A Healthier Future Today: Bundaberg Hospital - Queensland Health

Ahealthier
future today
Bundaberg Hospital
Aspecial publication by

WORK
Hospital looks to
ahealthy future
$50m refit, more staff boost service
BUNDABERG Hospital is well on its
way towards ahealthier future. A$50
million redevelopment and hiring of
additional clinical staff mean anew
hospital with moredoctors and nurses
than ever before.
Wide Bay Health Service District
chief executive CEO Mr Ken Whelan
said he planned to maintain the momentum
and make more improvements.
He said the hospital had a
come along way in just afew short
years.
Page 2
“In addition to the hospital redevelopment
that has provided morebeds
and more services, staff numbers
have also increased dramatically,” Mr
Whelan said.
“Since 2005, doctor numbers have
increased by 108 per cent and nurse
numbers by 91 per cent.
“Bundaberg residents can be confident
that our hospital staffwill provide
them with high-quality care inamodernfacility,24hours
aday,seven days
aweek.
‘‘ further building asustainable
Our staff are our greatest asset
and are key to maintaining and
health service into the future
Bundaberg Hospital
“Our staffare our greatest asset and
are key to maintaining and further
building asustainable health service
into the future.
“It pleases me that in recent
months, staff morale at the hospital
has increased dramatically.
“The 1200 Bundaberg locals who
work at the hospital arenow proud to
work here and they provide care ona
daily basis to the patients they live
among.
“As asymbol of their pride, hundreds
of staff also recently organised
their own T-shirts, which state: ‘Our
Staff Rock’.
“Most importantly, happy staff are
passionate about making adifference
to the lives of patients and creating a
healthy future for their community.
“We already provide ahigh-quality
service to our patients, but arealways
looking at ways to improve even further
by constantly monitoring patient
feedback.
“I believe we are onthe right track,
as we have seen an increase in the
numbers of patients writing letters of
thanks, sending in thank-you cards or
dropping off flowers to our staff. Recruiting
even more permanent staff
committed to both working in our hospital
and making the Bundaberg region
their home remains our core
priority.
“We will soon be launching an online
marketing campaign called Work
AHealthier Future Today
Wide Bay Health Service District chief executive Ken Whelan.
Play Stay –Wide Bay, which will help
us attract even more health professionals
to the region.
“Just like my staff, Iamalso proud to
work here and am confident that by
working with the community, wecan
make Bundaberg Hospital one of the
best regional hospitals in Queensland.”

Bundaberg Hospital
AHealthier Future Today
STAY
Changes through history
The newly redeveloped Bundaberg hospital bears little resemblance to the original built in 1881 after residents became concerned the local chemist’sministrations weren’tadequate.
Original hospital was afour-room timber cottage with akitchen
AS residents walk through the doors
of Bundaberg Hospital today they are
walking towards astrong and healthy
future.
But spare athought for early residents
of Bundaberg who didn’t have
these multi-million dollar facilities
available to them. They relied instead
on the local chemist, Mr CCoffey, to
treat all ailments.
Thankfully,in1878 concerned residents
addressed the problem by
forming a hospital fund committee
whose elected trustees received permission
to create atemporary hospital
in 1879 in the Immigration Barracks in
FinemorePark, opposite today’sBase
Hospital.
From there apermanent hospital
was built by Mr Midson with construction
completed in February 1881.
Known as the Cottage Hospital, it
was afour-room timber cottage with a
kitchen, although over the years with
the help of agovernment grant, additions
were made to the building including
awell, windmill and infectious
diseases ward.
The first appointed surgeon, Dr
D’Arcy Sugden, certainly earned his
salary of ?80 because the infectious
diseases wardsaw its fair shareoftyphoid
cases.
He was followed later that year by
Dr THMay who was medical superintendent
until his death in 1916.
It seems that in 1898, the hospital
faced many of the same questions it
does today as it attempts to meet the
needs of agrowing population and limit
the number of cases that must be
sent to Brisbane.
In 1898 ateam of trained nurses
were engaged and it was proposed
the hospital should assume atraining
role, while the need for alarger space
was also acknowledged.
By 1911, alarger hospital finally became
areality after architect FHFaircloth
designed atwo-storey building
with three sections all connected by
passageways.
The plan had female wards in the
eastern wing, executive offices in the
central section and male wards in the
western wing.
Both wards had two floors with of
eight beds, as well as two private
wards in the executive section.
The main entrance had the surgery
on the right, and operating theatreon
the left, with adispensary at the rear.
Other facilities included two dining
rooms on the ground floor and akitchen
with two lifts –one for patients and
one for catering.
Matrons’ and nurses’ quarters were
on the second floor of the executive
section, as well as more wards.
Ceilings were steel, and alayer of
felt was laid between the ground and
second floor to deaden the noise.
The hospital was expected to be
completed in 15 months, and the
foundation stone was laid on November
16, 1911, by Sir William MacGregor,
Governor of Queensland.
Bundaberg had apublic holiday to
mark the occasion, with all shops
closing at noon.
The Bundaberg Daily News considered
the event “... an important one,
in that it marks an epoch in the history
of the Bundaberg Hospital, and
should be fittingly observed”.
And it was, with a procession
through town of bands, school children
and local organisations.
It is amusing to note the considerable
fundraising efforts of the time with
local citizens tireless in their efforts,
even having performances of M’liss,
the Miner’s Daughter by the Gordon
Club Dramatic Society to raise funds.
The newspaper each day recorded
the growing list of donors and fundraising
events and urged even more
enthusiastic contributions,
“The Government endowment is at
the rate of £2 for every pound raised
by private subscription ...
“In its finished form, the structure
will represent an expenditureinmoney
of £13,500, which means that the citizens’
contributions will require to
reach ... say £5,000 including fitting
and furnishings. Considered in the
lump, this is asubstantial figure; distributed
over acommunity such as
ours, as is right it should be ... it is a
mere bagatelle.
“And therefore, the burden is one
that should sit upon the community
very lightly ... and thereshould be the
resolve of every man and woman
whose heart beats responsive to the
sacred claims of charity.”
By 1914 the new building was finished,
and thanks to the fundraising
efforts of the hospital committee and
local residents, it was opened free of
debt on July 9.
At the time, the nurses’ quarters at
the rear of the hospital werestill under
construction at an expected cost of
£1,944, but the ceremonies went on
regardless.
Governor MacGregor made areturn
trip to Bundaberg to officially
open the hospital for which he had laid
afoundation stone in 1911.
The State Government had made
endowments of £8,838 toward the
hospital, while the Bundaberg district
had raised £5,145.
The governor told acrowd of thousands,
that the opening would probably
be his last official engagement as
arepresentative of the Crown, and
noted the changes in the medical profession
and public hospitals since his
years as asurgeon under the late Lord
Lister.
Bundaberg Library’sSue Gammon,
when researching the hospital’shistory,said
that with the latest upgrade of
the hospital, it borealmost no resemblance
now to those original plans ac-
cepted by the committee back in
1911, 100 years ago.
“Fortunately, images preserved over
the years remind us of what abeautifully
designed and constructed
building Mr F. H. Faircloth and Mr N. C.
Steffensen presented to the Bundaberg
people on its completion in
1914,’’ she said.
The redevelopments of the hospital
today mark asignificant update in the
services provided locally.
Residents have access to ateam of
exceptional health professionals covering
avariety of medical fields in
modern, spacious surrounds.
Page 3

