Already a year like no other
Published: 14 February 2011
For many of us 2011 has already been one of the most challenging years of our lifetime. The state-wide flooding and Cyclone Yasi have left us wondering if there’s any more that can possibly be thrown our way (at the time of printing tqn we do not know what the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi will be).
The thoughts of all QNU members are with those nurses and midwives who have been directly affected by these disasters. We know some have lost most of their possessions to the relentless waters and furious winds, while others have no home to return to. A number of hospitals and aged care homes were also damaged, with many residents evacuated – some twice and even three times over a two-month period.
To assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, the QNU has donated an initial $25,000 to the Premier’s Appeal. The decision to donate these funds was made prior to the flooding of Brisbane and the impact of Cyclone Yasi and so QNU Council is now considering a further donation.
While we have been devastated by the recent disasters, nurses and midwives have once again proven to be the backbone of the response and recovery effort.
I am so proud of our members who played a lead role in evacuating patients from affected health facilities during the peak of the emergencies. Even when their own homes and loved ones were under threat, our members worked around the clock to ensure those in their care were kept safe.
Our members have provided health assessments, counselling and support in evacuation and recovery centres, health facilities and homes across the state. They have also been out on the road administering tetanus vaccines for those involved in the flood clean-up.
Our members have used whichever means possible to get to work – be it on foot, on the back of a council truck, by boat or canoe, and even by helicopter. Many cut short their annual leave and worked overtime and additional shifts to ensure health services could continue to operate, though often under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
The inspirational stories of some QNU members in the feature of this edition, starting on page 14, are testament to the dedication of nurses and midwives to their communities.
During these recent months, nurses and midwives have risen to the challenge in a way that distinguishes our profession. So many of you have been a constant presence in times of need, as well as critical advocates for patients, clients and residents. So many of you have been professional in carrying out your duties, even when under significant stress and trauma, and you have never stopped caring.
We are lucky to have unique skills that allow us to be highly effective in responding to disaster, including a diverse knowledge base, assessment skills, and a strong commitment to caring for those in need, including the weak and most vulnerable in our communities. The very best skills of nurses and midwives have been on show during recent weeks and I am sure that those you cared for during some of their darkest hours are immensely grateful.
Nurses and midwives have shown what they are made of. Whatever comes next we know that Queensland is in safe and caring hands.
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