Mackay Hospital and Health Service in Mackay, Queensland | Medical and health

Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Locality: Mackay, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4885 6000

Address: 475 Bridge Rd 4740 Mackay, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au

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24.01.2022 If you’re an older person visiting Mackay Base Hospital’s Emergency relax, there’s an award-winning team to help support your care. Early results from the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) service show a 19% improvement in emergency length of stay for discharged patients over the age of 70. The GEDI team and two of its key members received awards at our annual Service Excellence Awards.... Older patients are supported by medical and nursing staff along with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker and pharmacist who work together to provide timely and appropriate care. Congratulations to these health heroes for winning the Chief Executive Values Champion Award at our recent Service Excellence Awards. The team’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Caitlyn Harvey picked up the Clinical Excellence Award and the Performance and Development Award went to Clinical Implementation Lead Renee Ennis. #HealthHeroesWeek

24.01.2022 The drive through COVID-19 testing clinic at the Mackay Showgrounds will be closed this weekend Anyone requiring routine testing this weekend is asked to call the COVID-19 hotline on 4885 5666 before presenting to Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department. The Showgrounds clinic will re-open 8am, Monday 23 November.

24.01.2022 More than 80 years of family history has been served up to Mackay Base Hospital inpatients today in recognition of Malta’s Independence Day. Linen supervisor Lenore Borg contributed a family recipe of mqarrun il-forn, Maltese baked macaroni, which has long been a family favourite and now enjoyed by patients on this day each year as part of our Cultural Celebration Menu. Lenore said her husband’s family are of Maltese descent and were happy to share their culinary knowledge.... It’s a delicious comfort meal that has origins in Sicily but is a staple of Maltese cuisine, made with a combination of macaroni, a rich tomato ragù sauce, eggs and cheese, Lenore said. It was quite daunting to learn a traditional dish when my mother-in-law gave me the recipe but I was taught by my husband’s cousin how to perfect it. I’m told that my version is now better than my mother-in-law’s. Maltese baked macaroni is part of the Mackay HHS Cultural Celebration Menu, an initiative which features a cultural dish on a day of significance each month.

24.01.2022 Meet #HealthHero Jacinta Richmond, Nurse Unit Manager for BreastScreen Mackay. Her job is to remind women that they are important, and need to take good care of their own health. Jacinta also encourages women to be breast aware and supports them through the stages of the BreastScreen program. What I love most about my job is interacting with and meeting the women of our community and ensuring that they are aware of the BreastScreen program, she said.... It’s important to make every woman feel like they are an individual and unique and provide them with the information that they require to equip them to care for themselves. I also love educating and supporting women as they seek understanding of the female body and changes that occur through their lifespan. Ladies, are you due for a screen? Appointments are FREE, with no referral required and take less than 30 minutes. Call 13 20 50 or book online www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au

23.01.2022 Can you imagine travelling to Brisbane every month for seven years to help improve your child’s hearing? The marvels of telehealth and telemetry mean Zemiel Cole’s cochlear implants can be adjusted in Mackay by an audiologist sitting almost 1000km away in Brisbane at Children's Health Queensland. Thanks to support from his dedicated mum Sharlene and a registered nurse at Carlisle Community Health Centre, Zemiel’s hearing is checked and improved remotely, allowing their family more time at home, work and school. #TelehealthAwareness

21.01.2022 Antimicrobial Awareness Week is an annual global event drawing attention to the effective use of antimicrobials in patient care, and in the prevention and containment of antimicrobial resistance. Acting Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Angela Wright said antibiotics are precious and whenever they must be used, antibiotics must be used with care. "Misusing antibiotics can promote resistance, meaning that bacteria may no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them...," Angela said. Without effective antibiotics some procedures may not be possible, and some infections could be impossible to treat. "As resistance to antibiotics increases, infections will become harder and harder to treat," she said. Antibiotics can be lifesaving, however, must be used wisely to ensure they remain effective. We can all work together to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. At Mackay HHS, the Antimicrobial Stewardship team works to monitor and optimise the use of antibiotics within the hospital. At home, you too can help reduce resistance by only taking antibiotics when prescribed for you, and by taking antibiotics at the right dose, at the right time, and for the right duration. For more information on the effective use of antibiotics, visit the NPS consumer webpage: https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/antibiotics-explained.