STAY
4382455aa
Page 4
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www.bundyrad.com.au
3a Takalvan Street &
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41 500 200
Bundaberg Hospital
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AHealthier Future Today
Biggest facility in district
Wide range of healthcare services
offered to patients on 24-hour basis
BUNDABERG Hospital is the largest
hospital in the recently formed Wide
Bay Health Service District. It is has
about 200 beds (including bed alternatives)
and offers patients arange of
healthcare services including:
Rehabilitation patient room
Services:
24-hour Emergency Department;
Theatre and Anaesthetics; Breast
Screening; General Medicine; General
Surgery; Gynaecology; Obstetrics;
Special CareNursery; Intensive Care/
Coronary Care; Oral Health (including
Orthodontics); Pathology; Paediatrics;
Renal Services; Specialist Outpatients;
Orthopaedics; Rehabilitation;
Palliative Care; Medical Imaging;
Community Hospital Interface Program
(CHIP) services.
Rehabilitation relaxation garden,
Specialist services:
Gastroenterology, Radiology, Respiratory,Rheumatology,Oncology,Paediatric
Respiratory,Genetics, Urology.
Mental Health services:
Comprehensive Community Mental
Health programs: Adult, Aged Psychiatry
and Child &Youth. Inpatient
Program based at Bundaberg Hospital.
Oral Health services:
Adult Dental Clinic, Mobile and Fixed
School Dental Services
Outreach services:
Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Orthodontics,
Hospital in the Home,
Hospital in the Nursing Home, Social
Work visits to Childers and Gin Gin.
HACC services:
Community Nursing; Social Work;
Home Care
Contact us:
Physical Address: Bourbong St Bundaberg
Qld 4670 Postal Address: PO
Box 34 Bundaberg QLD 4670 General
Phone: +61 74152 1222 General
Fax: +61 74151 2099; Office hours:
8.30am to 5pm
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ACTIVE LOCK &KEY
Ph: 4153 6242
10 Kent St, East Bundaberg

