AMA Queensland Branch Council Report - Fluoride back on tap after 30 yrs
Updated on 19.2.2008
By Dr Geoff Adsett - Gold Coast Representative
When the State Government announced it would be fluoridating public water supplies, Dr Ross Cartmill described it as “a great day for health in Queensland”.
“After more than 30 years, the announcement that 90% of Queenslanders will be drinking fluoridated water by 2012 finally brings us into line with the rest of the nation,” Dr Cartmill said.
There was welcome support from other leading health bodies for this decision, including the Australian Dental Association, and the Public Health Association of Australia who, along with the AMA, have been actively involved in advocating for this public health initiative for a number of years. The poor state of dental health has been of concern for a long time, with the most recent figures indicating Queensland – Australia’s only non-fluoridated state – was the worst state for dental health in the country.
The reasons for the Government’s changeover to fluoridated water will be explained in a public health campaign to be rolled out this year. This campaign will be made up of radio, press, and television commercials heralding the safety and benefits of water fluoridation.
Doctor’s surgeries too, no doubt, will become venues for discussions. AMA Queensland has prepared a briefing note for health professionals which I would recommend as good reading for those colleagues in the firing line.
Help Support the 80th Anniversary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Updated on 19.2.2008
The HOPE4HEALTH Jazz Dinner Dance is back! This year we will be supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service which celebrates an 80th Anniversary in 2008 so it is the perfect time to get behind this great Australian icon. ‘The Great Gatsby’ Jazz Dinner Dance will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 10th May and all GCMA members are invited to attend.
In appreciation of the tremendous support GCMA members give HOPE4HEALTH, we are now offering 20% off the ticket price to this gala event for all GCMA members and partners of GCMA members.
However places are strictly limited and the inaugural event was completely sold out in 2007, so please book early to avoid disappointment. The night will feature entertainment from The Midnight Syndicate jazz big band and all guests are encouraged to dress for the Roaring 20’s theme. There will also be great prizes and auction items available on the night.
HOPE4HEALTH is a charity organisation founded in 2006 and coordinated entirely by Griffith University medicine students. Each year we choose a focus project to fundraise towards for a 12 month period. Last year the ‘Out of Aftrica’ Jazz Dinner Dance was successful in raising over $60,000 to build the Dabaa Medical Centre in Ghana, West Africa.
This year we aim to improve on that figure so that we can keep the Royal Flying Doctor Service providing much needed medical services to remote Queensland communities. If you would like more information about HOPE4HEALTH or ‘The Great Gatsby’ Jazz Dinner Dance, please contact info@hope4health.org.au
New Funding and New Opportunities for the Gold Coast
Updated on 19.2.2008
By the Gold Coast Division of General Practice
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation and an Australian Government initiative that seeks to address mental health issues experienced by young people. Its objectives are: improving service integration and coordination through strategies such as centralised management, co-location, a common client management system, and increasing the usage of evidence-based interventions.
The Gold Coast Consortium has successfully secured funding for three years to establish a headspace facility. The lead agency for headspace is the Drug & Alcohol Council, with support from a number of organizations including the GCDGP. The funding is not for service delivery but for community development and case co-ordination. Service delivery such as medical and psychological services will come from consortium members and be provided under a private practice model (MBS rebates funding service delivery). The target groups are young people 12 to 25 years with an emphasis on providing co-ordinated service for those with mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues. GP input into the planning stages would be valuable and once up and running, we hope that those of you with a passion for young people may be able to find a little time to do some sessional work for the ‘headspace Gold Coast’.
headspace will give GPs and other providers ready access to a range of providers in health, education, transport and housing. It would mean a GP who is caring for a young person and their family could access a range of non-medical supports such as advice on education and training, housing, transport and other health services such as specialist psychiatry, psychological services and drug and alcohol services from a single place.
HEADS UP! is another new Divisional project on behalf of the Primary Care Partnership Council. Heads Up! is funded under CHIC (Connecting Health Care in Communities) and will work in well with the headspace initiative. Heads Up! is about making a positive difference in the lives and futures of young people and their families by helping to avoid or minimise the impact of mental illness and drug and alcohol use; targeting the complex nature of the interaction between alcohol and other drug use/ misuse and mental health issues for young people. In 2008 the project will do four things:
1) Gather all the sources of information available on the subject and pull them together in a user friendly way, then get them out there!
2) Hold some youth and family forums across the Gold Coast to share information and ideas.
3) Run education & training across youth, mental health, drug and alcohol, and General Practice for information sharing, and to develop some new ways to work better together.
4) Learn from 1 + 2 + 3 and design and run some projects which will make an ongoing difference.
Clinical pathways for chronic disease
This project will run over three years to define and improve clinical and service pathways in collaboration with other primary care and health service providers. It will identify and propose better systems for the coordination and integration of different services, to provide a more streamlined and seamless patient journey.