21.01.2022 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is a day to remember all the babies which have been lost during pregnancy or birth. Today we honour the estimated 106,000 babies across Australia who lose their lives to miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death each year. Mackay mother Carmen Boulton knows the heartbreak of losing an infant and the devastation of not being able to take their dearly loved baby home.... My daughter Ava Mae was born sleeping at 35+4 weeks in 2018 and it was devastating, more than words can explain, Carmen said. Read more on Carmen's story via the link in the comments below

21.01.2022 #HealthHeroes from the Hinterland Physiotherapy team are helping a group of older Clermont residents get back on their feet. The team have launched a six week falls and balance exercise program that helps: improve falls education and awareness... increase access to physiotherapists and other Allied Health services for consumers > 65 years most importantly, decrease the risk of falls Participants are also given education on medication, nutrition, home environment setup and equipment, advanced care planning and nurse navigator role. #HealthHeroesWeek

21.01.2022 The Mackay Showgrounds drive-through clinic is on the move and will be closed from 12noon today (Friday 2 October). The clinic will resume again on Saturday 3 October with its new hours of 8am until 11am, 7 days a week. The new location is still at the Mackay Showgrounds and entry continues to be from Milton Street - just follow the signs.... If you need a COVID test outside of the drive-through clinics opening hours you can still call your GP.

19.01.2022 We’re disaster ready, are you? Here’s a behind the scenes look at how the Mackay Base Hospital prepares for the summer season and any disaster nature can send our way. It’s packing a cyclone box on a massive scale! #CycloneSaturday https://youtu.be/WhXCyo7l-gU

19.01.2022 Did you know breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females, with around 1 in 7 women diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime? Today (1 October) marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month and BreastScreen Queensland Mackay is urging women across the health service to take 30 minutes out of their day and get screened. Being a woman and age are the biggest risk factors for breast cancer and so it is important to get a free breast screen every two year...s. A breast screen can detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can see or feel anything. Book your appointment today, it could save your life. To find out more visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au

17.01.2022 Security services manager Ash Reid has surpassed his goal and raised an impressive $5096.90 for the Domestic Violence Resource Service Mackay. Ash and Mackay Hospital Foundation proudly delivered the funds which will go towards providing emergency relief and support to those impacted by domestic and family violence. Thank you to Mackay HHS staff and community who generously supported Ash throughout his ‘Beards against abuse’ campaign helping to raise not only much needed funds but also awareness around domestic violence.

17.01.2022 A Mackay Base Hospital cancer patient is giving back by volunteering to help those going through the same journey. Stephen Ross spends time on the oncology ward once a week for a few hours through the Mackay Hospital Foundation I enjoy volunteering here on the oncology ward for a couple of reasons. One is to let patients know there are people out there who have been through something similar and you can continue to live a normal life.... Second to let them know to keep fighting. It’s an important message for people going through cancer to hear. It helps to keep them positive. Read more here https://bit.ly/3os2ND7 #NVW2021

16.01.2022 Today on National Reptile Awareness Day we’re celebrating all things slithery and scaly! With winter now behind us and temperatures rising, you may notice more snakes about. Snakes usually bite defensively, rather than actively attacking humans, and in Queensland it’s as common for people to be bitten around the home as it is out in the bush or other wild areas.... If you or someone else gets bitten by a snake, here's a video that could save a life - learn how to apply a pressure bandage to a snake bite with Dr Ken Hornsby from the Mackay Base Emergency Department.

16.01.2022 Did you know Mackay’s Public Health Unit has done contact tracing for 51 people associated with 16 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mackay and the Whitsundays? The team received the Pandemic Response Award in the Mackay Hospital and Health Service’s annual staff reward and recognition event this week. Chief Executive Jo Whitehead said Director Brigid Fenech and her team continued their tireless work to provide specialist advice and investigations to keep their community safe. #Mac...kayHealthHeroes To read more about their efforts to keep us safe visit www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/public-health-unit-recognised/

16.01.2022 ! Visiting one of our hospitals or health facilities over the next couple of weeks? Pick up an entry flyer and draw a Christmas themed picture for your chance to be featured on the cover of the Health Service’s 2020 Christmas card. The winning entry will take home a great prize, thanks to Mackay Hospital Foundation.... Entry flyers are available from our community health facilities, rural hospitals and Base Hospital volunteer desk.

