News archive
Chronic pain patients like Lilian are finding inspiration and connecting with others through the RIO Market Stall program
If you’d like to check out Lilian’s wares, this year’s market will be held in the RBWH Atrium on 19 and 21 August from 9am-2pm.
Olympic spirit shines at STARS
To celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, the STARS Allied Health team organised a range of fun events for patients and staff to get into the Olympic spirit.
Ekka Champion Gordon owes a lot to RBWH nurse navigator Suzie. He showed his thanks through his art.
Through years of health struggles, 98-year-old Gordon Hooper has always been able to fall back on his love of painting for joy and diversion during the tough times.
QUT Metro North Nursing and Midwifery Academy
A partnership between Metro North Health and QUT is providing an integrated approach to education, recruitment and retention, development and support for nurses and midwives throughout their careers, including research pathways.
Whole Genome Sequencing pilot helps patients and families of rare disease
A successful Genetic Health Queensland pilot project offering Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has helped over 800 young people in Queensland since commencing the trial in 2021.
The ‘immense’ power of reading to babies in intensive care
Little Royal Readers at RBWH NICU exemplifies the hospital’s commitment to holistic care, where the simple act of reading becomes so much more than just words.
$8 million investment for RBWH mental health emergency care
The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Centre (PEC) will receive an $8 million funding boost to improve its facilities for Queenslanders in mental health crisis.
New SMS service provides back-pocket alcohol and drug support
Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support has serviced Queenslanders for over 30 years, and is now expanding its offering to a SMS support service.
Gestational diabetes screening could be easier thanks to COVID
A team of dietitians at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) has partnered with universities and pathology laboratories to show that simpler forms of testing for Gestational Diabetes Melitus used during COVID-19 are equally effective as current methods of testing.
Three OTs celebrate two decades on the job together
Sixty years of experience between them ensures an exceptional level of care for Occupational Therapy patients.
New community mental health centre open in Spring Hill
Metro North Mental Health community services in the RBWH catchment have relocated to a new Spring Hill-based Centre, providing streamlined multidisciplinary care for consumers through a single location.
Chinese delegation impressed by tech at RBWH and STARS
The delegates were in Brisbane to learn more about the implementation of digital health technology and the integrated electronic Medical Record.
RBWH Foundation grants support extraordinary projects to improve patient outcomes at RBWH and STARS
In July, RBWH Foundation awarded their second round of grants for 2024. The successful projects reflect the depth of innovative and patient-centred work occurring across the Herston Health Precinct.
Rhonda retires after 52 years of nursing
Rhonda Purtill will soon be closing the chapter on her 52-year long nursing career.
Virtual reality and education for low back pain
Combining education and virtual reality gameplay using a cognitive behaviour therapy approach improves pain and pain-related fear of movement, researchers at STARS have found.
Green Metro North takes home sustainability gong at Queensland Health Excellence Awards
Metro North Health has been acknowledged for its sustainability excellence at the 2024 Queensland Health Excellence Awards.
Why do hospital falls happen and how can we prevent them?
Falls in hospital can lead to extended stays. There are some practical strategies bedside nurses can implement to prevent falls.
Celebrities, smiles and celebrations as biggest ever Giving Day smashes target
On 12 June the RBWH Foundation held their most successful Giving Day, raising over $750,000, well in excess of the original $600,000 target.
TPCH junior doctor takes out 30 under 30 title
The Prince Charles Hospital orthopaedic surgery Principal House Officer Helena Franco can now add a prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 title to her list of achievements.
Comas explained by Dr Townsend
Can a patient dream or hear things while in a coma?
Improving safety of kidney biopsies at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
A study at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is aiming to reduce the risk of bleeding during kidney biopsy procedures and improve patient outcomes.
The apology that started a movement
It has been 15 years since the RBWH became the first hospital in Australia to apologise for the practice of forced adoption, triggering a nation-wide movement.
Best exercises to do for health and longevity
What are the best exercises for health and longevity? The exercises you will actually do and keep doing.