Pathways will be developed for mental health, Type 2 Diabetes, COPD, coronary heart disease and renal disease. It will involve scoping the services provided by government, private and non government sectors, identifying existing linkages and service gaps and developing strategies to respond.
Reflecting a greater emphasis on prevention and risk factor management, it will involve mapping services providing care along the continuum from the well population, to those at risk, newly diagnosed and those whose condition is being managed. GPs and practice staff, allied health and specialists will be invited to participate in working groups along with other primary health care workers. If you are interested in participating, please contact Matt Carrodus at the Divisional Office on 5507 7777.
AMA Queensland Conference Report – Istanbul 2007
Updated on 18.10.2007
Great venue, great organisation, great company, has become the hallmark of the annual AMA Queensland overseas conference and this year’s event at Istanbul was no exception. The 180 delegates arrived in Turkey 24 travel hours later, with a full day to enjoy courtesy of time gained against GMT.
For our group, the perfect antidote to sleep deprivation was a boat cruise on the Bosporus – the much fought-over strategic seaway connecting the Black Sea to the Med. A deal was struck with a local skipper, who, despite the scepticism of all but our negotiator, Carol Cox, conveyed us safely up and back this famous waterway.
Today, the main strategic purpose for the Bosporus seems to be ownership of waterside residences and watercraft, all at prices seriously in excess of the Gold Coast equivalent. We noticed that on any intervening rock the locals were vigorously engaged in catching what appeared to be bait. Even our skipper caught a bucket full during our lunch break. We deduced there must be many well-fed cats in Turkey.
Our trip included a stop at a local restaurant. It became evident that a rite of passage is to try the local seafood (bait as above), washed down with Raki – (an aniseedflavoured concoction like overproofed Ouzo). Having done that, one can set about enjoying the range of ingeniously spiced meals (a vegetarian’s nightmare) and the choice of deserts to die for, topped off with a Turkish Delight or three.
The welcome function atop the Marmara Hotel, was literally at the top of Istanbul, and sported a fabulous view of the crossroads of the world – the Bosporus and The Marama Sea where Asia meets Europe and Russia, and former soviet states meet the Mediterranean. To some of the travel-weary delegates this vista, the speeches and the hospitality were, perhaps, less than fully appreciated. On the other hand, they were experiencing a valuable practical demonstration of the symptoms of Sleep Disorder. This served as a prelude to the
talk that Dr Chris Schull was to present later in the week.
The next day the Academic programme kicked off. There was great information for all attending regardless of specialised interest. The theme of ‘Connectivity’, the potential for medical practice to be streamlined so that clinicians could focus on mere (30 msec) decision-making had jawdropping impact. Bob Sinclair told of the immune-potential of skin to overcome damage with the aid of tretinoins. Then he and I were the only ones to forget our hats on the Gallipoli excursion. Inshallah – in Islam nobody has to be perfect.
Chris Perry covered the gamut of ENT disease, from extolling the need to grommet within six months to prevent Cholesteoma, to the use of olfactory cells in stem cell therapy. In a private communication he subsequently had half our bus on oral steroids.
Lectures over, the guided tours of the city gave insight of a truly remarkable civilisation, which makes our meagre 200-year history seem like yesterday. Sights defy imagination such as the Roman aqueduct and subterranean cistern the size of a city block; The Theodosian Wall which had protected the city state of Constantinople for 1000 years of challenges. The Hagia Sophia basilica required a physicist and mathematician for the original design in 532 AD. Considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture, the Sophia stands today an example of proportion and technological mastery rarely to be repeated in history.
Modern life in Istanbul conjures an atmosphere where any sense of order is undermined by the attentions of the ubiquitous carpet salesmen, rogue taxi drivers, and would-be tourist guide to unmake your day. On the other hand the public behaviour of the locals is exemplary. Tolerant, affable enjoying a stroll down the Istiklal Caddesi (read mall), if they discover you’re Australian so much the better.
Daytime restaurants during Ramazan were no problem if you liked to eat alone. Often the empty venues could be a little cryptic in their name and range of services. However the unambiguous ‘Turkish Pub’ proved a source of refuge for many delegates, if only for their standard ‘Efes’ beer in a branded 750 ml glass. After 7pm it was a different story when, fasting over, the locals would descend en masse and continue on until 3am.
No doubt the highlight of the conference was the excursion to Gallipoli. Prior to the excursion, Ross Eastgate, well-known to readers of the Gold Coast Bulletin, had given a moving talk of the ferocity of fighting, and the horrific casualties involved – noting the medical conditions both sides endured were equally devastating. However his guided tour was something else. To see the sites first-hand and to hear Ross’s poignant descriptions of the conflict, was a unique and unforgettable experience for each of the 180 delegates.
At ANZAC cove, Dr Bill Glasson, in his role as Lieutenant Colonel conducted a memorial service in which he identified the contribution of Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC) at Gallipoli. A one minutes silence was observed during which words inscribed on the nearby Atatürk monument at Anzac Cove, came into focus.