Bundaberg Hospital
GP Links CEO Shane Dawson
AHealthier Future Today
Health care
GP LINKS Wide Bay has along standing
and credible reputation for meeting
the health needs of the local community.
GP Links Wide Ltd chairman of the
boardofdirectors Paul Neeskens said
its aim was to support and enhance
general practice as it was central to an
It’sTime To Support
Our Community
GP Links Wide Bay isamembership
organisation which supports and
enhances general practice by facilitating
communication and collaboration
between general practitioners,their
practices,other health service providers
and the community.
We have an excellent history in
supporting both General Practice and
local hospitals in delivering health
services in the Wide Bay community and
this will continue into the future future.
Bundaberg Office
Level 1,6 Barolin Street
Bundaberg Qld, 4670
integrated approach to effective primary
health care.
“We have an excellent history in
supporting both general practice and
local hospitals in delivering health services
in the Wide Bay community and
this will continue into the future,’’ Dr
Neeskens said.
That future isexciting because, as
part of national health reforms, GP
Links Wide Bay has been selected as
one of 38 organisations to establish
one of the next Medicare Locals that
will drive access to better primary
health care for Australian families
across the country.
This was awarded after alengthy,
tendering process.
GP Links new Wide Bay Medicare
Local commences on July 1, 2012,
and will cover the areas of Bundaberg,
North Burnett, Agnes Water, Miriam
Vale, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and
the Fraser Coast.
GP Links chief executive Shane
Dawson said the new MedicareLocal
would keep family GPs and general
practice at the centre ofastrong, integrated,
patient focused primary
health care system.
WORK
New Medicare Local brings together
general practitioners, nurses, and allied
health professionals to deliver services
‘‘ general
Medicare Local
will bring together
practitioners,
nurses, and allied
health
professionals
“For the Bundaberg area and Wide
Bay Region, this means our Medicare
Local will bring together general practitioners,
nurses, and allied health professionals
and work with consumers
to provide better frontline primary
health services for this community,’’
he said.
“This was genuine recognition of
our sustained excellence in providing
services for our community.
“Weprovide solutions for gaps in local
health services and the new Medicare
Local will maintain and build on
the excellent work already done by GP
Links Wide Bay alongside the new local
health and hospital network.”
The Medicare Local will work with
local health services to bring about the
seamless delivery of care on programs
such as: helping primary care
clinicians to manage chronic disease;
Closing the Gap and healthy lifestyle
programs for the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait community; improving access
to mental health services; offering the
Headspace program for youth; and
facilitating the development of integrated
and accessible after hours GP
services.
07 4151 0814
1300 664 242 for Diabetes Clinic
4395179aa
Page 5

WORK
The Bundaberg Health Services
Foundation is a not-for-profit community
group which raises funds locally
to spend on local health-related
Base Hospital and community-based
projects.
The Bundaberg Health Services
Foundation was established in 1999
and since then has provided more
Page 6
Commercial and Domestic
✑
✑
✑
✑
✑
fixing
setting
cornice
stud and track
Woolworths staff and hospital staff and patients at the children’s ward on
presentation of $10,000 to the Bundaberg Health Services Foundation.
than $300,000 for medical equipment
and training of doctors and nurses at
Bundaberg Hospital.
This has greatly benefited patients
throughout the Bundaberg and North
Burnett regions.
The foundation’s mission is to provide:
● medical equipment to Bundaberg
suspended ceilings
Chris Decosta
0419 773 141
chrisdecosta@aol.com.au
Bundaberg Hospital
Hospital (non-government funded),
● management of Rotary Lodge
● professional training for medical
and nursing staff, and
● programs relating to the prevention
and control of disease.
“The foundation adopted avision
statement last year —Local People
Helping Local Patients — which is
4378142aa
what we are working to achieve,”
board chairman Janet Tallon said.
“Westrive to make adifference and
improve the comfort of patients at
Bundaberg Hospital while complementing
the dedication provided by
the medical professionals,” she said.
“You don’t have to be adoctor or
nurse to play arole in helping to save
lives. For the foundation to continue its
AHealthier Future Today
Kate and Steven Scholl with their twins Nathan and Caleb and members of
the Moore Park Beach and Bargara Lions and Bargara Lioness, Dr Elize
Bolton and Special Care Nurseryclinical nurse Linda Hackettfollowing the
Truck Drive for Kids $7000 to purchase equipment for the ward.
Local help for local patients
Public urged to join Health Services Foundation fundraising efforts
to be a
doctor or nurse to play a
‘‘Youdon’thave
role in helping to save lives
work, it relies on public donations,
community fundraising activities,
sponsorship and bequests in memory
of loved ones.’’
Some major contributors to the
foundation in the past year have included
Sea FM with its annual Give Me
Five for Kids campaign, Woolworths
and its Fresh Food Kids Appeal and
the Combined Lions Clubs’ annual
Truck Drive for Kids.
Hinkler Lions Club also made amajor
donation which enabled the purchase
of ablanket warmer to assist
cancer patients.
Local mothers have also held fundraisers
as away of saying thanks to
the wonderful carethey received in the
maternity unit.
There also have been many individuals
and businesses who donate to
various wards and help our local patients.
If you would like to consider making
adonation or contributing to the Bundaberg
Health Services Foundation,
contact by phone 4150 2863, write to
PO Box 34, Bundaberg, Qld 4670,
email bhs-foundation
@health.qld.gov.au, or website:
www.bundabergfoundation.com .au
LEFT: Transition to school
development assessment team
leader Linda Keidge, nurse unit
manager of the Children’s Ward
Narelle Hills, Sea FM’s Amanda
York and Scott Thomas, Wide Bay
Australia’s Marissa Rehbein and
patient Gabrielle Galea who is very
grateful for this year’s $19,302.25
donation from the Give MeFive for
Kids campaign.
Patient Bob Powell using ablanket warmed in the Lions Blanket Warmer, with nurse unit
manager Gwenda McDermid and Lions Club’s Peter Donghi.

