News archive
RBWH donates 197 hospital beds to Papua New Guinea
RBWH Medical Director of Hyperbaric Medicine, Dr Ken Thistlethwaite, has a special connection with Papua New Guinea after growing up in the country as a child.
Lawrie thanks RBWH for caring for his wife
Since his wife’s admission into hospital in late October, Lawrie has arrived early at the hospital each day, patiently waiting for visiting hours to open at 9am, so he can spend the day sitting with her.
RBWH puts spotlight on infectious disease
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is leading the way in infectious diseases, hosting Queensland’s first Infectious Disease in the Immunocompromised Host Forum.
RBWH flourishes thanks to gardener Barb
The gardens at RBWH are a welcome retreat of greenery among an otherwise concrete ground. Keeping the gardens lush and beautiful is RBWH Gardener Barb Smithson.
Co-design the key to better First Nations heart health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are nine times more likely to have a cardiac event before they’re 45. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital emergency physician Professor Louise Cullen is working to change that.
Australian-first ICU initiative improves family support
Former RBWH Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and families have funded a new $1 million program set to make life easier for those who follow in their footsteps.
WoW art exhibition encourages patient’s creative expression
More than 170 artworks are on display as part of the 20th annual Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Windows to our World (WoW) Art Exhibition.
Improving safety of kidney biopsies at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
A study at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital aims to reduce the risk of bleeding during kidney biopsy and improve patient outcomes.
RBWH Food Services serves up a slice of home cooking
While ‘hospital food’ historically has a bad reputation, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital cook Scott Tyson is determined to make home-style meals that patients love.
Sharing the benefits of pharmacy services in Sri Lanka
In 2009, Professor Ian Coombes, and his wife, Dr Judith Coombes, along with their three children, moved to Kandy, Sri Lanka for three months to teach at a public university.
RBWH Patient Molly celebrates four years in remission
For former Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital patient Molly, there is plenty to celebrate, marking her fourth year in remission with a visit from this year's Australian Idol winner, Royston
Caring for our community by being greener and cleaner
Metro North Health provides care to a community of almost 900,00 patients and families. Our business is people and our plan is to create a healthier, happier and more sustainable environment for our staff, patients and community.
Tahlia has her sights set on a 3D printing future
Biomedical education and research assistant, Isabel, is one of the Herston Biofabrication Institute’s (HBI) biggest advocates. The first of its kind, HBI is changing the way we approach medicine with 3D scanning, printing, modelling of bone, cartilage and human tissue and Isabel is eager to share that knowledge with the next generation.
A better night’s sleep for regional Queenslanders
The RBWH TeleSleep pilot program has been a huge success, allowing regional Queenslanders to access vital sleep study services.
Measles Alert for Brisbane and Redcliffe
Metro North Public Health Unit has issued a measles alert following a confirmed case of the highly infectious disease in an adult on Brisbane’s northside.
ADCO Constructions helps brighten RBWH
The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is significantly brighter thanks to ADCO Constructions, who donated time and materials to complete two construction projects.
Deadly Start expands across the state to welcome 139 trainees
Metro North Health will today welcome a record 139 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into the Deadly Start program as it expands across the State.
New Helix Hub brings ideas to practice
Bringing game-changing ideas to life is often easier said than done. The new Metro North Helix Hub will guide change enthusiasts from idea inception to completion, with access to tools and resources, education, and expert advice.
RBWH welcomes two Australia-first radiation systems
The RBWH Cancer Care team is excited to welcome two Australia-first radiation treatment systems to their unit, the Accuray Radixact Units.
RBWH’s NeoHOME Program celebrates milestone baby
A surprise baby is the one hundredth infant to participate in RBWH’s NeoHOME program. NeoHOME provides support from the Grantley Stable Neonatology team for eligible families to take their new family member home two to three weeks earlier than they previously could.
International researchers explore the future of digital healthcare at RBWH
Leading international researchers in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data sharing toured the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital campus on Thursday 30 March to inspect the cutting edge services and facilities available to the community, clinicians and researchers.
We unpack the infectious diseases you need to protect yourself against on your next holiday
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of packing your bags and boarding a plane for an overseas trip. But with all overseas travel comes some risk of returning with a less than preferable souvenir in the form of an infectious disease – with vaccination a simple way to keep yourself safe abroad!
Plant power: five ways to improve your gut health by eating more plants
There is no question that what we eat can impact our overall health, but our food can also affect the health of the trillions of beneficial bacteria living in our gut – also known as our microbiome.
Compassionate volunteers needed at Caboolture Hospital
With a major redevelopment underway, Caboolture Hospital is seeking more volunteers to help our community.
Genetic Health Queensland provides long awaited answers
On 28 February each year, Rare Diseases Day aims to raise awareness and generate change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease.
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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. ❤️🩹
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!!!
"It's been a whirlwind of emotions since Harper and Jade were born. They came into the world earlier than expected at 29 weeks, and on my birthday! It was a huge shock, but also a bittersweet gift that I’ll never forget. Harper weighed just 954 grams, and Jade was 1169 grams. The doctors and nurses have been amazing, taking such good care of them. The'll stay in hospital now until their due date in February. It’s hard being apart from them every day, but I know they’re in good hands. I can’t wait for the day I can bring them home."