15.01.2022 Deb’s life transformed by anonymous gift A stranger’s generosity in 2012 will forever be remembered by Deb Donnelly and her family as a life-changing gift. The gift came in the form a donated kidney, following a diagnosis from her doctor in 2003 that her body was going in to renal failure at the age of 46. ... Deb would go on to complete dialysis treatment three times a week to maintain normal renal function while on the wait list for a suitable kidney to become available. My life revolved around dialysing. Last-minute breaks were out of the question, my fluid intake had to be carefully monitored and I couldn’t even enjoy a mango at Christmas, Deb said. So many aspects of my life were limited, things you simple take for granted, but I was grateful dialysis treatment was keeping me alive and really lucky to have support from my family and friends. My treating team at the Base Hospital were also amazing and became like family. An early morning phone call in 2012 from the Queensland Kidney Transplant Service advised a donor kidney had become available after nine years on the wait list. Deb said she needed to make her way to the airport as soon as possible in preparation for her long-awaited kidney transplant. I arrived at the PA Hospital before my kidney, giving me ample time to get ready for the transplant procedure, she said. After the procedure I needed to stay in hospital for three months, which is a lot longer than most transplant recipients, but I had some issues that included a plasma exchange. Following her successful kidney transplant Deb now leads a normal life that she describes as freedom, something she hadn’t experienced for almost a decade. Receiving a new kidney means so much. I can now enjoy more time with my five grandchildren, eat a wide range of food without worrying how it will affect me and participate in a normal, everyday activities with family and friends again, Deb said. For someone, a stranger, to make such a generous decision around donating their organs.it just blows me away. I thank my lucky stars every day. Today marks DonateLife Thank You Day, an Organ and Tissue Authority initiative providing an opportunity to reflect on the importance of organ and tissue donation and acknowledging the generosity of donors and their families. Around 1,700 people are currently wait listed for a transplant. A further 12,000 people are on dialysis of whom many would benefit from a kidney transplant. Registering to be an organ and tissue donor is quick and easy using the online form via www.donatelife.gov.au and could potentially save the lives of many. DonateLife #donatelife #DonatelifeThankYouDay

15.01.2022 Queenslander! Gorgeous Gabby came to our Early Parenting Group game day ready and had pre-match strategy meeting with Child Health Nurse Donna who was facilitating the group. Come on Queensland Maroons - you can do it! #stateoforigin2020

15.01.2022 two confirmed cases of active tuberculosis in Mackay There is no connection between both cases and both people are isolating at home while they receive treatment. Our respiratory team has contacted those who have had extended contact with the people. One is a staff member at a private Mackay aged care facility and the other has had no contact with a place of employment. For further details see https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/confirmed-cases-of-tu/

15.01.2022 This week we celebrate our health heroes Thank you to all of our front-line workers and those behind the scenes who are working to keep our communities healthy and safe across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service. We are always thankful for what you do but this week we want to show you how appreciative we are for your tirelessly hard work through the global pandemic of 2020, COVID-19. ... Today marks the first day of #healthheroesweek and we will be sharing stories from our own health heroes that are there day after day caring for our communities. Got a particular team or healthcare worker you want to thank? Let them know in the comments below

14.01.2022 Sarina women! The BreastScreen Bus is coming to town and there are only a few spots left to book so get in quick. Sarina Hospital Registered Nurse Rebecca Maxwell is urging women to book a free mammogram before the bus leaves town. Rebecca makes sure she keeps her appointment every two years after a routine scan picked up something that required further investigation.... After a biopsy and MRI, she was given the all clear of any abnormality but urges all women to make their BreastScreen a priority on their to-do list and make it happen. Think about when you were last screened and if you are due for an appointment book in with the bus. The BreastScreen bus will be at the Sarina Showgrounds from tomorrow (20 October) until Friday 30 October. To book phone 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au today!

14.01.2022 Did you know some of our Mackay Hospital and Health Service doctors also fly on board our region’s rescue helicopter? Dr Siva Sivanujan has notched up more than 850 aeromedical missions in 14 years in Mackay with LifeFlight on board RACQ CQ Rescue. Read more about Dr Siva and have a look through his photo library here https://bit.ly/3nYHaZl

13.01.2022 Brain Busters is a nine week program facilitated at Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) for people who want to improve their memory and thinking after an event such as brain trauma, stroke or early onset dementia The program is led by an occupational therapist who provides a supportive environment to help improve attention, memory, flexible thinking, planning and problem solving through interactive activities and practice. It has been such a success that sister ...program Brain Busters Maintenance was created, a weekly drop in class for graduates. 86-year-old Earl was a patient at Mackay Base Hospital in 2018 when he was referred to the Brain Busters program and has been attending the maintenance program ever since. The most important part of a person is the mind and this program teaches you to develop your mind, said Earl. Using your mind the way they ask you to helps tremendously. The people are good fun and I really think everyone would benefit from Brain Busters. Referral to CHATS Brain Busters programs can be made from your GP, you medical team at Mackay Base Hospital or you can self-refer.