The top five nasty winter illnesses: what they are and recommended treatment
Dr Kanthi Vemuri discusses the top five nasty winter illnesses that are circulating at the moment, what they are, and recommended treatment.
Prestigious fellowships will allow RBWH researches to continue groundbreaking work
Lata Vadlamudi (Neurologist), Krispin Hajkowicz (Infectious Diseases Physician) and Eoin O’Sullivan (Nephrologist) were successful in their submissions for Queensland Health Targeted Clinical Fellowships.
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After surviving a life-changing burn injury and spending six weeks in RBWH, patient Susan was determined to give back to others who have a similar experience.
With the launch of the Phoenix SOAR program, burn survivors at RBWH now have access to one-on-one peer support from people who truly understand their journey. It provides a safe, judgment-free space for patients to share their feelings and fears. 🤗
"Doctors and nurses provide the medical care, but SOAR workers offer a unique perspective, having faced the emotional and physical challenges of burn recovery themselves,” Susan said.
#ShoutoutSaturday to Susan, Dr Lynne and the burns team at RBWH.
Dr Lynne does excellent work with burns survivors Love your work 😊
Love this initiative The psychological is as important as the physical healing
Fantastic work Dr Lynne Heyes. They’re very lucky to have you on board. 🙂
What a fabulous initiative 🙏🏼✨
Clinical Nurse Consultant Laura, Doctor Stuart, and Clinical Nurse Emma are the team behind Redcliffe Hospital's pioneering Post-ICU Follow-up Clinic. 🏥
“Post-ICU Syndrome can affect patients physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Our clinic is here to help them reclaim a meaningful life after ICU," said Laura.
The only permanently funded service of its kind in Australia, the clinic offers critical post-care, supporting patients months after their ICU stay through in-person visits or telehealth. The team works closely with allied health professionals and GPs to ensure comprehensive care.
Now expanding to include patients from Caboolture and RBWH, Redcliffe’s clinic is becoming a vital service for all Metro North ICU patients. 💙
Thank you Laura, Stewart and Emma for the important work you do and for being a pilot service that can be rolled out to other hospitals. Great to see the service in action with Minister for Health Tim Nicholls MP recently.
Thank God for the team at Redcliffe Hospital ICU or my son would no longer be here. 🙏
I thought ICU step down to ward teams who discharge and follow up. How does this team avoid duplication of service from discharge teams follow-ups?
Dr Stuart is an amazing doctor!!!! Redcliffe is ICU is lucky to have him!
A great initiative 👏 well done to the team. This would be a very rewarding service to be in and the support improving the patient journey beyond ICU. Mater public ICU had an ICU follow up Nurse to support both patients and ward staff, which was a much needed and wonderful support to all.
Very good idea, this will create more positive awareness in community. Additionally community will assist to improve ICU care/services by giving feedback.
What an awesome initiative. Redcliffe is leading the way on many fronts. Well done.
Thank you ICU @ Redcliffe for keeping me alive.
The ICU team are amazing
Dr Stuart is an amazing Doctor
Amazing work Laura!!
This is brilliant and would love to see this service elsewhere
Amazing team that works there love ❤️ seeing them every day 🤗
Great initiative...well done Redcliffe Hosp
What a great team.
Well done Laura!
What a great service. Well done
The care from ICU at Redcliffe is second to none, and I received a call from the team about post ICU syndrome. A very good follow up for those that need it. I'm still unsure, as I'm still in the middle of all my health stuff, but good to know it's there if needed. Also, thanks for saving my life 💪
Super proud of you and the important work you do, Laura Amy!!! 🤩🤩🧡
This is amazing. Fantastic work team
Fantastic 👏👏
Excellent work team!
Amazing work team
So proud of you Stuart Baker xx
Fantastic work!! 🙌🙌
RBWH oncologist Dr Matt has been described as a 'guardian angel' for his patient Craig, who is now living cancer-free after battling a rare form of aggressive, inoperable bowel cancer.