#MondayMantra ☁️ Jess with Harper and Jade, 3 weeks old, RBWH Special Care Nursery.
That’s my beautiful granddaughter and my two great granddaughters. I’m so proud of her as a first time mum. They are so well looked after by the staff down there, I can’t thank them enough for taking such great care of them.
Oh wow thats amazing! They are in good hands. Congratulations Mumma!
Congratulations Jess, very special to have the same birthday. Beautiful girls.
Congratulations Jess you look well and babies cute. Love to you all Maggie
Wow, thankyou for sharing your story. I hope they get home safe real soon. And happy birthday to you all.! 👏🎁🥂👍👌
Congratulations Jess! My eldest was born at 31 weeks at Rbwh and he turns 32 in Jan 2024. It seems very hard but does get easier. Hang in there with your beautiful girls. 💜❤️🙏
Ohhh so special! Congrats mumma. Be kind to yourself - you and your bubs are amazing!
You have the best team supporting you 🫶 congratulations 🥂
Congratulations from another twin mumma. If you haven’t already join BMBAN and let us know if you need anything
Little darlings! Congratulations! 💐
Congratulations 🎉
Congrats Mumma !!! My girls were born at 32w 2d due to ttts. 1916g & 1596g they turn 24 next year. Enjoy the twin-mum life its a journey ✨️ I loved birth to 1 when they couldn't get away, once they started walking and running off in different directions I wished I had spiderman skills to wrangle them!!
After 44 incredible years, our beloved gardener Barb is off on long-service leave, preparing for retirement! ☘
Starting at RBWH in 1980 as a laundry hand, Barb soon followed her passion, landing her dream job tending the hospital gardens. For decades, she’s been the heart of RBWH’s green spaces, brightening days for staff, patients, and visitors alike.
“Sometimes people just need a new perspective. I’ve loved helping them see things in a more positive light,” said Barb.
Her legacy lives on in Barb’s Garden, outside the Main Entrance. 🌷🌳
Barb is a magnificent lady whom I have had many conversations with. She is absolutely so proud of the Garden at the front she built. She can tell you all about the plants as she tends to them..Happy retirement Barb ..you will be a well missed face around the place . Thank you for your beautiful legacy.
Our gardens at RBWH have always looked amazing. So nice to be able to take a break from work and be surrounded by beautiful plants. Thankyou for all the amazing work you have done 🪴
Congratulations on your service not many long stayers these days. All the best for your retirement 💐
Loved my chats with Barb on my way to work and talking about gardening and life in general. Well deserved retirement. Congratulations Barb, you are an icon of kindness and dedication.
Spoke with Barb many times when my bubs were in Nicu. She’s awesome!
I loved my daily chats on my way to work with Barb. She took such great care of her garden, and my life was richer for its beauty.
Love your garden Barb and love the chats that come with it. Enjoy your well-earned retirement (hopefully still tending your own garden)!
You have been such a wonderful friendly asset to the place!!! We will miss you Barb!! 💗
Oh barb, you are so appreciated! We love all of your work and passion. Thank you for your service and the joy you bring!! Enjoy your long service leave. Barb you are an RBWH treasure!!
One of a kind.. A nice lady and always there to lend a hand. Have a nice rest and when you do retire do the things you have always dreamed of. Will miss seeing you on my many visits to RBWH.
Always amazing gardens at the RBWH. Enjoy your Long service leave and I’m sure you’ll work on an amazing garden at your place you can enjoy when you retire !!
Congratulations Barb, will miss you out and about and the chats, enjoy, well deserved 😊
What a sensational human being!! I have the fondest memories of chatting with Barb. I love what inspired her to learn Auslan too. What a treasure 🌸
The gardens always look beautiful 💐 - enjoy your retirement 😊
We will miss you Barb. I have watched you tend your gardens for many many years. Happy retirement.
Congratulations, here’s to a long happy and healthy retirement.
Thank you Barb.. I loved seeing you in the early mornings on my way to work. Love your garden.
Thanks for all your hard work,gardens always looked great 👍
Congratulations Barb you made the front of the hospital look amazing. . You are lucky after 40 years they destroyed my legacy , my reputation and kicked me in the ass. Enjoy your retirement. ❤️
This garden is like a little oasis of beautiful. Thanks Barb
The garden you created in Butterfield brings me joy everytime I'm in the office. Enjoy your retirement 🌼
Thanks for your hard work Barb. The gardens always look beautiful.
Congratulations Barb, well deserved
Always look amazing the gardens in front of RBWH
Have fun Barb Thank you for your service ❤️
Busy roads and a rush to get from holiday plan A to B can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to road safety. Each year we see a spike in road trauma around the festive period, with this year's predicted wet conditions set to exacerbate that.
Jamieson Trauma Institute Director and RBWH orthopaedic surgeon Dr Michael said that while a higher density in cars meant accidents were more likely, we can all do our part to minimise that.
"Death and lifelong disability are a real reality from motor incidents, and any head injury or significant injury can impact on quality of life and mobility, not just for the individual but for their loved ones too," he said.
"People need to be aware of the risk factors with rainy, slippery roads and more cars around, and just be extra safe this season." 🎄
Michelle Argent