Leading the way in cancer care

SPRING 2009
PUBLISHED BY GREENSLOPES PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Leading
the way in
cancer care
GPHnews 1

In this issue
COVER STORY
4 Leading the way in cancer care
9 Miracle Babies
10 Hearts at Greenslopes
FEATURE 11 UQ clinical school development
14 Robot notches up 150 radical prostatectomies
15 Docs conquer Kokoda Challenge
16 Introducing new Specialists
17 GP Education
18 Indonesian docs benefit from expertise at GPH
18 GPH celebrates inaugural EEN Graduation
19 Greenslopes supporting the community
PRODUCTION & MATERIAL
GPH News is produced by Greenslopes Private
Hospital Marketing Department.
For feedback, enquiries & material submission
please contact Frances McChlery
T: (07) 3394 7608
E: mcchleryf@ramsayhealth.com.au
Marketing Department
Newdegate Street, Greenslopes 4120 QLD
email: marketing.gph@ramsayhealth.com.au
Website: www.greenslopesprivate.com.au
If you do not wish to receive GPH News or other
Greenslopes Private Hospital marketing
material contact the Marketing Department
T: (07) 3394 7614.
2
GPHnews

A word from
the CEO
We were delighted
to welcome close to
200 guests
for the official
opening of the Cyril
Gilbert Cancer Centre.
Welcome to Spring and our Spring Edition of
GPH News. We are pleased to share with you
some of the highlights of the last few months and
what we can look forward to in the near future.
It has been a more challenging winter than
usual this year with the swine flu taking its grip
on our community. Whilst it has impacted both
on our patients and staff, I am pleased to report
that, to date, we have been able to minimise the
impact at all levels. It is times like these that we
are reminded of the importance of our pandemic
plans and infection control practices which I am
pleased to report were implemented without
issue. Greenslopes Private Hospital demonstrates
excellence in this area however, it is only through
the ongoing diligence and hard work of our
clinical and quality teams that this is continually
reviewed and maintained. We commend all our
staff and particularly our ward based teams on
their efforts during these difficult winter months
as we know it is not easy.
We were delighted to welcome close to
200 guests including The Hon. Alan Griffin MP,
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to the hospital for
the official opening of the Cyril Gilbert Cancer
Centre. In keeping with our tradition of naming
new buildings after well known veterans, it
was with great joy that we were able to honour
our dear friend Mr Cyril Gilbert OAM with
the naming of our new day cancer facility. A
Testimonial Fund to raise money for the ground
breaking cancer research being conducted on
campus in the Gallipoli Medical Research Centre
has also been named in his honour.
The University of Queensland Medical School
development will commence in the next couple
of months. A $14 million grant provided by the
Federal Government will allow new and existing
facilities to be developed on campus expanding
our existing capacity for UQ medical and nursing
students. Our unique position as Australia’s only
private hospital to have a fully fledged clinical
school is enviable. The integration of a large
number of students into the hospital setting
brings a particular vibrancy to the campus that
has been enjoyed for many years. We believe this
will be further enhanced by the new facilities that
will be accessible not only to the students but the
entire hospital community.
Our commitment to education and training
is also evident through our onsite Endorsed
Enrolled Nurse Course offered in conjunction
with Gold Coast Institute of TAFE. Last month we
saw the first group of enrolled nurses graduate
after 18 months of onsite education and training.
We have received an excellent response to the
4th intake of students which will commence
in October.
Urologists have recently performed the 150th
radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci Surgical
System since they commenced operating with the GPH will be
robot in late December 2008. As the only private expanding its
hospital in Queensland to operate with the pre-admission clinic
robot, we are pleased to be able to offer suitable which will provide a
patients this less invasive operation.
We continue to focus on the patient
experience and have implemented a number of
value added services for the comfort of patients.
Patients undergoing treatment in the Cyril Gilbert
Cancer Centre can continue to work or socialise
with wireless internet access. For inpatients, don’t
despair, the installation of WiFi access across our
inpatient wards should be completed by the end
of the year.
Greenslopes Private Hospital will be
expanding its pre-admission clinic in line with
Ramsay Health Care’s initiative to standardise
the process across all its hospitals. In essence
the GP led clinic will provide a no gap service to
patients who are referred to this service by their
specialist. The pre-admission clinic will enable
us to centralise the collection of health data of
patients undertaking elective surgery with the
aim to improve clinical outcomes.
We welcome a number of new specialists to
the campus who bring a wealth of experience
and expertise across a range of specialties.
I wish you an enjoyable read.
Richard
Richard Lizzio
no gap service
to patients who are
referred to this service
by their specialist.
Urologists
perform
150th
radical
prostatectomy
The University of Queensland Medical School development
will commence in the next
couple of months.
A $14 million grant provided by the Federal
Government will allow new and existing facilities to be
developed on campus expanding our existing capacity
for UQ medical and nursing students.
GPHnews 3

