Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Did you know that not every stroke looks the same? Whilst you may think you know what a stroke looks like, it can present differently in different people.

Claire who is a Senior Staff Specialist (Stroke) at the RBWH says that whilst there are common symptoms that are well recognised as a stroke, patient demographics like age or gender may play a part in a diagnosis.

"The most common and recognisable symptoms of a stroke is that weakness on one side, heavy bruises, slurring your words or having trouble speaking, words coming out as nonsense words and facial droop is also probably a common and recognisable one," Claire said.

"To a certain degree, symptoms in younger people can present a little bit differently, so when we're talking someone under the age of 40, doctors aren't always expecting to see a stroke. However, younger people may also compensate better for the symptoms, such as milder weakness whereas in the older population it is clearer."

Because of the difference in presentation, Claire and her colleagues are skilled at detecting strokes in any age group. ... See MoreSee Less

"We moved to Brisbane six months ago from the Gold Coast. I am a drug and alcohol nurse and Jasper is a cardiology doctor here at the RBWH but we first met each other working at a hospital in Sydney. I am European so our baby Violette is spelt with the double 't', it's a French-English name. We are going home today and looking forward to going on strolls around our neighbourhood with Violette in the pram. The midwives on this ward have been amazing and we're so excited to be parents."

💭 Monday Mantra, Mum Pauline with Dad Jasper and baby Violette ... See MoreSee Less

RBWH Midwives Esther and Jamie both had slightly unconventional routes to midwifery.

Whilst Jamie discovered midwifery for the first time through a Facebook ad in the middle of studying criminal justice, Esther was working in HR, before having children of her own made her want to pursue midwifery.

Both women couldn't be happier with their career change, and their day-to-day supporting women.

"I am so passionate about women's health and the sisterhood of working with my colleagues, alongside midwifery I also do childcare education classes here, and that really feeds something in me," Jamie said.

"It's not all about babies being born, that's just one day in their life, but so many people remember the people who cared for them along the way, especially if they are here for a while. Being able to build that rapport with our patients regardless of what is going on in their life, it's so satisfying," Esther added.

You can join the 'sisterhood' at RBWH Ward 6B via the link below! 💞

apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-RBH689712 ... See MoreSee Less

Zeinab took on the adventure of a lifetime when she left home in Iran to become a Nuclear Medicine Scientist in Brisbane, working at RBWH.

While she started her studies back home, she decided to move to Brisbane on a UQ scholarship to complete her biomedical imaging PHD - with Queensland's sunshine and greenery keeping her here for work. 🌞🌳

Her role sees her work with patients to conduct diagnostic and molecular imaging, where she sees mostly cancer patients, but she also works across health issues such as kidney function, thyroid function and bone density.

“I chose a career in healthcare because I wanted a job that combines science with human connection - it gives me a sense of purpose to know that I’m contributing to patient care and making someone’s day a little easier,” she said.

“It’s a multidisciplinary department so I am looking to grow my skills in various areas and contribute both clinically and through research to improve patient outcomes.

“Outside of work, I love hiking and exploring nature, as it’s very green and different to home. I am also learning to play the piano and doing my research, which keeps me busy.” ... See MoreSee Less