13.01.2022 As #HealthHeroesWeek comes to a close we want to give a shout out to the Proserpine Hospital team. The Prossie team has answered their community’s call and quickly stood up a COVID-19 testing clinic at Airlie Beach Lagoon.... A huge amount of work goes into setting up a testing clinic and the team have delivered. They’ll be there everyday over the long weekend from 10am until 3pm, dressed in full PPE and testing the unwell to keep themselves and our community safe #HealthHeroes

13.01.2022 The team on Ward G2 at Mackay Base Hospital swapped scrubs and uniforms for health hero t shirts today to thank each other for a busy year. As part of Health Hero Week the team held an afternoon tea on the balcony to celebrate #HealthHeroesWeek

13.01.2022 Dr. Tah-Leah Bakker is a proud Badu Island woman in the Torres Strait who has been working on Yuwi Country for over three years as a Registrar specialising in Paediatrics. From the age of three, Tah-Leah has focused all her effort on becoming a Paediatric doctor and giving back to her local Mackay community. I am always most proud when a patient or family member thanks me for taking care of them and helping them through some of their most terrifying and difficult times of th...eir lives, Tah-Leah said. Well done Tah-Leah, on reaching for the stars, turning your dream into a reality and inspiring future generations. #NAIDOC2020 Dr Tah-Leah and Bond University Discipline Lead for Indigenous Health Dr Shannon Springer at the 2019 Australian Indigenous Doctors Association Conference

13.01.2022 Congratulations to Collinsville MPHS for taking out Best Community / Business Award in the annual Collinsville Garden Competition today. It’s the first time the aged care garden has been entered and thanks goes to staff, residents and families for their teamwork! The garden is maintained by staff, volunteers and residents with many of the plant selections and garden ideas from residents and volunteers. Special thanks go to Carol Nott, Bosca’s Hardware and Marilyn and Bob Buckler for all their hard work and donations over the years to assist in creating this lovely secret garden for our residents. #healtheroesweek

13.01.2022 World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an opportunity to bring awareness to the risks, symptoms and remember those who have been taken by this horrible disease. More than 3000 Australians are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, with most having no family history of the disease. The five-year survival rate is just 10.7% and it's the fifth most common cause of cancer death. Symptoms to watch out for:... Unexpected weight loss Pain in the abdomen Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Weight loss Change in bowel habit with diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling of incomplete emptying Jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes, and dark urine) Mackay Base Hospital Oncology Day Unit staff

12.01.2022 An increase in snake bite presentations across Mackay Hospital and Health Service has prompted a warning by emergency doctors Since the beginning of September, 28 people have been treated for snake bites at Mackay Base and rural hospitals, in comparison to 17 for the same period last year. Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department physician Dr Neale Thornton is urging people to be vigilant about snake bites now that temperatures are on the rise. ... We're never out of snake season in the Mackay, Isaac or Whitsunday regions but the warmer weather usually means an increase in snake activity, Dr Thornton said. Read more here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/spike-in-snake-bites-/

12.01.2022 My grandson saved my life! I believe this. In 2012 I was visiting my daughter and her family. My grandson, Connor, was 13 months old at the time and had been crawling all over me, his little elbows and knees digging in. On our journey home, over 1000km, I noticed that my left breast was extremely tender and a lump of significant size had developed. I mentioned to my husband that I suspected Connor had bruised me. After a few ...weeks of this constant bruised feeling, I realised that it was still there. I had been putting up with it sub-consciously but began to suspect that I should get it checked. It took me another week or so, to work around my shifts, to make an appointment to see a doctor. Dr Sunday Adebiyi did an examination and wanted to send me for a mammogram and ultrasound to be sure. We both thought the lump may be just fibroids, as they seemed to run in the family. Another week went by before I could get to Mackay to have the scans. They kept me waiting for what seemed like an eternity for the results. My husband was waiting in the car as we needed to get back to Dysart before dark when the kangaroos would be on the road. The nurse approached me and said I required some biopsies and I assumed that this would be a future appointment, but she became more serious and stated that it needed to be done now. I began to worry. The doctor entered the room to do the biopsies and I said to him, You’ll let me know if I need to be worried, won’t you? to which he replied, I’d start now, you have stage two breast cancer. Everything from then on it was a blur, it all happened so quickly. I remember on our drive home, we cried, were silent in our own thoughts and talked. Such a mixture of emotions. I found myself in Brisbane within two days of seeing Dr Lynch at the Mater. He wanted to operate the next night, stating it was aggressive and needed to come out. He would worry about the possibility of metastasis afterward. Fortunately, there were none. Then the long wait until chemo commenced. Dr Kerrie Vaughan and the team in Oncology were fantastic. I always felt secure that they were competent in their jobs and they were so caring. The nurses had a way of making you feel like family visiting. We all got to know about family, holidays and what everyone was up to on the weekend. After chemo, I moved to the Sunshine Coast for 12 months. It was near family and I could access my radiation treatments that I had to attend daily for six weeks. I was so tired most of the time and weak. I have now recovered and been back at work in Dysart Hospital for six years. Thanks to DON Ros Sigvart and the team for allowing me to transition, build up my strength and get back to it. I’m a survivor, but it wasn’t possible without Queensland Health and all the wonderful teams. Without their support and encouragement, my journey could have been a whole different struggle. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

