Newsroom

As the Hyperbaric Medical Service (HMS) at RBWH clock up their 50,000th patient, we`re learning they treat more than just divers with `the bends`. 🤿

The HMS crew provide oxygen therapy in a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber, (one of the largest in the southern hemisphere) with only eight percent of patients treated for decompression illness.

They also manage people with radiation injuries, serious soft tissue infections, and chronic wounds like patient Gordon, by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood to aid recovery. 🫁🩸

Gordon`s hospital journey started in November, and he is experienced in the HMS process, having more than 35 `dives` under his belt.

"The feeling during the dive is quite remarkable, a little bit like a wine buzz without the ill effects," he laughs.

"It`s a similar concept to what is felt on a plane flight, but in reverse here in the cabin.

"Oxygen therapy makes a tangible difference; it`s amazing how much your whole body feels the enhanced effects of an oxygenated blood supply, including a heightened ability at solving puzzles while in the chamber.

"Technology is amazing, and I feel like the treatment has helped." ...

"I used to love reading a good murder mystery and sewing my own clothes. We didn`t have kids of our own, but I made all the clothes for myself and our three great-nieces. These days it`s puzzles and code crackers that keep my brain going; it`s good because you can pick them up and put them back down. I was a telephonist with Telstra from 1966 until the 90`s and used to socialise often. I still enjoy visiting friends with my husband; it`s important to mix around with others and find a day each week to get out and be social."

💭 Monday Mantra, Coral, 79, Ward 1C Patient at TPCH 🧩🧵🔍🦋. ...

Patients with a range of serious health conditions are now much closer to innovative therapies and medical devices, thanks to a new Clinical Trials Centre at The Prince Charles Hospital. 🔬📝

It’s the first time in Queensland and only the second time in Australia that a centre of this kind has been built within a hospital, rather than as a standalone facility.

Assistant Nursing Director Jenny is excited about the life-changing opportunities the new centre can offer, not only for our patients who want to take part in trials, but also in freeing up hospital capacity to treat acutely unwell people. ✅🙌

“The new centre can offer investigator‑initiated and industry‑sponsored drug and device trials, observational studies and registries,” Jenny said.

“Evidence-based studies give patients access to new opportunities that will improve the health outcomes for patients at TPCH, Metro North Health and across Queensland.” ...

If you`re looking for inspiration from a master of mind and fitness, Jamie is the guy to keep an eye on! 💪 🙂‍↕️

Jamie is one of our Security team who has worked at Caboolture Hospital and now at the Satellite Health Centre.

Jamie`s fitness was in his words, below average, and at an age when most people`s health begins to decline, he took it upon himself to turn his attitude to fitness around. The result? Entering into the Masters League competition for over 35-year-olds and being name the fittest in Queensland in the 50+ years category last year. 🏆

"I want simply to help all Metro North Health employees and the public to understand that we @qldhealth, can be more of a positive part in people`s lives with the right attitude," he said.

👏Shoutout Saturday to Jamie for his commitment to health, both personally and professionally. ...