cover story
Leading the way
in cancer care
4
GPHnews

Over the last few years we have
witnessed an expansion of cancer
services at Greenslopes Private Hospital
with leading oncologists, surgeons and
physicians with an interest in cancer
moving to the campus. This along with
the growing demand for services in
South East Queensland provided the basis
for the development of the new
day cancer facility.
A special focus on cancer care for the
young and young at heart in the private
setting adds to Greenslopes’ long
established reputation in cancer care for
the older veteran community.
Cyril Gilbert Cancer
Centre opens
Greenslopes Private Hospital is proud to have
opened Brisbane’s newest day cancer facility
which has been named in honour of well-known
local Queenslander and Ex-Prisoner of War Mr
Cyril Gilbert OAM.
The Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre at Greenslopes
Private Hospital was officially opened by the
Honourable Alan Griffin, MP Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs on Wednesday 5 August at an
event attended by close to 200 guests.
The naming is in keeping with Greenslopes
Private Hospital’s tradition of naming new
developments after renowned veterans.
Cyril has had a long association with
Greenslopes Hospital having been one of the
first patients to be admitted to the hospital (then
known as the 112th Australian General Hospital)
when he returned from the war in 1945.
Since that time Cyril has been a high-profile
advocate and mentor for the veteran community
and has achieved national recognition for the
veteran and ex-POW communities. He was
awarded an OAM in 1983 and a Centenary Award
in 2003.
Cyril has played an important role in advising
the hospital on veteran related issues since
Ramsay Health Care took over the hospital
in 1995 and continues to do so today as a
member of our Ex-Service Organisation Liaison
Committee.
The official opening was well attended by
Ramsay Health Care Executives, doctors, nurses
and members of the broader hospital
community, colleagues and family and friends
who were delighted to come together for this
special occasion.
Along with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Mr Chris Rex, Managing Director, Ramsay Health
Care paid tribute to Cyril whom he has known
personally for 13 years including having had the
opportunity to travel with him to the battlefields
of France.
“As one of the first patients which attended
the Greenslopes Hospital campus then known as
the 112th General Military Hospital, in 1945, it is
extremely fitting that we have a unit now named
in recognition of Cyril,” Mr Rex said.
“Cyril holds a special place in the hearts of
staff and doctors at Greenslopes which is why so
many of them are here today.”
Ramsay Health Care is very pleased that
this Unit is now open & operating & we look
forward to it becoming a premier cancer
centre in south east Queensland.
“Cyril, we are very glad that you accepted this
honour and we are delighted that your family
and friends, the RSL and the DVA could all be
here today to celebrate this formal opening of
the Cyril Gilbert Cancer centre,” Mr Rex said.
“Ramsay Health Care is very pleased that
this Unit which has been many years in the
development is now open and operating and we
look forward to it becoming a premier cancer
centre in south east Queensland.”
The presentations by each of the speakers
truly reflected the enormous contribution
and role Cyril has played in both the veteran
community and Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Left: (L to R) Associate
Professor Andrew Nicol,
Head of Oncology;
Mr Doug Formby,
State President, RSL
Queensland; Michelle
Beutel, Nurse Unit
Manager, Cyril Gilbert
Cancer Centre; Mr Cyril
Gilbert OAM; The Hon
Alan Griffin MP,
Minister for Veterans’
Affairs; Mr Chris Rex,
Managing Director,
Ramsay Health Care
GPHnews 5