11.01.2022 It may be from the chicken that’s been left out to defrost or a cutting board that hasn’t been washed but symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea generally mean one thing gastroenteritis This Australian Food Safety Week (14-21 November 2020), team leader environmental health Andrew Jones is reminding people of safe food practices and the importance of reporting and testing to confirm a foodborne illness. Queenslanders celebrate with food. With the fe...stive season upon us, Food Safety Week is an ideal time for people to brush up on food safety to avoid getting sick, Mr Jones said. Read more here https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/call-for-food-safety-/

11.01.2022 Stay connected with family and friends during your time in our facilities. Free Wi-Fi is now available for patients, their families and visitors in all of our facilities across the health service. To get access all you need to do is select the QH-FreeWiFi network on your device and follow the prompts.

09.01.2022 Pfizer is here! The number of healthcare workers immunised against COVID-19 is set to increase with the arrival of the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine. In line with new COVID-19 vaccination guidelines Mackay HHS now gives both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. To read more about our rollout see https://bit.ly/3wbnaqK

08.01.2022 The Mackay Base Hospital COVID-19 vaccination clinic for priority 1a and 1b group members has commenced COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations. Thank you to all Mackay HHS staff who have received their jab so far! A reminder to our communities that this vaccination clinic is not open to the general public. To check your eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccine and where you can receive it, please use this eligibility checker: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

08.01.2022 NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations are being held across the region this week to recognise our First Nations peoples and embrace our country’s shared history with the 2020 theme, Always Was, Always Will Be. Mackay HHS is acknowledging the week with a virtual flag raising ceremony on Thursday at 9.30am and celebrating our staff with profiles throughout the week. We’re kicking off #NAIDOC2020 Week with Bowen Hospital Advanced Indigenous Health Worker Charmaine Pangi.... Charmaine has dedicated 16 years to improving the health outcomes of First Nations people on Juru (Bowen) Country. Being an advocate for our mob and teaching Cultural Awareness to our non-indigenous colleagues and JCU fourth year students are some of the best things about my role at Bowen Hospital, Charmaine said. Thank you, Charmaine, for your knowledge, inspiring attitude and passion for our mob up north.

08.01.2022 Shirley and Gordon McFadzen are the winners of this year’s Volunteer Excellence Award. This is second year we have given this award to honour another body of workers, who are not on our payroll, but make a significant difference to our workplace for staff and patients. Shirley and Gordon have supported the Hospital Auxiliary and Mackay Hospital Foundation for many years and are familiar faces at Mackay Base Hospital selling raffle tickets - Shirley with her knitting or croc...het in hand and Gordon with his nose in a book. They can also be found behind the barbecue for fundraisers while also working in the background supporting the healthcare needs of the community. #MackayHealthHeroes

08.01.2022 Mackay Base Hospital stores manager Nicole Kingsbury is the winner of this year’s Non-Clinical Award for her work to keep our wards well stocked. The stores team has had a busy year procuring additional PPE and ensuring our staff have all of the consumables they need to provide patient care. Nicole says she wouldn’t receive the award without her team putting in the hours to ensure patient care happens smoothly and that all consumables are on hand when needed.... Ramping up supplies of PPE as part of our COVID-19 pandemic response has been a new and unexpected focus of the year. Nicole says she loves her job and one of her favourite quotes is from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re are done by a team of people. #MackayHealthHero

07.01.2022 Moranbah man McIver Watene has survived two bites by one of the world’s deadliest snakes. Venom from a brown snake left the 24-year-old in Mackay Base Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit for two days while doctors worked to stabilise his blood and kidney function. Read more on McIver’s frightening brush with a brown snake here https://bit.ly/31bZ1D8

07.01.2022 A nursing career spanning fifty years was celebrated today with Mackay Base Hospital staff member Marg Ryan farewelled on the eve of her retirement Clinical support officer Marg commenced nursing in 1970 and went on to complete tertiary studies in 1987. Throughout her career, Marg worked in many fields of nursing including, theatre, midwifery and remote nursing at the Torres Strait Islands. She was the Director of Nursing at Biloela Hospital and later moved to Mackay in 1...995 where she has undertaken various roles at Mackay Base Hospital. Marg said her fifty years in nursing has been varied, included many long-term friends and laughs. Nursing has taken me to so many different places and provided a lifetime of memories, Marg said. Most of all I will the miss people I have met and worked with over the years, it’s been a very satisfying and enjoyable career. Marg is looking forward to a well-earned break and spending time with family.