“Mothers wipe away your tears… your sons … having lost their lives on this land have become our sons as well.”
As all good things must come to an end, so the gala dinner at the flood-lit Maidens Tower, situated on a rock in the Bosporus, was a fitting finale. Once again exceeding expectations in 2007, one can only wonder what will be in store for next year’s AMA Queensland Conference in Tokyo.
Emergency Department eases pressure on the Gold Coast
Updated on 18.10.2007
The newly opened Robina Hospital Emergency Department is already having a significant impact on the provision of emergency care on the Gold Coast, treating more than 1,100 patients in its first three weeks.
The Robina Hospital Emergency Department is part of a $40 million expansion officially opened last month by the Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Health Mr Stephen Robertson and includes an Emergency Department, an Intensive Care/Coronary Care unit and additional renal services.
It also includes a major boost to key infrastructure such as pathology, radiology, medical records, allied health and other support areas.
Gold Coast Health Service District Director of Emergency Dr David Green said the services are easing pressure on the busy Gold Coast Hospital Emergency Department at Southport.
Dr Green said ambulance access to the emergency department at Southport has improved and southside Gold Coast residents were being treated closer to home.
“Approximately 60 to 70 patients are being treated daily at the Robina facility and it is expected to increase to around 90 to 100 patients over the next two months,” he said.
“It is also clear that the patients presenting to the Robina Hospital are genuine emergency cases and not suffering ailments better managed by GPs.”
“Patients requiring acute care can be taken directly from emergency to the advanced resources of the 10 bed Intensive Care/Coronary Care Unit via a dedicated lift.
“A specially equipped balcony also enables patients to benefit from fresh air and Gold Coast sunshine as part of their recovery process.”
The contemporary architectural design of the new facilities complements current models of care and provides a refreshing and practical environment to deliver patient care.
A decontamination area specially equipped for biohazard emergencies or patients suffering from infectious diseases has been incorporated into the design.
Over 450 additional staff have been employed as a result of the expansion, bringing the total Robina Hospital workforce to around 1000 employees.
The $40 million extension represents stage one in a major expansion that will see Robina Hospital grow to a 364-bed teaching hospital by 2010.
Cardiac Research at Allamanda Private Hospital
Updated on 18.10.2007
Allamanda Private Hospital has recently been awarded a $27,000 grant from Medibank Private for a Cardiac Research Study.
Ms Gail Dacey is employed by the Hospital as the dedicated research nurse, which allows her to focus on looking at the future clinical care of cardiac surgical patients through scientific research results.
The study will look at outcomes from successful national and overseas projects and models, together with the hospital’s current practices, and determine the best clinical management for cardiac patients.
The aim of the study is to develop new practices, complete a trial and evaluate it and this is being conducted over a 12 month period.
The findings from the research will underpin the clinical practice that is implemented in the cardiac units throughout the hospital.
Allamanda Private Hospital’s dedication to on-going clinical improvement is enhanced by embracing clinical research as part of its quality improvement program to provide optimal care for patients in South-East Queensland.
John Flynn Hospital hosts Art Exhibition for Cancer
Updated on 18.10.2007
On the weekend of August 25-26, John Flynn Hospital hosted a sensational Open Art Exhibition in support of their Nurse of the Year entrant, Mandy Eade. The biannual exhibition proved to be one of the best yet, with 150 artists submitting over 400 works of art and sculpture, raising over $15,500 towards Mandy’s campaign.
As the hospital is a major cancer centre for the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers areas, caring for over 2,500 cancer patients each year, the John Flynn Hospital executive was happy to support Mandy in the Nurse of the Year Campaign, organised by the Cancer Council, Qld (formerly Qld Cancer Fund).
Mandy is a registered nurse in the Surgical Unit and has worked at John Flynn for approximately 10 years, originally commencing in the central sterilising department. As well as assisting with the art exhibition, Mandy has worked tirelessly to raise money in many different ways during the year, including hosting a Ten Pin Bowling Competition, hosting the Biggest Morning Tea at the hospital, entering a hospital team in the Relay for Life as well as running raffles and presenting at many community education seminars on cancer.
The exhibition featured guest artist Michael Eather – co-owner and director of the Fire-works Gallery in Brisbane, renowned sculptor Frank Miles – whose wonderful bronze of a ravishing, bathing beauty sunbathing, graces the recent 2007-2008, cover of the Gold Coast White Pages and also featured a number of up and coming artists including Shelena Russell and Bill Higginson.
AMA Queensland Branch Council Report by Gold Coast Representative – Dr Geoff Adsett
Updated on 4.9.2007
Recent unprecedented events have pitched the Gold Coast in the firing line regarding the situation of International Medical Graduates (IMGs). AMA Queensland has called for better support for IMGs working in Australia.