Bundaberg Hospital
AHealthier Future Today
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Place to lay aweary head
Low-cost accommodation proves ahuge help for out-of-town patients
Bill Spencer from Eidsvold on his fourth stay at Rotary Lodge is also the 100th guest to have
used the home during adifficult medical time.
One major project the Bundaberg Health Services
Foundation has established this year is Rotary
Lodge –alow-cost accommodation option for
patients and their carers.
If rural patients require treatment in Bundaberg
for arange of conditions including cancer,
surgery, maternity, palliative care and paediatric
conditions, there are no subsidised
accommodation options open to them. That
forces them to pay for motel accommodation
and meals if arelative or friend cannot provide a
place to stay.
For many of these treatments, astay of acouple
of weeks is required, which can leave the patient
hundreds or thousands of dollars out of
pocket …sadly,inmany cases, acost that they
simply cannot afford.
With the assistance of local Rotary Clubs,
community groups and businesses, the foundation
opened Rotary Lodge in March and since
then 150 people have made it their home during
often stressful times, foundation chairman Janet
Tallon said.
The lodge offers five bedrooms, shared dining,
lounge kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.
Public and private patients using medical services
at either Bundaberg Hospital, the Mater
Misericordiae or Friendly Society Private Hospital
and their escorts are welcome at the lodge.
Patients who are eligible for the patient travel
subsidy scheme (PTSS) accommodation payment
will only pay $10 per person per night.
Those patients or carers who do not receive the
subsidy will be required to pay $40pp.
“This is alarge project being undertaken by the
foundation and it needs ongoing support from
the community to ensurethe doors remain open
for patients and carers in their time of need,” Mrs
Tallon said.
“Unfortunately illness or accidents can happen
to anyone, at any time, and whether they are
cancer sufferers, sick children, newborns, pregnant
mothers or those needing surgery or medical
care, this is an opportunity for people in the
North Burnett and surrounding areas to help
their fellow community members in their time of
need.’’
Afundraising campaign is under way and the
five communities which raise the most will have a
bedroom named in their honour.
The campaign runs until September 20, 2012.
“We are very grateful to the many individuals
and community groups who fundraised for the
2011 Naming Rites Challenge because, without
their support, Rotary Lodge could not continue,”
Mrs Tallon said.
For further information on the challenge, to register
afundraising event for the lodge, make a
donation or to book aroom, please phone the
foundation on 4150 2863.
‘‘ This is alarge project being undertaken by the
Foundation and it needs ongoing support from the
community to ensure the doors remain open for
patients and carers in their time of need
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Page 7

PLAY
THE Wiggles recently brought smiles
to the faces of sick children with asurprise
visit to the Bundaberg Hospital
children’s ward.
They performed an impromptu
concert in the ward, with kids, mums,
dads and staffmembers clapping and
singing along to many of their most famous
songs.
They also visited the bedside of several
children who werethrilled with the
chance to meet their heroes up close
and personal.
Bundaberg Hospital paediatrics
nurse unit manager Deborah Spry
4392326aa CRAIG
Page 8
said the visit caused abuzz throughout
the whole hospital.
“Weneeded to keep the visit secret
in the lead-up to the visit, as we wanted
it to be aspecial surprise for the
kids,” Ms Spry said.
“The kids were soexcited, so were
the staffand Ithink the children will remember
this for avery long time.
“The Wiggles weresofriendly and I
can’tthank them enough for dropping
in to visit us among their very busy
schedule,” she said.
Local mum Kylie Green said the visit
was ahuge surprise and cheered up
her three-year-old daughter Matilda.
“Matilda is often in and out of
hospital and this time was in Bundaberg
Hospital children’swardfor
about aweek,” Ms Green said.
“Matilda had aball meeting the
Wiggles and has been bragging to
her friends ever since that she
hugged two of them.
“She loves all of the Wiggles, but
the blue Wiggle Anthony is her favourite.
“They even signed the back of
Matilda’s iPad for her.
“The visit really cheered her up
and Matilda loves all the nurses on
the ward too, it’s our second
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Commercial Buildings
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Bundaberg Hospital
Wiggles visit cheers kids
Singalong in the ward gets children, parents and nurses rockin’
‘‘ The kids were so
excited, so were the
staff and Ithink the
children will
remember this for a
AHealthier Future Today
very long time home.”
Kyle Green with daughter Matilda and blue Wiggle Anthony during asurprise visit to Bundaberg Hospital.
The Wiggles perform in the children’s ward.

