Newsroom

For young women looking to enter the workforce, "manufacturing" is no longer defined by the manual labour focused industry of the past. It has evolved into a high-tech, clean-room environment where biology meets engineering. 👩‍🔬

The Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) at RBWH is the first facility of its kind dedicated to advancing 3D scanning, modelling, and printing of medical devices, bone, cartilage, and human tissue, bringing together clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and consumers.

One of these people is Issy - a Biofabrication Educator who combines her background in fashion with her passion for human experience and helping people to create products and systems that meet consumer needs.

“Fashion and healthcare may seem worlds apart, but they share a core focus on the human body. Both require customisation and tailoring to individual needs,” Issy said.

“Most people do not spend much time in hospitals. When they do, the environment can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar. My work has explored everything from rethinking how medical devices are designed, to improving how people navigate hospital spaces, to supporting clinicians in adopting new technologies.”

This week ahead of International Women’s Day, HBI welcomed 33 female students from across Queensland as part of an initiative to inspire the next generation of female leaders in manufacturing and engineering.

One of these students is Bree who is keen to pursue a career as a boiler maker and is excited by opportunities like these that make it easier for women and girls to pursue manufacturing careers.

A big Shoutout Saturday to the team from HBI and the work they do to continuously improve our ways of working. 👏🏥 ...

Whether you are cheering in the stands or hosting your friends at home, we can all commit to creating a culture that celebrates responsibly. 🏉

Whilst for many, game day and a few drinks go hand in hand, but backing your team shouldn’t mean putting your health and safety at risk.

Director of Addictions at Metro North Health Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service, Dr Tom, says that a few simple choices can ensure that you and your mates are staying safe.

"Strategies include choosing no alcohol or low alcohol options to pace yourself. Making sure you’re well rested, you’ve eaten and you’re hydrated and considering what the game looks like but what getting home looks like as well," explained Dr Tom.

"Not drinking is always a valid choice, but it’s good to have an opt-out line especially around mates that might be ready for a big night out and where there could be peer-pressure to drink. You could be the designated driver which is a fantastic thing to do so your mates get home safely."

So here’s to a season full of big moments and smart choices that keep everyone safe. 🏅 ...

Shawq has had kidney struggles since she was six years old when she was first diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a condition that can lead to chronic kidney failure.

Shawq`s story is full of resilience and setbacks, having undergone a transplant in 2015 that later failed, yet she continues to remain positive for herself and others while navigating the complexities of kidney disease. 💫

"I was diagnosed when I was 6 years old in Jordan where I was born, they told me I was born with it. Health was very expensive, so for medical and family reasons we moved to Australia," said Shawq.

Shawq, who works closely with her clinical team at Banfield Kidney Health to help facilitate the Adult and Young Adolescents group, says it`s important for young people with kidney disease to have each other.

"It`s a support group for younger people, I was always the youngest wherever I went and that was hard," she said.

With World Kidney Day approaching on 12 March, Shawq wants everyone to know the signs of kidney disease and follow-up with a healthcare professional if you suspect something is wrong. ❤️‍🩹 ...