Mr Cyril Gilbert OAM
Well-known Queenslander and high profile
advocate and mentor for the veteran
community since 1945, Cyril Gilbert is an ex
Prisoner of War (POW) who has achieved
national recognition for the veteran and ex
POW community. He was awarded an OAM for
his services to the veteran community in 1983
and a Centenary Award in 2003.
Cyril Reginald Gilbert enlisted in the Army
on his 20th birthday on 20 June 1940. Previously
a clerk at Brisbane City Council, Cyril trained at
Grovely, Fraser’s Paddock, Bathurst and
Northam before sailing to Malaya in August
1941 in the Dutch troop carrier Sibajak. Before
the Japanese invaded he was stationed at
Malacca for several months.
Cyril was a Sergeant in the 8th Division,
27th Brigade, Australian Army Service Corps, in
charge of an ammunition point along the road
to Muar, west of Parit Sulong. The corps’ task
was to supply ammunition to the 2/19th and
2/29th Battalions, the 4th Anti-Tank Regiment
and 2/15th Field Regiment. Cyril also had charge
of the ‘loaders’ who loaded the trucks with
ammunition for artillery guns, rifles, machine
guns and mortars. The trucks delivered their
supplies and unloaded them right next to the
firing line. The drivers hid the trucks under
rubber trees to keep them out of sight of
Japanese planes.
Cyril continued at Muar until the orders to
withdraw were received. No further supplies of
ammunition were to be sent because the lines
were broken. The corps began its retreat back
to base at Yong Peng and from there moved
south to Singapore where they were formed
into two rifle companies. Cyril was part of the
second company in charge of defending the
headquarters at Tanglin Barracks. It was here
that Cyril and his mates eventually surrendered
to the Japanese at the Fall of Singapore.
During his time as a prisoner Cyril was held
at several Singapore camps including Selerang,
Thompson Road, Havelock Road and Changi.
From April to November 1943 he was set to work
on the Thai-Burma Railway. He was there when
cholera broke out. Within two months more
than 700 prisoners had perished. He returned
to Singapore and at Changi he was assigned to
work as a labourer on the Changi Aerodrome.
After being discharged from
the Army on 14 February 1946,
Cyril returned to work at
Brisbane City Council.
In February 1948 Cyril
married Jean Ross. Sadly,
Jean passed away in
December 1997, six weeks
before their golden wedding
anniversary. The couple has
three children and four
grandchildren.
Cyril continues to be an
active member of the
ex-service community.
Cyril commented that he was honoured to have
the day cancer centre named after him particularly
with his daughter having recently undergone
chemotherapy at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
“Long after I have gone, as long as the
hospital is here, I will live on through this cancer
centre,” Cyril said. He did follow on to say that
at 89 he is not planning to go anywhere soon,
and looks forward to celebrating many more
openings at Greenslopes in the years to come.
A unique approach to
cancer care
The Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre has been purpose
built to provide a modern, spacious environment
that is comfortable for patients undergoing
cancer treatment.
The Centre features expanded, modern day
treatment facilities including 32 individual
patient areas, treatment rooms, oncology
pharmacy, consulting rooms for doctors and a
large waiting room and meeting space.
Patients enjoy their own private treatment
area so that they can continue to work, study and
socialise during cancer treatment. The provision
of wireless internet access is just one of the value
added services that facilitates patients staying
connected during their treatment cycles.
Specialists and supportive care teams have
particular interests in ensuring maintenance of
health and fitness beyond the immediate needs
of cancer surgery or chemotherapy.
Specialists in oncology, leukaemia and
lymphoma care, sports physicians, cardiac and
respiratory physicians, fertility experts, nurse
specialists and allied health professionals work
together in a vibrant atmosphere focussing on
ensuring not just a smooth recovery from cancer
treatment but also a rapid recovery to normal life.
Individual nurses are encouraged to pursue
their special interests and to build a reputation
in areas such as breast cancer, lymphoma
and leukaemia, melanoma, immune therapy,
chemotherapy, cell therapies, clinical trials,
patient education teaching and training other
nurses, fitness and exercise for cancer patients
and safe use of alternative medicines.
Patients enjoy their own private treatment area so
that they can continue to work, study and socialise during
cancer treatment. The provision of wireless internet access is
just one of the value added services that facilitates patients
staying connected during their treatment cycles.
New treatments available
In partnership with the Gallipoli Medical Research
Centre, Greenslopes Private has created a new
style of cancer care service in which a more
personalised approach to cancer care is combined
with cutting edge scientific and clinical research.
As well as providing the best available
medical and surgical care for patients with
cancer, Greenslopes Private Hospital provides a
range of exciting new treatments undergoing
development in the Gallipoli Medical Research
Centre Clinical Trials Unit.
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GPHnews