06.01.2022 Watch now: NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations are being held across the region this week to recognise our First Nations peoples and embrace our country’s shared history with the 2020 theme, Always Was, Always Will Be. Mackay HHS is acknowledging the week with a virtual flag raising ceremony.

06.01.2022 Healthcare Simulation Week (14-20 September) provides an opportunity to raise awareness and showcase the importance of simulation in healthcare education. To mark the awareness week, Mackay HHS Education Unit Simulation Team is showcasing, celebrating and delivering simulations to clinicians across our health service where they can advance their critical care skills with hands-on simulation focused training and education. Mackay Base Hospital nurse educator simulation Shant...hi Kandasamy said Mackay HHS is committed to maintaining and advancing the clinical skills required to deliver safe, effective and efficient healthcare to people in our region. Simulation training aims to enhance workforce learning and patient safety through the delivery of innovative simulation-based courses and programs, Shanthi said. This week, 24 clinicians will take part in two Optimising Paediatric Training In eMergencies Using Simulation (OPTIMUS) courses, PULSE (Train the Trainer) and PRIME. PULSE provides a sequence of short skills stations and a rapid cycle deliberate practice simulation, while PRIME educates staff on how to stabilise critically unwell children for retrieval. These courses are being delivered in partnership with the Simulation Training Optimising Resuscitation for Kids (STORK) team from Children's Health Queensland. Shanthi said both courses also allow participants to work on teamwork, collaboration and crisis resource management skills, which are vital to improving the outcome for patients. Healthcare Simulation Week is celebrated by organisations globally to recognise their simulation teams and the work they do to advance patient care. #HcSimWeek20

06.01.2022 It hasn’t been easy but together we are doing a great job at keeping each other safe. Let’s keep this up by: washing hands often and thoroughly maintaining social distancing ... covering coughs and sneezes staying home if unwell, and get tested if showing COVID-19 symptoms. Find testing locations across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus/ The Mackay HHS COVID-19 community hotline is available 8am 4pm 7 days a week to support people with enquiries on coronavirus COVID-19. Speak with local clinicians on 4885 5666.

05.01.2022 Imagine having to go to the supermarket. You feel uneasy all the way to the shops and as you approach the entrance your heart starts to beat faster. Your mouth goes dry and the butterflies in your stomach begin. Your palms become sweaty; you have nausea; you feel lightheaded. Now, you are panicking. You look around and it feels like everybody is looking at you. ‘They think I am an idiot’ you say to yourself. You can’t breathe, you have to get out of here. You run out and get ...into your car and drive home. You feel a sense of relief and your heartbeat starts to slow down. You feel safe, but yet again you have no groceries. You berate yourself and think ‘I am such a loser, what is wrong with me?’ This is life with anxiety. A Mackay Hospital and Health Service Cognitive Behaviour Therapy group is helping people with understand their diagnosis and equip them with the tools to manage their anxious thoughts and feelings. Read more here https://bit.ly/2H9PtBL #QMHW2020 #QMHWTakeTime