Craig was not due to make it through to Christmas 2021, but now just enjoyed Christmas 2024 in remission thanks to his care at RBWH and Dr Matt's plan to trial an immunotherapy treatment named Pembrolizumab.
Previously used in melanoma treatment, the trial of the drug gave Craig back his life and can now be used to treat a variety of cancers.
"The drug takes away the immune system's ability to hide from cancer, so the body can now see the cancer and kill it - this patient is now living his life again," Dr Matt said. 💛
Congratulations Craig all the best for the future 🙂 My Dad is also cancer free from Stage 4 Melanoma after 11 months of this amazing immuno treatment Keytruda back in 2015 he was offered a trial. Dad is currently 9 years cancer free and has recently been told he also in remission. We can not thank his Cancer Care team at RBWH enough for their care through Dads journey over the years. It was a very scary start with the unknown but under the care of Dr Eastgate, Dr Ben Chua, the oncology nurses he is now only having 12 month check ups with Dr Thaker at North Lakes. Anyone else on this journey hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel 🫶
RBWH Oncology/Radiation/Haematology Teams are the best in Qld and loved working with them all..
Thanks Dr Matt. You oversaw my husbands cancer treatment and were wonderful.
The best Dr and team RBWH Oncology Unit are amazing.
Fabulous oncologist! Thank you for all that you do. 🙏🏼 Congratulations Craig! Keep strong 👼
A fantastic Dr and a great person!
Amazing doctor! Amazing person!
Brilliant Drs and nurses in oncology RBWH, thankyou for all you do
Metro North Health Has this been used for localised & or metastatic prostate cancer.
Great News, immunotherapy treatments seem to be offering all kinds of alternate treatments for cancer patients with matastatic cancers.
Great work Dr Burge, congratulations Craig
Dr Burge, Thank You for all you do! Dr Burge was my Oncologist too & I cannot speak highly enough of him 🙌💛 what an incredible difference he makes to so many lives!
Legend! 👏. Should be front page news. Thank you Dr Matt
Love you Dr Matt. You take great care of my Mum….Helen Hogan
Inspirational a blessing from God to bring along Dr Matt & give hope to Craig!✝️🌈
Not all heroes wear capes 😉 Well Done Dr Matt 💪 Congratulations Craig 🥳
The oncology team at the RBWH is amazing!
That’s wonderful news Too many have been lost to terrible forms of cancer
A great story of success for Dr Matt and Craig.
Brilliant 🩷
Dr Burge is the best!!
Amazing human being 🤗💞
Wow what a great mind ! Dr Matt.
You legend!!
Phenomenal 🙌🏻
Congratulations to Frances and the RBWH trauma team for winning Best Medical Oral Presentation at the 2024 Trauma Conference! 🎉
Frances’ research found that 8% of rib fracture patients still require opioids two years post-admission. The study identified key factors like gender, age, and prior opioid use, and will guide future research on pain management and collaboration with community prescribers.
Frances also received the UQ Critical Care Research Award for this impactful work.
Big shoutout to this team for their commitment to advancing trauma care. ❤️🩹
Metro North Health I’d love to read the study! Could you please post the DOI or Title?
woohoo!! go team 👏🏽
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Persistent pelvic pain affects around 15-25% of women. But what causes the pain? Senior Registrar Philipa and Gynaecology Consultant Nadine from RBWH chat through it with us. 👩⚕️
"Pelvic pain can have many causes, but when it comes to persistent or chronic pelvic pain, common conditions include endometriosis, vulvodynia, dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), vaginismus, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, and painful bladder syndrome," says Philipa.
"A lot of people put pressure on having a diagnosis such as endometriosis, however it's important to remember that any pelvic pain is serious and there are lots of different ways to help manage this pain," says Nadine.
Contact your GP or gynaecologist for advice if you experience these symptoms, who can help you explore further and refer you to specialists if needed.
Love your work ladies! Thank you for your dedication to women's health ✨
Amazing doctors 👏👏👏
Go Nadine!! 🥳🥳
Breanna Heineger she did your c section!!!
Appreciate your noble work 🎉💐💐