Current trials are testing new treatments for
a range of cancers including melanoma, colon
cancer, lymphoma, myeloma and leukaemia,
helping ensure patients have access to new
treatments not routinely available in Australia.
Testimonial fund for cancer
research
The Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation has
established the Cyril Gilbert Testimonial Fund to
raise money for cancer research being conducted
onsite at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
The fund aims to attract donations and
support from corporate entities, organisations,
individuals and families. The Foundation will be
actively seeking support for the fund over the
coming months including hosting the Cyril Gilbert
Testimonial Dinner as a major fundraiser.
For more information visit
www.gallipoliresearch.com.au
Access to cancer related
clinical trials
A number of clinical trials are underway
in the Gallipoli Medical Research Centre
at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Some of
these trials are part of larger national and
international trials that give patients at
Greenslopes the opportunity to receive exciting
new treatments not routinely available. Other
trials involve treatments developed in the
Gallipoli Medical Research Centre.
Volunteers are needed to participate in
the following cancer related clinical trials.
For more information contact the Gallipoli
Medical Research Centre Clinical Trials Unit on
(07) 3394 7807 or (07) 3394 7071.
Colon cancer
This trial is part of an international trial
aiming to improve the treatment outcomes
in patients with colon cancer who have not
responded well to their initial chemotherapy.
The study tests a new combination therapy.
MK -0646 is a new drug that has not yet been
approved for sale. Cetuximab (Erbitux*) and
Irinotecan (Camptosar) may be available by
prescription.
As well as providing the
best available medical and
surgical care for patients with
cancer, Greenslopes Private
Hospital provides a range of
exciting new treatments
undergoing development in
the Gallipoli Medical Research
Centre Clinical Trials Unit.
The purpose of this study is to:
• Test the safety of the research study drug,
MK-0646 when given with Cetuximab and
Irinotecan.
• See how well the combination of MK-0646,
Cetuximab and Irinotecan works compared
to Cetuximab and Irinotecan alone in
treating the disease.
Melanoma
This trial looks at the effectiveness of a
medication in delaying the relapse of
melanoma after surgery where a melanoma
and the lymph node metastases of a skin
cancer were removed. At the moment there
is no well tolerated effective, scientifically
proven preventive treatment available to
improve prognosis. Up to now research has
shown that melanoma patients may have
some benefit from therapy with interferon
alpha with the price of high toxicity. Novel
immunotherapies hold promises for providing
clinical benefit and improvement in outcome
for patients with this disease. Ipilimumab is a
novel immunotherapy which might provide
clinical benefit for patients with Stage III
melanoma.
Introducing the Breast
Care Nurse
Supporting patients & their families
through their treatment for breast cancer.
What is a Breast Care Nurse?
A breast care nurse is a registered nurse
with a special interest in breast disease who
has undergone specific training. The Breast
Care Nurse can offer emotional support and
information to patients and families.
What can the Breast Care Nurse
do for me?
• Provide information about my treatment
surgery and recovery
• Provide emotional support
• Provide a link to community services
• Provide a link to allied health services
• Explain medical terms
• Discuss surgical procedures
• Provide information about prosthesis and
bra fittings
• Help patients understand side effects such
as hair loss and premature menopause
FAQs
How do I arrange a visit with the Breast
Care Nurse?
The Breast Care Nurse carriers a pager (# 540)
you are able to ask the nurses or your doctor
to contact the Breast Care Nurse for you. If
you are not in hospital you can still arrange to
speak to the Breast Care Nurse by emailing
breastcarenurse.gph@ramsayhealth.com.au
or phoning switch on 3394 7111 and ask them
to page the Breast Care Nurse (The Breast Care
Nurse works variable hours Mon – Fri and will
contact you at the earliest possible opportunity).
Will the Breast Care Nurse support
members of my family?
Yes with your permission we are happy to
support members of your family. Whilst the
particular details of your treatment are private
and confidential the Breast Care Nurse is
always available to explain information and
provide resources to family members.
Will the Breast Care Nurse be in theatre?
A visit by the Breast Care Nurse can usually be
arranged before theatre or in the preoperative
lounge. On most occasions the nurse will visit
on the day of surgery once you have returned
to the ward.
GPHnews 7