Traditionally, there have been many IMGs with international reputations who are an essential part of the education and training of our graduates. Director of Cardiology at Gold Coast Hospital, Sri Lankan born Dr Rohan Jayasinghe, stands as a shining example. His achievements were highlighted in a timely feature article in the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Rohan has kindly offered to lend his support to AMA Queensland’s training program in disaster relief. He is to conduct a tour of the high-standard cardiac facility at GCH to a group of Sri Lankan health officials as possibly a highlight of their training course at AMA Queensland.
Meanwhile on the home front of IMG selection and training, Dr Cartmill said it was not good enough that the qualifications of another one of our overseas colleagues were called into question.
“Our colleagues need to be better selected and better supported right across Australia,” Dr Cartmill said.
“IMGs are a huge part of our medical workforce, particularly in rural areas and there needs to be a uniform commitment from government to assist them to make a smooth transition into clinical practice.”
“Every time another story about registration hits the headlines it undermines the quality work thousands of IMGs are doing in this country,” he said.
The AMA has flagged a nationally consistent induction aid program that would provide clinical assessment, ongoing supervision for an initial three to six months and a practical assessment.
“Queensland needs to lead the way but there must be a level playing field. So, rather than just a paper trail, a nationally consistent induction program would enable the public to feel confident, as we do, that both our overseas trained and Australian trained doctors have been identified as being clinically proficient,” Dr Cartmill said.
“In addition our IMGs need better inclusion in the mainstream medical community through access to local training programs, and ongoing clinical support.”
In identifying a need for IMGs to be better supported, AMA Queensland has re-established its IMG committee and is encouraging its international colleagues to contact AMA Queensland through this committee to ensure that they have a loud voice and their concerns are dealt with.
“The public needs to be reminded of the excellent work our IMGs do, and of the high standard of service they provide,” Dr Cartmill said.
The New Medical School Experience
Updated on 18.6.2007
At the meeting on May 17, GCMA members had the pleasure of meeting with medical students from both Griffith and Bond Medical Schools. In his introductory comments, GCMA President Dr Philip Morris related his somewhat jaded experience as a student in a long-established medical school whose routine had become increasingly mundane over the years. This differed vastly from observations of the early graduates, who seemed to share a lifelong association with teachers and colleagues.
Olivera Pelgrim (Bond) presented the case for starting in a new medical school with few preconceptions. Joined by a cohort of virtual strangers from diverse states and backgrounds, albeit over 90% local graduates, presents both challenges and opportunities.
On the subject of maturity and ability to cope with perhaps new biological sciences, Mark Friel (Griffith) described the confidence one has, as an engineer, of possibly knowing more about the workings of an MRI than most clinicians. Mark presented the scenario of a medical school comprised of a large proportion of mature students (average age 29). Hence social activities may include events such as kids cycling and barbeque days.
In response to questioning about the course, Ash Prabahr (Bond) responded: “There is adequate clinical exposure with allocation to GP practices in addition to hospital exposure. However, in the future there is concern for the capacity for the system to provide adequate training posts on graduation”.
“There is adequate coverage of anatomy. There is access to specimens, including anatomy excursions to the St Lucia campus”. (This last comment reassured local graduates that the Regatta Hotel would remain a therapeutic venue following anatomy prac).
Marty Brewster (Griffith) presented the “other side” of medical student’s aspirations – that is to support less privileged communities (other than medical students?) He outlined a seemingly outrageous project for Griffith’s medical students towards raising $100,000 to construct a Maternity Hospital in Ghana via an unprecedented, black tie, charity function. One week later, the jazz dinner dance ‘Out of Africa’ at the Gold Coast Convention Centre realised all the above ambitions. A credit to the organisers, the event has to be THE Gold Coast Function to attend for 2008 and beyond. Congratulations Marty!
AMA Queensland - A New President
Updated on 18.6.2007
AMA Queensland Branch Council Report by Gold Coast Representative – Dr Geoff Adsett
In a colourful mix of academic garb, powerful speeches, a mixture of historic faces with the newly graduated, and bagpipes to boot – the inauguration ceremony of the AMA Queensland President showcased Queensland Medicine at its very best. Dr Ross Cartmill, a Brisbane urologist, was inaugurated as the new AMA Queensland President on June 1.
The occasion bore witness to the increasing numbers of non-medical attendees, in particular politicians and media persona, as testament to the increasing relevance of AMA Queensland within the broader community.
It was this role of community relevance that Dr Cartmill highlighted in his inaugural address. He plans to give the AMA’s image in Queensland a shake-up by placing increased focus on the Association’s public health agenda.
Recycled water, childhood obesity, water fluoridation, and rural doctor numbers are just some examples of key public health issues where AMA Queensland will be making waves.
“I don’t think we should be known just as a doctor’s lobby group. The AMA is far more worthwhile than just this,” said Dr Cartmill.