Bundaberg Hospital
AHealthier Future Today
Caring SPIRIT
LikeBundaberg Base Hospital,Bundaberg Regional
Council cares for our community.
Call into our new Community Services Branch inthe
Civic Arcade,Bourbong Street (oppositeCouncil’s Main
Administration Building) formanyCouncil Services:
• Community, Youth &Cultural Development
• Venuesand facilities bookings
• Sportand Recreation
• Event Management
Finding community groups and
support agencies can also be done
in the comfort of your own home,
with the online Community Directory,
launched by Bundaberg Regional Council
in conjunction with Bundaberg Community
Development Inc (BCD). The new Online Directory
lists the vast majority of community groups, support
agencies and sport and recreation groups
in the Bundaberg Region, as well as
newsletters, aWelcome Kit for new
Residents and information on
Learning Opportunities.
Check it out soon at:
www.bundyregionconnect.qld.gov.au
DISCOVER OUR SPIRIT
with Bundaberg Regional Council.
STAY
Our babies in good hands
More birthing units, special care nursery
cots available as result of expansion
AS PART of the Bundaberg Hospital
expansion, Queensland Health delivers
safer and increased maternity services
to Bundaberg residents.
The new maternity unit means more
birthing suites and special care nursery
cots are available than ever before.
Birthing suites have increased from
three to four and thereare now an additional
four special carenursery cots,
bringing the total to eight.
The new maternity unit also has improved
access to operating theatres
in the adjacent building for emergency
birthing procedures.
This upgraded facility means Bundaberg
Hospital’s highly skilled and
caring maternity staff can help bring
new life into this world in astate-ofthe-art
health care facility.
On average, thereare around three
births per day at the Bundaberg Family
Unit, which equals around 1100
births per year.
Bundaberg Hospital Family Unit
manager Ann Robinson said that babies
come according to their own
schedule although births at the unit
were evenly spread throughout the
year. “For those little ones that arrive
early, wehave specially trained staff
and equipment in our new special
carenursery for those babies needing
that extra touch of medical care,” Ms
Robinson said.
“We provide mums and mums-tobe
with exceptional care before, during
and after the birth of their child.
“Our highly skilled doctors and midwives
provide arange of obstetric, gynaecological,
paediatrics, antenatal
services and aspecial care nursery.
“As part of Queensland Health’s
post-natal care program, about 70%
of new Bundaberg mums have also
received ahome visit from amidwife
within five days of leaving hospital.
“This helps new mums by providing
them with post-natal care, breastfeeding
tips, settling techniques and
immunisation advice, all in the comfort
of their own home. We also provide a
drop in centre
“Bundaberg Hospital is also working
towards gaining accreditation with
the World Health Organisation for being
‘baby friendly’ in recognition of its
commitment to breastfeeding.
“We are committed to growing our
own workforce and have established
the unit as akey training facility for
midwives and currently provide training
to four student midwives per year.
“We have also employed amidwifery
educator and aclinical facilitator to
Dental call centre will
improve access to help
RESIDENTS in Bundaberg and surrounding
areas needing emergency dental treatment
now have amore effective way of accessing
emergency treatment at the Bundaberg Oral
Health Service.
Patients areable to phone an oral health call
centre on1300 300 850, between 7.30am
and 4pm weekdays to:
Make appointments for dental
emergencies;
Inquire about access to public dental care;
And inquire about waiting lists for dental
treatment, including dentures.
Wide Bay Health Service District Oral Health
Services manager Vince Fitzpatrick said that
the new call centre was aconvenient way of
making appointments for dental emergencies.
“In the past, patients needing emergency
treatment would call aBundaberg Hospital
telephone number,which did not always cater
well to the level of demand sometimes
experienced,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“We have listened to client feedback in
regards to emergency procedures and feel
this will considerably improve their ability to
access services.
“Experienced oral health staff will answer
patient calls, ask them some questions about
their condition and provide an appointment
depending on the severity of their symptoms.
“Patients can also use the call centre to
inquire about waiting lists and how to access
free public dental care.”
The call centre will improve the Bundaberg
Oral Health Service’s ability to meet the oral
health needs of the community,and has in the
past 12 months provided treatment to around
12,000 patients.
provide exceptional training.
“Our community can be proud and
confident that Bundaberg’s babies
are ingood hands.”
‘‘ Our highly skilled
doctors and
midwives provide a
range of obstetric,
gynaecological,
paediatrics,
antenatal services
and aspecial care
nursery
Page 9