Greenslopes selected as site for
leading cancer research trials & studies
Greenslopes Private Hospital has a growing reputation in cancer
treatment and research. The cancer specialists at Greenslopes are
collaborating internationally to bring innovative trials and studies to
patients on campus.
The Human and Research Ethics Committee has approved
for Greenslopes Private Hospital to participate in a trial of new
management for oesophageal cancer. The trial combines new
pre-operative chemotherapy regimes with surgery. The treatment is
then monitored with highly sensitive PET scans looking for a cure in
this very aggressive cancer.
This trial will identify those who have had a good response to the
initial chemotherapy to be followed up with surgery. Those patients
who do not respond to the initial chemotherapy will be offered more
radical treatment. This is a very exciting trial being performed in
conjunction with the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
In addition, Greenslopes Private Hospital has been selected as a site
to participate in the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)
pancreas study. This is a very ambitious study that plans to sequence
the Genome of some 400 pancreas cancers internationally. This study
is being performed in conjunction with the very prestigious research
group at the Garvin Institute in Sydney.
The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) is one of most
ambitious biomedical and clinical research efforts since the Human
Genome Project. The ICGC will coordinate international-scale research
effort to understand the genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic
changes involved in the major forms of cancer. This information will lead
to better ways of diagnosing, treating and preventing cancer.
General Surgeon, Dr Andrew Barbour is the Principal Investigator for
both the oesophageal and pancreas cancer studies and Dr Tom O’Rourke,
General Surgeon is also an investigator on the pancreas study.
Multidisciplinary approach to
cancer care - a case study
Following is a case study that demonstrates the multidisciplinary
approach to cancer care that is offered to our patients at
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
In May 2007, the 15 year old male patient in question presented
to his general practitioner with vague upper abdominal pain
and some diarrhoea. His GP astutely organised a CT scan of his
abdomen which showed a 7cm mass in his left upper quadrant
that appeared to be arising from his stomach.
This occurred in the background of an otherwise very
healthy and active young man who was a very good cricket
player. He was initially assessed by Haematologist Oncologist,
Associate Professor Andrew Nicol as part of what became a
very complex multidisciplinary approach to his treatment at
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
General Surgeon, Dr Andrew Barbour became involved once
the mass had been reviewed by Associate Professor Nicol. He
was initially referred for endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound.
The endoscopy identified a large mass pressing in on the
outside of the stomach. The biopsies initially were inconclusive.
Hence he went on to an endoscopic ultrasound which is an
excellent local regional staging tool for gut malignancies. This
was performed by Gastroenterologist, Dr Peter Whiting and his
fellow Gastroenterologist Dr Luke Hourigan was also involved
in his care. It identified a very aggressive lesion arising from the
submucosal layers of the stomach. He underwent a PET scan
that indicated spread of the cancer.
He underwent a laparoscopy to gauge fully the spread of
the tumour. This procedure identified a large primary tumour
arising from his anterior wall of the body of his stomach
as well as a large number of intra-abdominal seeds of this
tumour. Histological analysis confirmed the lesions to be
a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Inspite of the generally
poor prognosis with this tumor the combination of the new
cancer drug Glivec and extensive surgery the tumour is now in
complete remission.
The very good outcome for this young man was possible
because of the specialist involvement in the many areas of
diagnosis, monitoring and with the surgical and medical
oncology treatments. The patient has been maintained on
Glivec therapy since his second operation and he continues to
have no detectable disease on follow up CT scan.
Through collaborative efforts with
other leading hospitals & research centres
throughout Australia & overseas we are
seeing new & innovative trials & studies
being undertaken on campus.
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GPHnews