State Budget – Health
AMA Queensland supports the initiative of increased expenditure on health. Welcome announcements for the Gold Coast were as follows:
- $14.5 million additional funding in 2007-08 to progress the $1.23 billion Gold Coast University Hospital
- Additional medical graduates $3.6 million allocated in 2006-07 allowed the continuation of new positions created for 2006 and the establishment of an additional 43 medical intern positions in 2007
- $13.2 million to develop and expand in-patient mental health services. This is part of a commitment of $121.5 million over the next four years for the enhancement of in-patient mental health services.
- ED upgrade at Gold Coast Hospital Robina Campus ($40.1 million), and Gold Coast Hospital ($8.2 million).
Local Comment: Although the detail awaits consideration the mental health services allocation provides encouragement for The Gold Coast Medical Association and Dr Philip Morris’s initiatives in this area.
Allamanda Emergency Care Centre
Updated on 18.6.2007
Allamanda Private Hospital has been providing high quality patient focused care to the Gold Coast since 1979. It is held in high regard as a centre for clinical and medical excellence.
The Emergency Care Centre provides 24 hour medical and surgical cover offering comprehensive streamlined care for emergencies, illnesses and injuries.
The ECC has Emergency Doctors on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All Doctors in ECC have extensive experience in Emergency Care and Acute Medicine. The Doctors are: Dr J Atherton, Dr M Barson, Dr V Braniff, Dr N Childs, Dr Z Kusiak, Dr K Love, Dr V Nguyen, Dr J Renton, Dr B Slawinski, Dr F Trueman, Dr A Zajkowski.
Nursing Staff are trained in advanced life support and have extensive emergency experience.
The ECC department provides:
- Rapid Assessment
- 24 hour medical and nursing assessment
- Medical Specialists on call 24hours a day to care for in-patients
- Access to an on-site 24 hour Catheterization Laboratory with an experienced team of interventional Cardiologists and Nurses with extensive cardiac experience
- On site X-ray and Pathology services
John Flynn GP Weekend Conference, 26-27 May 2007
Updated on 18.6.2007
The Byron at Byron Resort was the beautiful location for the first John Flynn Private Hospital GP Weekend. Held over the weekend 26-27 May 2007 the conference provided delegates the opportunity of professional development and networking with their colleagues.
The majority of the presenters were John Flynn specialists, which also provided delegates the opportunity to meet the John Flynn team and hear about current trends in various specialty areas.
Presentations over the weekend included Dr Geoffrey Trueman (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist) speaking on antenatal screening along with Dr Stephen Withers (Assoc Prof in Paediatrics) from QML, speaking about genetic testing.
Newcomers to the coast included Dr David Liu and Dr Paul Mednis who on computer assisted knee replacement surgery and Dr Guy Wright-Smith on cardiac emergency presentations. A ‘hands on’ suturing workshop was conducted by Drs Dilip Gahankari and Mark Doyle (Plastic Surgeons).
A highlight of the conference was the guest speaker, Rosemary Stanton who spoke with delegates about Australia’s obesity problem, our current eating habits and ways to help patients adopt healthy food choices and lifestyles.
The theme of the conference was “Revive your senses restore your energy” which was a fitting theme for the Byron Resort. Guests enjoyed some exceptional food and wine over the weekend together with the resorts day spa facilities and peaceful surroundings.
Our thanks go to Pfizer and QML for their support and generous sponsorship. Feedback from the conference is so positive that plans are already under way for 2008.
Updated on 29.5.2007
Pindara Private Hospital is proud to announce the completion of the first set of fully renovated rooms. These rooms are located in our Maternity Unit and at the completion of the project all rooms within the Maternity and Women’s Health Unit and the majority of the Orthopaedic ward will have been completely modernised.
These rooms have been completely gutted, and replaced with new carpet and paint, new joinery, flat screen televisions, new soft furnishings and total refurbishment of bathrooms.
The next cycle of rooms is to commence with Orthopaedic and Maternity rooms receiving complete refurbishment.
Updated on 16.4.2007
By Dr Geoff Adsett, AMA Qld Representative
“No, the roof did not fall down at the AMA after the meeting of such an eclectic group.” Said AMA Queensland President, Dr Zelle Hodge after a unique meeting at AMA Queensland. On the subject of National Registration, the representatives of the dentists, chiropractors, pharmacists, osteopaths, OTs, optometrists and podiatrists resulted in a letter to the Premier signed by all those present.
The submission was for the Premier to seek action at COAG meeting on national registration in order to follow a path of less bureaucracy with each group responsible for their own accreditation and registration
Perhaps as a result of these efforts coordinated by the Federal AMA contributed significantly to a best possible outcome when the Prime Minister announced the results of COAGS deliberations “we reached agreement in relation to a national accreditation system for the medical profession, which is something that’s been around for some time.”
AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said the AMA welcomed the COAG decision to adopt much of Federal Government’s preferred model for nine national health professional boards to run registration and accreditation of training for each of the nine health professions.
“This means there will be nationally consistent standards for registration and professional peer-based accreditation standards, and a more mobile health workforce.” said Dr Mukesh Haikerwal.