04.01.2022 Collinsville has its long awaited second permanent doctor and Dr Sebastien Stephens and his family now have a place that feels like home. It’s a perfect match welcomed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Jo Whitehead and colleagues at the Collinsville Multipurpose Health Service. It’s a wonderful feeling to have a second doctor willing to settle permanently with his family, Ms Whitehead said. ... While our many recruitment campaigns over many years have been frustrating it now seems in some way we have just had to wait for the right person, she said. That right person is Dr Stephens who first visited Collinsville as a rural reliever in 2017. Dr Stephens always wanted to come back, but before coming back wanted to further develop his skills in trauma and orthopaedics and after three years brings these skills brings back to Collinsville. He will be joined by his wife, a speech pathologist and their two children who are 5 years old and 21 months old. Dr Stephens said the friendly community and colleagues gave him a feeling of belonging he felt nowhere else. Collinsville is a wonderful town. When I was here in 2017, I formed bonds with many, including our local community and our ambulance, police and health providers. Seeing patients from the day I arrived feels like I have just picked up where I left off. It’s incredible to feel you can make a difference in people’s lives. I haven’t felt that anywhere else. This is a very giving community and it's an honour to be their doctor alongside Dr Myint Soe. Dr Stephens also talks enthusiastically about the region’s local history, landscape and thinks it’s awesome to be living close to the namesake of his favourite mango. I’m excited to be working with Dr Soe again. We have a great respect for each other and even though we have different backgrounds he’s a fantastic teacher. He loves sharing his knowledge and always does his best for his patients. I watched him hug one of the aged care patients and that is a very special caring doctor indeed. Local hospitality has already been felt with hospital groundsman Keith Illguth picking him up off the train in Bowen after last-minute car troubles meant he couldn’t drive up. To think someone would get up at 5.30am on a Sunday to meet me at the train with a smile and give me a lift was amazing. Keith took me shopping and then to a mate’s house who lent a bike to a complete stranger. That’s what being in a smaller community is all about, he said.

04.01.2022 A decision to change careers led Dr Julian Luna and Dr Jennifer Luna to find love in medicine and together. While medicine interested the husband-wife doctor duo, it wasn’t their first career choice. Dr Jennifer started out as a sonographer and Dr Julian a firefighter. Soon they would discover the medical limitations in their roles would be the catalyst to pursuing medicine.... Read more on their journey into medicine here https://bit.ly/33stM8H

04.01.2022 The walk-in COVID-19 testing clinic will re-open at Airlie Beach Lagoon on Friday to provide more testing opportunities in the Whitsundays. Opening hours will be advised later today. This follows the discovery of traces of COVID-19 virus in sewage at the Cannonvale treatment plant on September 21. There was a previous detection of virus fragments on 20 August, but results were clear in samples on 31 August, 7 and 14 September.... These surveillance tests are extremely sensitive and can pick up tiny pieces of the genetic material of the virus. The result does not necessarily mean there are active cases in the Airlie Beach / Cannonvale region. There are no known outbreaks or cases in the area however we cannot rule out the possibility that infectious persons were or are still in the area, who have not been tested. People who have recovered from COVID-19 can have live or dead virus in their stool for weeks after recovery. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of smell or taste is urged to be tested. They should stay home and isolate themselves from other people until they get their result. Testing is free for everyone including foreign nationals. Other testing options in the Whitsundays are: Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic, Monday Friday 1pm 5pm Appointments needed on 4804 5664 BHP/Vanguard Health Bowen Testing Clinic, 10am 5.15pm, seven days a week. Appointments required 1800 980 574 Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville Hospitals Call your regular GP to ask about testing opportunities

03.01.2022 Mackay women - When did you last screen? The BreastScreen Queensland mobile service bus has arrived at Mackay Base Hospital and will be parked up in the hospital grounds till Friday 13 November. Women aged 50-74 are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years, however, women aged 40-49 and those over 75 are also eligible to have a free breast screen. ... Appointments are FREE, with no referral required and take less than 30 minutes. Call 13 20 50 or book online breastscreen.qld.gov.au.

03.01.2022 Being diagnosed with a chronic lung condition such as COPD can be debilitating. This World COPD day (November 18), Mackay Base Hospital respiratory clinical nurse Lorna Reddy is encouraging people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to reach out and connect with the Mackay HHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. COPD is a common lung condition impacting both men and women with around one in seven Australians aged 40 years and over living with some form o...f COPD, Ms Reddy said. More than 400 people are admitted to hospital across our health service each year and while there is currently no cure for COPD, there are ways to manage the condition which will help people improve their quality of life. Mackay Base Hospital introduced the eight-week Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program to teach people the skills needed to perform daily activities and exercise capacity while reducing breathlessness and fatigue. Our eight-week program uses exercise, education and behavioural intervention to improve lung function in daily life, help people stay well and out of hospital, she said. We help patients set realistic goals and during the program they work closely with a clinical nurse, physiotherapist and other allied health professionals to achieve these goals. Mirani resident Veronica Townsend (pictured second from left) was diagnosed with asthma as a toddler and now at the age of 74 has just completed the program to manage her mild emphysema. My GP referred me to the program because I was finding it increasingly difficult to breathe , Ms Townsend said. I attended the program twice a week for eight weeks and I can definitely say my breathing is a lot better. Using the stairs at home is easier and at the end of the program my peak flow measurement increased from 196 to 220. Anyone with COPD or a chronic respiratory condition who has difficulty with breathlessness can apply to take part in the program. Speak to your treating GP or physiotherapist to gain a referral.