Preserving fertility for patients
commencing cancer treatment
When treatment for cancer, with either
chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is planned the
oncologist will discuss the side effects of the
treatment with their patient.
For patients who are treated for cancer
during their reproductive years this can this can
include damage to the reproductive system
which may result in infertility.
At Greenslopes Private Hospital our fertility
experts at Assisted Conception Australia work
closely with our oncologists to assist patients
who may need to consider their fertility
options after diagnosis. It is important that
this consultation is done as soon as possible so
that the opportunity for fertility preservation is
given every chance for success.
According to fertility expert, Dr Clare
Boothroyd, “There is now clear evidence that
survivors of cancer in reproductive years are
pleased to be alive but their greatest source of
dissatisfaction is their loss of fertility and their
belief that options for their preservation of
their fertility were not discussed with them at
the time of their treatment.
“This places a huge onus on oncologists
to address these issues at a stressful time.
At GPH because of our close liaison with the
oncologists fertility preservation consultation
can be streamlined to the busy schedule a
patient can have prior to commencement of
treatment and all the services can be conducted
on site.”
“Sometimes cancer can be diagnosed
when couples are actively trying to conceive
and it is wonderful to have the privilege of
helping them create new life as well as seeing
them through their cancer treatment. This
is because patients are told that they should
avoid conceiving a pregnancy whilst having
chemotherapy,” Dr Boothroyd said.
For men they need to consider there may be
damage to part of the testis where sperm are
made and chemotherapy and radiotherapy to
the testes can reduce a man’s sperm production
permanently. If a man is considering having a
family in the future it is important to consider
freezing semen before treatment is started.
For women, there may be damage to the
eggs in the ovary and chemotherapy and
radiotherapy can damage a woman’s eggs
permanently, resulting in difficulty conceiving
a pregnancy and early menopause. Early
menopause can also result in loss of periods
and low levels of the female hormones,
oestrogen and progesterone.
There are four possible ways for women
who are about to undertake chemotherapy to
try to preserve their fertility:
1. Undertake an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle
and create embryos, which can be frozen.
2. Undertake an IVF cycle and freeze eggs.
3. Have a laparoscopy and freeze part of the
ovary where the eggs are.
4. Reduce egg production during
chemotherapy, using a drug such as:
Syneral, Lucrin or Zoladex.
For more information contact T: 07 3394 4108
or visit www.acaivf.com.au
“Little Miracles”
Baby Party
Fertility centre Assisted Conception Australia
(ACA) celebrated its first birthday with a party
for ‘’miracle babies” conceived since its launch
on 25 July 2008. Held onsite at ACA’s customdesigned
facility at Greenslopes Private
Hospital, the party was an opportunity for
doctors, staff and parents to meet up, swap
news and celebrate new arrivals.
The party was a huge success with over 40
babies, parents, siblings, mums-to be, doctors,
nurses, embryologists and guests attending.
Even the babies seemed bemused by the party
atmosphere, cake, balloons and presents.
In her welcoming speech Medical Director
Dr Clare Boothroyd said what a privilege it
was to help such wonderful people on their
journey to parenthood. And she hoped all the
new parents would enjoy these special additions
to their family. With more babies expected over
the next few months, ACA staff members are also
looking forward to adding more baby photos to
the centre’s walls.
After one year, and 70 pregnancies later, the
centre is doing well, said Dr Boothroyd. ‘’Couples
are coming from across Queensland, with some
women falling pregnant against the odds. The
Unit is also embarking on research to improve
fertility treatments in the future, and is presenting
a GP education session with other Greenslopes
Private Hospital specialists to improve health
professional’s knowledge of infertility.
ACA’s boutique-style fertility centre is the
vision of fertility experts Drs Clare Boothroyd
and Steven Fleming. With over 20 years
combined experience, they have established
a professional and supportive centre offering
couples a personalised approach to fertility
treatment.
GPHnews 9

Hearts at Greenslopes
Greenslopes Cardiac Scientist Simon Townsend, Radiologist
Dr Nicholas Daunt and Cardiologist Dr Karen Phillips have had a
case report published in the June edition of the Journal of Atrial
Fibrillation titled “Esophageal Dilatation Post-Gastric Banding and
Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report.” The report
examines a case of significant esophageal dilatation following
previous laparoscopic gastric banding in a patient with permanent
atrial fibrillation undergoing a pulmonary vein isolation procedure.
Greenslopes supports Heart
Foundation Conference
As part of the Heart Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebrations,
Greenslopes was proud to support the Heart Foundation Conference
in May which provided a unique opportunity for international and
national presenters to showcase key clinical, research and public
health issues surrounding cardiovascular disease in the 21st century.
This conference is set apart from the rest by providing a focus on
prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation in one
world class forum.
Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac technicians, nurses,
public health professionals, dieticians, nutritionists, researchers,
allied health professionals and other interested parties attended this
three day event which was chaired by Cardiologist and Director of
Cardiovascular Research, Associate Professor David Colquhoun.
Heart Foundation workshop
on motivational interviewing
The Heart Foundation recently held a Motivational Interviewing
workshop at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Approximately 40
health professionals who manage patients with heart disease
attended the workshop which was presented by Clinical Psychologist,
Dr Stan Stiendl.
Funding was received from Queensland Health for the Heart
Foundation to disseminate one of its resources, My Heart My Life,
to clinicians working with people with heart disease. The manual is
provided to cardiac patients throughout Queensland as a standardised
resource to help their recovery and reduce further events and return
visits to hospital. The professionals using the resource were surveyed
and asked what their education needs were in relation to using the
resource more effectively, with an overwhelming number stating that
they needed further information on utilisation of the resource and
Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills.
Given this feedback, Motivational Interviewing workshops were
provided by the Heart Foundation in Townsville, the Gold Coast and at
Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane.
Participants who attended the session developed an
understanding of the fundamental spirit and principles of MI,
developed empathetic counselling skills, experienced the delivery of
the MI technique through demonstration and practice and gained
confidence in delivering MI in a clinical setting.
The Heart Foundation will be conducting one day workshops
to further the skills of health professionals in the area of
motivational interviewing. The workshops will be held
around the state and further information can be
obtained from the Heart Foundation.
Left: Cardiologist
and Director of
Cardiovascular
Research, Associate
Professor David
Colquhoun
addresses the
Heart Foundation
Conference.
Luncheon with ES Meyers Memorial Lecturer
Greenslopes Private Hospital was proud to continue our long association
with the University of Queensland Medical Society (UQMS) and its members
through sponsorship of the ES Meyers Memorial Lecture.
Greenslopes Private Hospital was delighted to host a luncheon for
this year’s guest speaker, Dr Rowan Gillies, Past international President of
Medecins Sans Frontieres and members of the UQMS executive.
Dr Rowan Gillies is a doctor from Sydney who is training to become a
plastic and reconstructive surgeon and is the youngest ever International
Council President of the Nobel-Prize Winning Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)
MSF is the world’s leading medical and humanitarian organisation,
operating under a 620 million dollar annual budget to provide aid to victims
of natural disasters and armed conflicts, in over 60 countries. Prior to heading
MSF, Dr Gillies worked at the forefront of relief operations in Afghanistan,
Sierra Leone, Sudan and Liberia.
Dr Gillies delivered the annual UQ Medical Society`s ES Meyers Memorial
Lecture on "Challenges in Humanitarian Assistance" at the University of
Queensland that evening.
Dr Gillies provided a very challenging and insightful lecture that was
attended by more than 800 guests including many medical students who
aspired to undertake humanitarian work at some time in their career.
10
GPHnews