WORK
Ozcare is health
care at home
Support means independence for longer
Whether needing help when leaving
hospital, orneeding support tomaintain
quality of life at home, people
throughout the Bundaberg region are
set to benefit from the growing number
of quality in-home careand health
services offered by Ozcare.
Ozcare’s Melinda Praed said that
‘‘ can be tailored to
Ozcare services
are flexible and
suit the different
needs of
individuals and
their families
Proud to be associated with Bundaberg Hospital
Page 10
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for independent living, wellbeing and
health care.
“Ozcare offers awide range of inhome
care services, as well as community
nursing services, allied health
care, mental health and dementia services
–all designed to keep people
safe and well,” she said.
Ozcare offers afull range of aged
carepackages, and in-home careservices
include personal care, domestic
assistance, medication management,
social support, services for veterans,
respite and support for carers.
“Ozcare services give people the
advantage of accessing nursing and
health services in the privacy and convenience
of their own homes,” Ms
Praed said.
“We can help with sensitive health
issues such as continence assessment
and management –wehave a
continence adviser who can help people
to access subsided continence
aids.
“Similarly, wecan provide wound
care and treatments at home, and
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look after people when they leave hospital,”
she said.
Community CareCo-ordinator Barbara
Burstall added: “At Ozcare, all
our services work together to make
surethat each person has the support
and care services they need.
“Ozcare services are flexible and
can be tailored to suit the different
needs of individuals and their families.
“For carers, we can provide respite
on aregular basis, giving them time to
do what they need to do, while being
assured that their loved one is safe
and well cared for by Ozcare’strained
and reliable staff.”
Ozcare has a dementia support
service in the Bundaberg region for
people who arecoping with dementia,
including their carers.
Aligned with this, thereisamonthly,
informal carers support group meeting
which provides an excellent opportunity
for carers to take time-out,
relax, shareexperiences over morning
tea and enjoy guest speakers. To find
out more about all that’s available,
contact Ozcare Bundaberg on 4131
4250.
4363829aa
Sometimes it takes getting to know someone
beforetheyreveal the carethat’sneeded.
AHealthier Future Today
Ozcare’s Melinda Praed (clinical nurse manager) helps deliver quality
in-home services throughout the Bundaberg region.

Bundaberg Hospital
AHealthier Future Today
Bundy ED world class
New emergency department
SignWorx
congratulates the
Bundaberg Hospital
on their continued
service to our
community
Peak body recognises staff
devotion to patients’ care
THE Bundaberg Hospital Emergency
Department has received significant
upgrades as part of Queensland
Health’s $50 million Bundaberg Hospital
expansion project.
The new ED means moreemergency
services are available locally than
ever before.
There are 38 treatment spaces, almost
double the size of the previous
department and it includes acute, fast
track and observation zones for improved
patient flow.
In addition to anew state-of-the-art
‘‘ worked
Our emergency
department staff
tremendously hard
to gain this
accreditation
4392427aa
facility, our world-class clinical staff
has also been recognised for their
commitment to patient care.
Earlier this year the Bundaberg
Hospital Emergency Department was
recognised for its commitment to patient
care and the quality of training
available to staff with continuing accreditation
from the Australasian College
of Emergency Medicine (ACEM).
The ACEM is the peak body that
sets the industry standard for emergency
departments across the country.
Bundaberg Hospital Director of
Emergency Medicine Dr Greg Treston
said the community could feel proud
that their local ED has again been recognised
for meeting high standards
of patient care and established itself
as amedical training hub through-out
the Wide Bay.
“This makes the department more
attractive for the recruitment of key
specialists to the Bundaberg region
and allows us to provide specialist
training to junior staff,” Dr Treston said.
“It also means patients receive
more specialist input on decisions regarding
their treatment.
“The emergency department had to
demonstrate ahigh level of educational,
supervisory and patient-related
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Emergency nurse Samantha
Hoole
outcomes to receive this accreditation.
“Our emergency department staff
worked tremendously hardtogain this
accreditation,” Dr Treston said.
Wide Bay Health Service District
CEO Ken Whelan said that he would
like to acknowledge the tireless effort
of all stafffor gaining this accreditation
and for the great work they do on a
daily basis.
“We have a strong emergency
medicine team that supports and
compliments our in-patient medical
care through-out the hospital,” Mr
Whelan said.
“This accreditation has provided a
strong platform for the continued improvement
of our local healthcareservice.”
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Page 11

STAY
Bundaberg Hospital’s allied health services unit reception area.
‘‘
This boost in bed numbers means more
Bundaberg patients have access to
rehabilitation services than ever before
Supply &Install Solar PowerSystems
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Page 12
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Installation
•Maintenance
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Cabling
Bundaberg Hospital
QUEENSLAND Health currently has
Australia’s largest health building
program at $7.33 billion.
Up to 50,000 construction jobs
have been created across the state
through our hospital building
program.
The $50 million Bundaberg Hospital
redevelopment is an investment in the
futurehealth of the Bundaberg region
and is delivering more services,
quicker and closer to home.
The project has already provided
residents with a brand new
emergency department, maternity
ward and mental health unit.
During the hospital expansion
project, additional features have been
added such as afurther upgrade to
the emergency department, further
radiology and x-ray services and
expansion and refurbishment of the
mental health unit.
Now Bundaberg residents have
improved access to quality health
services with newly expanded
4381352aa
rehabilitation and allied health
services at Bundaberg Hospital.
Wide Bay Health Service District
chief executive Ken Whelan said this
was morethan just bricks and mortar.
It meant locals now had access to
state-of-the-art rehabilitation and
allied health services, meaning they
could return home sooner and
healthier.
“The rehabilitation unit has been
boosted by four beds, bringing the
total number to 20,” Mr Whelan said.
“This boost in bed numbers means
more Bundaberg patients have
access to rehabilitation services than
ever before.
The rehabilitation unit is now
situated in a modern, relaxed and
homely environment that promotes a
returntoindependent activity through
multi-disciplinary health care.
“In additional to medical and
nursing care, rehabilitation patients
also have onsite access to arange of
services, including physiotherapy,
AHealthier Future Today
Rehab, allied
health upgrade
Better care means return home for
patients sooner and healthier
dietetics, occupational therapy,
speech pathology and social workers.
“There is also an onsite
rehabilitation gym, patient dining and
lounge areas and a landscaped
garden for patients to relax in.
“On average, around 15,000
Bundaberg residents access our
allied health outpatient services each
year and those same patients can
now do so in apurpose-built facility
with highly skilled staff and
state-of-the-art equipment,” Mr
Whelan said
He said that the Bundaberg
community was now receiving a
bigger and much more extensive
expansion to their hospital than was
initially first promised to meet the
growing demand for services into the
future.
“This is agood thing not only for the
community, but also for our doctors,
nurses and allied health staffand it will
play akey role in assisting us to recruit
additional staff tothe hospital.”
New on site rehabilitation centre isamodern, relaxed and homely environment that
promotes areturn toindependent activity through multi-disciplinary health care.

