurement Officer for the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU). From sourcing electrocardiogram machines and soap dispensers to selecting the artwork that will don the walls, Melissa is playing a key role in bringing this unique building to life. Set to open its first 20 beds during the first quarter in 2025, the new service is designed to support those with severe and complex mental health issues. 🚧👷♀️🔨 “I manage the procurement of all furniture, fixtures and equipment for the unit,” Melissa said. Melissa recently led the artwork selection and procurement process alongside the Gold Coast Health’s Creative Hub team (pictured here front left alongside a clinician and Creative Health Hub representative). “Art selection can be complex, as tastes vary widely,” she said. “For the SMHRU, we considered room functionality, the consumer cohort and how the art could be used as a healing tool while creating a welcoming environment. We have a beautiful colour scheme that links to our local natural surroundings.” When asked about her vision for this future build, Melissa said she thinks the 40-bed SMHRU will set a new standard in mental health care. “The rehabilitation focus and support offered will encourage similar considerations in future builds. I hope it breaks down some of the stigma attached to mental health and encourages those who need help to seek it,” Melissa said. 🧠😊🌼 Interested in joining the SMHRU team? 👩⚕️👨⚕️ It’s the first time a service of this kind will be available through the public health system on the Gold Coast, so this will represent an exciting career opportunity for clinical and non-clinical recruits. 🔗 For more information on available roles, keep an eye on https://lnkd.in/gdQFw2Gu or contact the SMHRU Clinical Leadership Team via email: [email protected]. 📧 🛏️🧠 #AlwaysCare #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCareers #BuildingForTheFuture #Recruitment #BigBuild #GoldCoast #HealthInfrastructure #QLDGovernment #QLDHealth