Feature
UQ clinical school
development underway
The flexibility of
the collaborative learning centre allowing for
different learning environments is a highly innovative
approach in the design of this facility
The agreement between Greenslopes Private
Hospital and The University of Queensland
has been finalised for the $14 million
redevelopment of the Greenslopes Private
Hospital University of Queensland Clinical
School.
This is a first for Australia and will see
Greenslopes Private Hospital as the only private
hospital to boast a fully fledged clinical school.
For many years the University of
Queensland (UQ) has operated a medical
school at Greenslopes Private Hospital with
several of our Visiting Medical Officers having
appointments with UQ. This expansion will
enable the numbers to be increased to up to 65
medical students who will be based on campus.
The current development was instigated
in 2007 with UQ submitting a proposal to
the Commonwealth government for the
establishment of an expanded clinical school at
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
It was agreed that the best option was
to co-locate the school into the midst of the
hospital to allow increased access for all of the
staff to the wonderful facilities.
Clinical School Head, Professor Darrell
Crawford said that a fundamental role of the
University is to support the learning of the
community that it serves.
“Placing this clinical school within the
hospital will allow access for all staff to these
educational facilities,” Professor Crawford said.
“The flexibility of the collaborative
learning centre allowing for different learning
environments is a highly innovative approach in
the design of this facility.”
The clinical school will be located in four
distinct areas including a collaborative learning
centre, tutorial and meeting rooms, office
space and a clinical education centre.
1. Collaborative Learning Centre
Located on the ground floor of the Jessie
Vasey Wing, adjacent to the hospital lobby
will incorporate:
• A modern meeting space comprising a 140
seat lecture theatre that can be divided
into two rooms, 20 seat board room, and
pre-function foyer
• A library & learning centre featuring flexible
learning environments providing
for discussion, reading, quiet study &
presentations
• A medical officer lounge
2. Clinical teaching & tutorial
facilities
Located on the lower lobby level directly under
the collaborative learning centre comprising a
number of meeting and tutorial rooms.
3. expansion of UQ administration
offices
Also located on the lower lobby level
4. Clinical Education Centre
Located in the stores building on the hill at the
top of the campus will feature
• Mock Wards with an observation room
• Tutorial space & meeting rooms
• Student facilities
These facilities will be fitted out with the
latest in learning technology and will be
shared between the UQ clinical school and the
hospital community.
The project will be staged to minimise the
impact to hospital activity and will commence
with the clinical education centre and then
move into the clinical teaching and tutorial
areas and UQ administration. The last stage will
be the construction of the new meeting space.
Work is expected to commence in late 2009
with completion in late 2010.
GPHnews 11

Feature
GPH UQ Clinical School
Collaborative Learning Centre
Located on the ground floor of the Jessie
Vasey Wing, adjacent to the hospital lobby
will incorporate:
• A modern meeting space comprising a 140
seat lecture theatre that can be divided
into two rooms, 20 seat board room, and
pre-function foyer
• A library & learning centre featuring flexible
learning environments providing
for discussion, reading, quiet study &
presentations
• A medical officer lounge
This is a first for Australia & will see Greenslopes Private
Hospital as the only private hospital to boast a fully
fledged clinical school.
12
GPHnews