Pindara East Wing Redevelopment
Updated on 23.1.2007
Pindara Private Hospital's East Wing Redevelopment project commenced on Monday 19 February 2007 and it is anticipated that the building contractors will be on site for six months. The refurbishment will upgrade the maternity, women's health and orthopaedic wards which include 84 beds and will incorporate new joinery, new carpet and paint and refurbishment of bathrooms.
Pindara Private Hospital has appointed a Bed Manager/Clinical Coordinator to assist with management of beds and allocations during the multi-million dollar refurbishment of the East Wing of the hospital.
Registered Nurse Michelle Sherring will be responsible for allocation of patients and will work closely with the contractors and Unit Managers to minimise disruptions the renovations may cause.
During this busy time a Discharge Lounge has been established to cater for the convenience of patients as they wait for the arrival of relatives/friends and will also provide new patients with comfortable surroundings prior to scheduled admissions into their rooms.
The $4.1million redevelopment is another exciting step in the plans for major upgrade and expansion of Pindara Private Hospital.
Pindara Private Hospital Multimillion Dollar Redevelopment
Updated on 21.12.2006
Ramsay Health Care is pleased to announce the first stage of a multimillion dollar redevelopment Master Plan for Pindara Private Hospital.
Ramsay Health Care will start a $4.2 million refurbishment of Pindara’s maternity, women’s health and orthopaedic wards located in the east wing of the hospital, in January 2007. The project is expected to take six months.
Pindara CEO Lisa Thorne said this was a significant development for the hospital and would position it well for the future.
“Pindara Private Hospital has established a strong reputation on the Gold Coast for the provision of excellent medical, surgical and maternity and women’s health services to the community. This development will assist us in meeting the growing demand for our services,” Ms Thorne said.
The first stage will include the complete renovation of the east wing, which has 80 beds and will incorporate:
- new rooms
- refurbishment of bathrooms
- new carpet and paint
- new soft furnishings
- wash basins in patient’s rooms
- new joinery
There will also be a significant upgrade to services such as the nurse call services and air-conditioning systems. Flat screen televisions will be provided in each room.
The plan is to refurbish six rooms at a time, with minimal disruption to patients, visitors, doctors and staff.
Ms Thorne believes that these are exciting times for Pindara, with the finalised Master Plan expected to be unveiled next year.
“Pindara Private is a fine hospital that is very deserving of significant capital investment” said Ms Thorne. “I am thrilled that Ramsay Health Care recognises this fact and is willing to make the necessary investments.”
Tugun Bypass off ramp to John Flynn Hospital in doubt
Updated on 21.12.2006
The long awaited Tugun bypass is well underway and is just metres from the John Flynn Hospital.
Previous plans for the bypass included a Boyd Street interchange, which would allow fast and easy access from the bypass into Tugun and in particular the hospital precinct.
The final approved plans omitted the interchange and Ramsay Healthcare and John Flynn Management feel this is a retrograde step particularly when access to healthcare is such an important issue to the general public.
Meetings have been held with various ministers and department administrators within the Qld State Government to lobby for the re-instatement of the interchange. To date these petitions have been unsuccessful.
The majority of patients attending John Flynn are not from the Tugun area and most are already using the M1 and Pacific Highway to access the hospital. A Boyd Street interchange would therefore be well utilised.
Being so close to the hospital and the emergency department, Hospital management is concerned that the bypass will bring heightened awareness of the hospital and its services. However access to the hospital will remain difficult with patients having to exit at Kennedy Drive in the south or Stewart Road in the north and negotiate through a maze of suburban streets. Resident groups have previously expressed concern at the volume of traffic through the local area.
Of greater concern is access to the hospital in an emergency situation. John Flynn specialists unanimously supported a petition to the Premier expressing their concern that health outcomes may be compromised without the interchange.
If you share these concerns about appropriate access to these health care services, please make your views known to the Qld Government via the Health Minister and the Transport Minister.
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Minister for Health
GPO Box 48
Brisbane Qld 4001
The Honourable Paul Lucas
Minister for Transport & Main Roads
PO Box 2644
Brisbane Qld 4001
Allamanda Hospital Theatre Management
Updated on 21.12.2006
Theatres are at the heart of a modern hospital. From the doctors and patients perspective, experience in ensuring they run efficiently is critical to the smooth running of a hospital.
Allamanda Private Hospital is privileged to have Margi Law, Theatre Nurse Unit Manager and Debbie Trebble, Peri Operative Services Unit Manager who between them have over 30 years theatre experience. Debbie also manages both Surgicentre and Pacific Private theatres each with its own Nurse Unit Manager.
Allamanda is a seven-theatre complex with approximately 60 staff including scrub, scout, anaesthetics, recovery and orderlies. The theatres operate from 7am until 9pm with on call staff for emergencies outside these hours.