Bundaberg Hospital
AHealthier Future Today
MASTER
FIRE PROTECTION
Established in 1986, Blazemaster Fire Protection is an innovative leader
supplying and servicing all facets of Fire Protection.
Blazemaster maintain amodern fleet of vehicles.
Blazemaster Service
Our service includes
the following:
•
•
•
•
24 hour /7days Service &Sales
An Asset Management System
recording and managing all work
performed for our customers
Key Account Management
24 hour Customer Help Desk
Wide Bay Area Office
102 Enterprise Street
Bundaberg Q4670
WORK
Bundaberg Hospitals team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers are constantly working with their communities in an effort to improve health outcomes.
Indigenous health effort
Big push on to halve child mortality rates and increase life expectancy
among Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander communities
QUEENSLAND Health is committed to closing
the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other
Queenslanders within ageneration (by 2033).
We are also striving to halve the gap in
mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children under five within adecade (by
2018).
To meet this target, we are providing
improved early diagnosis, treatment and
management of diseases, increased health
education and improved maternal and child
health outcomes.
Bundaberg Hospital’steam of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health workers are
working hard toclose the gap on indigenous
health outcomes throughout Wide Bay.
They regularly conduct health checks,
events and education programs for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islanders in the community.
Queensland Health has seven health
workers in Bundaberg who work hardtotackle
specific health needs among local Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander residents.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
worker Consuela Morrice said that addressing
inequitable health outcomes for indigenous
people was extremely important and should
not be ignored.
“On adaily basis we areonthe frontline in the
battle to improve the health and wellbeing of
local Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders,”
Ms Morrice said.
“We conduct health checks, raise
awareness of healthy lifestyles and organise
regular education and awareness sessions on
avariety of health-related topics.
“Health checks are auseful way for health
workers to stay connected with the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander community,
particularly young males, who often don’tseek
medical attention as often as they should.
“In addition to general health checks, we
offer arange of services, such as hearing and
eye tests, mums and bubs groups, healthy
women’sforums and a“Little Sistarz Program”
aimed at high school students.
“Wealso recently participated in aBeGame
No Shame Everyday event for around 60
indigenous and non-indigenous school
students in Childers.
“They learnt valuable information on sexual
health, alcohol and drug issues, mental health,
and hygiene and they also enjoyed some
traditional indigenous games,” she said.
If you would like to contact the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health team, please call
community health on (07) 4150 2700.
checks are auseful way for health
workers to stay connected with the Aboriginal
‘‘Health
and Torres Strait Islander community,particularly
young males, who often don’tseek medical
attention as often as they should
Blazemaster Affiliations:
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New South Wales
Member of the Department of Fair Trading
License Number A1907
Ph: 07 41544432
Email: servicebundaberg@blazemaster.com.au
4129584ae
Page 13