03.01.2022 Feeling unwell? The Mackay Showgrounds drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic is open 8am - 11am, seven days week to anyone experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of smell or taste. Entry to the clinic is via Milton Street, just follow the signs. Mackay HHS has a COVID-19 community hotline to support people with enquiries on coronavirus COVID-19. Local clinicians are available on 4885 5666 8am - 4pm 7 days a week to answer queries on testing and general COVID-19 information.

03.01.2022 Discounted tickets to Mackay Home Show and Caravan, Camping Expo Thinking of heading to the home show and haven’t booked a ticket? If you book online and use the discount code BOWEL or BREASTSCREEN you’ll get 25% off!... While you’re there head to the Bowelscreen exhibit in the big shed and the BreastScreen bus near the customer carpark and chat to the friendly teams. The BreastScreen bus will even be offering free screens to women over the age of 40. All it takes is 20 minutes and no appointments necessary. Tickets available https://bit.ly/3f8WW2v

03.01.2022 Health Hero Tracy Falbo is the winner of this year’s Golden Boot Award. This award salutes our operational staff the cooks, the cleaners, the wardies and other support roles - who put in the foot miles every day to support patient care. Support Services Team Leader Tracy was nominated by her peers for being dependable, efficient and supporting training of other staff.... She also projects a warm cheerful attitude with a focus on the highest standards of patient care. Tracy collaborates well with the operational and clinical teams and there is mutual trust and respect given. She works hard and always tries to lift the spirits of those around her. I believe these characteristics represent all that is good in our HHS, her nomination said. Well done Tracy and all of our operational staff you are the backbone of our health service! #HealthHeroesWeek

02.01.2022 The walk-in COVID-19 testing clinic is now open at Airlie Beach Lagoon The clinic will be open 10am - 3pm until Monday 5 October. If you are feeling unwell with COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of smell or taste please make sure to get a free COVID-19 test.... Other testing options in the Whitsundays are: Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic, Monday Friday 1pm 5pm Appointments needed on 4804 5664 BHP/Vanguard Health Bowen Testing Clinic, 10am 5.15pm, seven days a week. Appointments required 1800 980 574 Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville Hospitals Call your regular GP to ask about testing opportunities Please help keep our community well and open for business!

02.01.2022 A five-year-old boy is found by his parents trapped underneath their garage door after playing in the driveway. He is highly distressed and crying for mummy. His parents call Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) who arrive within 12 minutes. The boy is then rushed to hospital where the nursing and medical staff examine him. They find he has bruising all over his abdomen and is experiencing blood loss. While the rural health professionals are highly skilled in dealing with an e...mergency, they call Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) on videoconference for virtual support. This is a crucial link for rural and remote hospitals to consult with specialists in major centres. The boy’s condition is worsening, and his blood pressure is decreasing. He is becoming less responsive. It is decided he will be transferred to a larger facility for care. The treating team prepares the patient for departure whilst continuing to maintain the emergency care. This scenario is part of a paediatric emergency and trauma simulation training roadshow and a first for our health service. The roadshow visited our Dysart, Clermont, Moranbah, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville facilities to train our rural hospital nursing and medical staff as well as QAS and Glencore representatives. This round of simulation training was unique because it focused on paediatric scenarios while using videoconferencing through Telehealth Emergency Management Support Unit and RSQ to access specialist health teams in larger facilities.

02.01.2022 Theatre nurse Aimee Kovac gave her long locks the chop this week! Her hair will now be sent off to Variety - the Children's Charity of Queensland to be made in to wigs for children who have lost their own due to medical conditions. She also raised more than $3000 for the charity along the way. Well done, Aimee!

02.01.2022 Proserpine Hospital’s Indigenous Hospital and Community Liaison Officer Davina Linneweber is extremely passionate in Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander health, specifically rural health. Davina is a proud Boigu and Thursday Island woman, has family connections with the Gooreng Gooreng People of Tannum Sands in the Gladstone region and is of Australian South Sea Islander heritage. Davina’s role allows her to work with many local communities a...cross the greater Whitsunday Health Service on Gia (Proserpine), Ngaro (Cannonvale), Juru (Bowen) and Birriah (Collinsville) Country. The work contributions that I feel most proud about are the patients that I have seen take control of their health which have led to improving their outcomes, Davina said. Our mob will often put the health of others before their own needs, especially our Elders. However, helping people understand and making their own health a priority is extremely important. Thank you, Davina, we appreciate and value your commitment to the health and wellbeing of our communities. #NAIDOC2020