The hospital specialties are cardiac, orthopaedics, neurology, spinal, urology, general, paediatrics, gynaecology, vascular and dental. Allamanda Private Hospital is the only private neuro surgery on the Gold Coast with the latest equipment. The CSSD is located within the theatre complex and the departments work in unison.
A fully staffed cardiac catheter laboratory also resides within the hospital, providing 24hour services for cardiology patients who require intervention treatment from our on-site cardiologists.
Margie and Debbie are keen to share their experiences. They have recently started a new Peri Operative course within the hospital, including anaesthetics, recovery, PACU and cardiac to help develop the skills of staff within the hospital. The aim of this program is to better meet the needs of the doctors who operate at Hospital and their patients.
If you have any enquiries about using the theatre facilities at Allamanda Private Hospital please give either Margie or Debbie a call on 5591 9425.
Obituary – Dr Herbert Clifford Wright OAM
Updated on 21.12.2006
Order of Australia recipient Dr Herbert Clifford Wright passed away on October 5 at the age of 80.
Dr Wright was working as a general practitioner at the Evandale Medical Centre until a week before his death. Recognised for his work with veterans, he received a national award in 2005 from the Australian Medical Association for his efforts to improve men’s health.
A graduate of the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery. Dr Wright worked in western Victoria before moving to Queensland in 1970.
When he first set up practice in Ferny Ave on the Coast, there were so few doctors that Dr Wright knew every doctor and specialist by name.
His interest in the health of war veterans came from the fact that his father died as a POW on the island of Ambon during WWII.
He was a patron of the Vietnam Veteran’s Association and over the years, he has been awarded many certificates of appreciation from other War Veterans’ Associations.
In 1989, he was awarded the TPI Association certificate of appreciation and in 1993, he was honoured with the Order of Australia in recognition of his services to war veterans and their families.
In 2003, AMA Queensland awarded him a certificate of achievement for his contribution to the healthcare services of Queensland.
Dr Wright was a Past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge of Surfers Paradise and a Knight of the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitalier. Active with the Gold Coast Coastguard service, Dr Wright had a great interest in boating and sport.
He had four sons from two marriages – Anthony, a solicitor, Nicholas, a child care centre operator, Andrew, a hospitality industry executive and Michael, also a GP, who he had shared a practice with for the last five years.
Dr Michael Wright said although his father’s death was unexpected, the family and some close friends still had the opportunity to say goodbye before he passed away in Allamanda Hospital.
His funeral at The Southport School was attended by hundreds of mourners, with a guard of honour flanking his coffin.
“Naturally we are all devastated at Cliff’s death and everyone at Evandale Medical Centre has been affected by this event, as have many of the patients,” Michael wrote in the Practice Newsletter. “We cannot thankyou enough for your kind thoughts, cards and floral tributes.”
Dr Wright is survived by his widow Janice, and his four sons.
Vale: Bruce Donald Alexander
(27.03.1939 - 15.09.2006)
Updated on 24.10.2006
The Gold Coast Medical Community lost an irreplaceable asset with the sudden passing of Bruce Alexander.
For those in attendance, his Memorial Service was a memorable insight into an exceptional life that “fill the dash”, that is the small space “-”, between the two dates entered above.
The depth of contribution, which was uniquely Bruce, was evident in his ability to take on the “written-offs”, those high-risk patients for anaesthetic and usher them through surgery unscathed. With similar care and precision at home, he had compiled time capsules of memorabilia for each of his five daughters from the day of their birth. The inventory included materials as diverse as wine vintages, current editions of Playboy Magazine, and the odd critique of pre-school attempts at art.
Bruce’s on fear was evident to anyone in attendance at his theatre lists. It was fear of failure for whichever of his daughters. They happened to be on the other list, that of conversation topics for that day. Any such fears would have been allayed by the tesimony of said daughters at his Memorial.
Bruce ended his life, literally, on a winning stroke. He will be sadly miss by us all.
The GCMA would like to extend sympathy to his beloved wife, Valerie, and daughters Vanessa, Natalya, Elisa, Sarah, and Halina and their families.
Compiled by Drs G Adsett and P Brown.
GOLD COAST HOSPITAL
Updated on 24.10.2006
The Gold Coast Health Service District has an enormous range of developments underway at the moment, both in terms of capital works and expanding services.
The most significant announcement for the District in recent times has been the government’s election commitment to build a new 750 bed Gold Coast University Hospital to be built on the Griffith University campus and be operational by the end of 2012.
Architectural planning for the University Hospital at Parklands is underway now community consultation has concluded. Preliminary project work is determining the best position on the site for the complex to be built.
Access, public transport, parking, and infrastructure needs such as electricity, water, sewerage and drainage and its impact on government and council services are all part of the process.
The government has also committed to further redeveloping the Robina Campus to create 179 new beds at a cost of $230 million. These beds are in addition to the existing 185 beds at the Campus.