WORK
QUEENSLAND Health is aleader in
finding innovative ways to deliver services
to ensureall Queenslanders can
access quality health care.
This includes providing high quality
digital breastscreening services for
Bundaberg women, using electronic
health solutions to integrate and share
patient information.
New digital technology is improving
women’s health by providing better
screening, improved access to servic-
Page 14
Congratulations
-Domestic
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-Commercial
-Roof Guttering
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Proud to be
associated
with
Bundaberg
Hospital
Phone: 07 4151 8288
Mob: 0415 735 667 |Fax: 07 4151 7202
QBSA 1084331
es and afaster turnaround time for results.
The technology allows radiology
specialists to remotely view results,
meaning patients have access to specialist
diagnosis without the need for
travel.
If you areawoman over 50, it is important
that you make time to book a
free breastscreen at the BreastScreen
Queensland Wide Bay Service.
BreastScreen Queensland health
22 Richie Street,
Bundaberg Qld 4670
Email: gsplumbing@bigpond.com
Bundaberg Hospital
promotion officer Sandra Peut said
the risk of breast cancer increases
dramatically after the age of 50.
“Being awoman, and an increasing
age, are the biggest risk factors for
breast cancer,” Mrs Peut said.
“The good news is that by having a
breastscreen every two years –with
the only nationally accredited breast
cancer screening services provided
by BreastScreen Queensland –any
small breast cancers can be detected
4363630aa
early,well beforeanything can be seen
or felt by you or your doctor,” she said.
BreastScreen Queensland Wide
Bay Service has convenient services
located at Bundaberg Hospital (next
to the Red Cross blood bank), Hervey
Bay Hospital and amobile service offering
appointments at avariety of locations
throughout the region.
Appointments are available now,
with early morning appointments
available at Bundaberg.
AHealthier Future Today
Regular breastscreens more
important as you get older
Technology allows identification of cancer well before other means
‘‘ sure they join this important free program and
We encourage women who are aged over 50 to do
themselves and their families afavour by making
start having aregular breastscreen every two years
“We encourage women who are
aged over 50 to do themselves and
their families afavour by making sure
they join this important free program
and start having a regular breastscreen
every two years,” Ms Peut
said.
“Women aged 40-49 years and over
70 are also eligible to attend.”
Book now on 13 20 50 for your free
appointment at BreastScreen
Queensland.
BEST CARE: Liz Nelson with some of the latest breast screen technology at Bundaberg
Hospital

Bundaberg Hospital
Bundy, agreat place to be
Medical student highly impressed with standard of training at hospital
MEDICAL student Leslie Sillitoe has
studied all over the world, but rates his
last six months’ clinical training at
Bundaberg Hospital as the best
experience he has ever had.
After studying in Canada, the
University of Queensland in Brisbane,
and aclinical school in New Orleans,
Leslie commenced his final year of
training back in Brisbane.
Earlier this year he was assigned to
‘‘ graduating, and Ifelt
Ihope to specialise
in paediatrics after
that Icould gain a
lot more experience
and knowledge by
staying at the
Bundaberg Hospital
Bundaberg Rural Clinical School for
an eight-week obstetrics and
gynaecology clinical rotation.
As soon as he arrived here, Leslie
said, he and his fellow students were
made to feel welcome.
‘Within two hours of commencing
my rotation at Bundaberg Hospital, I
caught my first baby,with the second
delivery following afew hours later,’’
he said.
“This was the start of an extremely
positive eight weeks that provided
plenty of opportunities for
enhancing my skills.
‘From an educational
perspective, the staff and
consultants at the hospital have
been 100% supportive, taking the
time to provide instruction and
guidance on amuch greater level
than students ever experience at an
urban hospital.
‘The staff atthe UQ Rural Clinical
School also ensured that we settled
into the Bundaberg community from
the outset –the living quarters are
comfortable, there were activities to
do and we wereinvited to functions,
which helped us feel like an
accepted part of the local
community.”
Leslie explains that atypical day
for astudent at the hospital starts
around 7.30am, accompanying
Master
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4153 4744
consultants on ward rounds.
This is followed by assigned ward
work, or outpatient clinics which are
attended with the consultant or
registrar.
Later in the day, Leslie had many
opportunities to assist in the labour
ward orintheatre, always under the
expert guidance and support of
hospital staff.
“After experiencing such a
supportive and educational first
rotation at Bundaberg Hospital, Iwent
to great lengths to organise to stay
here for my paediatric rotation, even
giving up my place at the prestigious
Mater Hospital in Brisbane,” he said.
“I hope to specialise in paediatrics
after graduating, and Ifelt that Icould
gain a lot more experience and
knowledge by staying at Bundaberg
Hospital.”
And what does the future hold for
Leslie?
Next year he will start his internship
at Nambour General Hospital, which
has a partnership agreement with
Bundaberg Hospital.
This means Leslie can return here
for part of the year as part of his
internship.
‘I have long-term plans to bring my
wife and two children to settle in
Bundaberg, it is agreat place to live
and raise afamily,” Leslie said.
4398153aa
Member
University of Queensland Rural Clinical School student Leslie Sillitoe
praised the medical training he received at Bundaberg Hospital and the
warm welcome into the wider community he experienced.
Bourbong Street
Physiotherapy Centre
284 Bourbong Street
Bundaberg (opposite the Base Hospital)
Ph: 4153 6474
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am –5pm
Principle Physiotherapist –Elizabeth Hawe
B.Phty, Grad Dip Occ Health &Safety
Elizabeth has special interests in Paediatrics’, Women’s Health,
Occupational Healthy &Safety, Orthopaedics and Cardiothoracics.
➢ Neck &Back Care
➢ Work Related Injuries
➢ Sports Injuries
➢ Arthritis
➢ Aquatic Physiotherapy
➢ Hospital
➢ Nursing Homes &Private Home Visits
WORK
All Welcome: - Private Patients
(no doctor’s referral required –concession given)
- Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Plans
- Workcover –Insurance –DVA Patients
PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUNDABERG HOSPITAL
4392151aa
Page 15

Bundaberg Hospital
Phone (07) 4150 2222