Work continues on the current Robina Campus expansion which includes an intensive care unit, additional pathology services, medical records space and tutorial rooms for clinical teaching.
Recruitment timeframes in medical, nursing, allied health and other support positions are being finalised. To date 14 positions have been advertised and a total of over 400 new positions are required for the development.
The Emergency Department is due to open in August 2007.
At the Southport Campus, a new $2.2 million biplane interventional angiography machine is currently being installed.
The Gold Coast Hospital will be the first outside Brisbane to offer diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms using neurocoiling (without surgery).
The redevelopment at a cost of $935,000 will include a new operating theatre, recovery room and necessary building work to install the new state-of-the art equipment.
Up to 40 patients each year from the Gold Coast currently travel to Brisbane for treatment after suffering an aneurysm.
The service is expected to commence in early 2007.
CAR PARKING COMMENCES JOHN FLYNN HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION PROJECT.
Updated on 24.10.2006
John Flynn Private Hospital has commenced a $5.5 million hospital expansion project with the construction of a 97-bay car park followed by the internal construction of Fred McKay House (the eight-storey building adjacent to the hospital).
“Over the past twelve months the hospital has experienced quite considerable growth due to the significant number of new specialists, particularly in the areas of Ear, Nose & Throat, Urology, Orthopaedics and Cardiology, who have commenced at the hospital as well as the general increase in population to the southern Gold Coast and Tweed area”, said Lloyd Hill, Hospital Director.
Stage one of the hospital expansion is the construction of 97 additional car parking bays which will provide the hospital campus with over 700 car parks for patients and visitors. With available car parking being a major concern to hospitals on the Coast, access to free car parking within a close proximity to the hospital is considered quite a substantial benefit to a hospital campus.
Stage two has already commenced with the redevelopment of Fred McKay House, the building adjacent to the hospital. Fred McKay House will accommodate extra medical consulting suites, patient accommodation and retail outlets and will be completed by December of this year.
“The car park construction and redevelopment is an exciting phase in the life of the hospital and with the sale of the hospital to Ramsay Health Care in May 2005, the expansion of John Flynn Hospital became a priority of the new owners.” Lloyd added.
EXPANSION OF SPECIAL CARE NURSERY
Updated on 24.10.2006
Pindara Private Hospital is proud to announce the completion of its hospital expansion of the Level Two Special Care Nursery from four to 16 licensed cots.
The expansion of the Special Care Nursery is a major development in the life of the hospital. The Special Care Nursery offers the most advanced medical equipment with the staff specialising in the care of pre-term neonates.
Visiting Paediatricians are delighted with the modern, attractive and family friendly Special Care Nursery with many of the latest technological developments.
The Special Care Nursery has already had a very busy start with nine babies including a set of small premature twins.
Chief Executive Officer of Pindara Private Hospital, Ms Lisa Thorne, believes that with the Gold Coast becoming the fastest growth region of Australia, it is anticipated the Special Care Nursery will accommodate the specialised medical needs of Gold Coast babies for many years to come.
The extension is part of the hospital’s major expansion and upgrade master plan, set to take place during the next five years.
Allamanda Private Hospital – Rehabilitation Unit leads the way
Updated on 24.10.2006
Allamanda Private Hospital continues to provide its broad range of services to the residents of the Gold Coast. With recent renovations to its general surgical ward and Accident & Emergency Department it is again operating at its full 252-bed capacity. Three more beds have been added to the cardiology ward to support its 24-hour Cardiac Service, which is additional to the six-bed designated coronary care unit that was commissioned last year.
Supporting the medical and surgical units is a busy rehabilitation facility, which continues to grow and now operates as a major 36 bed unit providing the much needed specialised resources to both internal and external patients.
Situated within the hospital the rehabilitation unit includes large day patient and inpatient gymnasiums, with high-quality rehabilitation equipment, private treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy pool. The rehabilitation unit has a team of highly trained staff to help patients achieve their best outcome. The multidisciplinary team of seventeen allied health professionals comprising physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers and experienced rehabilitation nurses all contribute to the unit’s achievement of its excellent outcomes. National benchmarking data demonstrates Allamanda’s high quality service in the provision of its rehabilitation programs.
Under the directorship of a Rehabilitation Medical Specialist the facility ensures that patients’ rehabilitation and medical needs are met enabling each patient to achieve their maximum potential. Rehabilitation services include inpatient and day patient rehabilitation programs for orthopaedic, neurological, surgical and medical conditions. Recently developed programs also include falls prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation and acute stroke services.
In addition to the Rehabilitation facility Allamanda continues to provide services for orthopaedics, paediatrics, neurology, urology, vascular, spinal and general surgery as well as medical patient facilities.
All of this is supported by our dedicated employees, some of whom have worked in the hospital for over 20 years.
For further information of our rehabilitation services please call Diana Hunt on 5591 9408 and for more general information on Allamanda Private Hospital please call Lisa Kolkka 5591 9443.