Clinical Education Centre
Located in the stores building on the hill at the
top of the campus will feature
• Mock Wards with an observation room
• Tutorial space & meeting rooms
Clinical teaching & tutorial facilities
Located on the lower lobby level directly under
the collaborative learning centre comprising a
number of meeting and tutorial rooms.
GPHnews 13

Robot notches up more than
150 radical prostatectomies
Urologists at Greenslopes Private Hospital
have recently performed the 150th radical
prostatectomy using the da Vinci Surgical System.
GPH was the first hospital in Queensland to
operate with the robot in late December 2008.
Urologist, Peter Heathcote said that the five
surgeons who are trained to operate the da Vinci
Robot have worked hard to become proficient
with this procedure following their extensive
training in the States late last year.
“It has been really important to all of us that
we skill up very quickly so that we could provide
a great service to our patients who are suitable
candidates for this procedure,” Dr Heathcote said.
“We are now undertaking more than 25
prostatectomies a month and we expect this
number to continue to increase.”
The robot is cutting edge technology that
enables surgeons to operate in the difficult to get
to lower pelvis through very small incisions with
unmatched precision. Use of the da Vinci Surgical
System represents the fastest growing treatment
for prostate cancer world-wide.
Some of the benefits of the robot assisted
surgery include shorter stay in hospital, less pain
and less risk of infection. Patients can expect a
faster recovery and return to normal activities in
a few days.
The patient feedback has been positive
and there is a marked decrease in patient length
of stay.
For further information visit
www.queenslandroboticsurgery.com
We are now undertaking
more than 25 prostatectomies
a month and we expect
this number to continue
to increase.
Engineers hands-on with robot
Members of the Engineers Australia Biomedical College were given the
unique opportunity to attend a hands-on professional development event
around the Da Vinci Surgical System at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Those who attended and participated thoroughly enjoyed the exposure to
this cutting edge technology as it is used in its clinical environment, which is
not often a luxury afforded to the biomedical engineers and technicians.
On board for the event were Da Vinci Robot Australian agents, Device
Technologies and Greenslopes Private Hospital Urologist, Dr. Peter Heathcote
and his team.
Biomedical College members were treated to a live stream of a
prostatectomy being undertaken by Dr. Heathcote using the robotic system,
which continued with a presentation by Device Technologies Da Vinci Product
Specialist, Dominic Breuker who then led a hands-on demonstration with the
robot in the Operating Theatres.
With Dominic Breuker’s background in Biomedical Engineering, this was
very appropriately presented to the technical audience.
14
GPHnews

The Kokoda Challenge is a cross-country bushwalking team
event where teams of 4 people trek a 96km course through the
Gold Coast Hinterland within a 39 hour time limit. The event was
designed to reflect the key elements of the Spirit of Kokoda with
96km representing the actual distance of the Kokoda Track and
the 39 hours symbolizing the 39th Militia who were the first of
our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942. Dr
Dan Rowe, Plastic Surgeon, Greenslopes Private Hospital joined
team mates Jaeme Zwart (Cairns Private Hospital), Mark Goves
and Tony Hurd to take the challenge. This is his personal account
of the experience.
Docs conquer
Kokoda
Challenge
A chilly morning in Mudgeeraba soon gave way
to a glorious day for walking. Our team got off to a solid
start, with a plan to finish in 25 hours. An easy warm up
through the back roads of Mudgeeraba soon had in the
more mountainous areas of the hinterland. Three very solid
climbs up to around 400metres above sea level soon had the
field thinning out, and by the second major check point only
several teams in front and behind were to be seen.
Fighting through cramps and fatigue late in the day, all team
members felt confident of a finish around our target time.
Some beautiful scenery through the national and state parks
in the hinterland around the Hinze Dam almost made us
forget the pain of the last fifty odd kilometres, and the close
to 50km to go!
With a predicted minimum temp of -2 degrees at Numinbah,
the official half way point, we were all keen to keep on the
trails so as not to fall asleep or cool off, and never making it
to the end. At 65km in, and 650metres up (again - the walk
had around 5000 vertical metres included - that's up and
down combined) Sid Duncan Park in Beechmont at midnight
was the point where nothing could keep us from the finish -
blisters, likely stress fractures and cramps all faded away with
the approaching finish line.
In the wee small hours of the morning, as we entered the
Nerang State Forest and could feel the finish line calling us -
still around 15km to go.
All were in the zone by now, just focusing on finishing and
keeping each other going as dawn broke over the Eucalypts.
This is a true team event, with only one third of teams
finishing with all members present. As the kilometres click
past you rely on each other more and more for support,
motivation, distraction..... Its amazing how long the final 5km
can feel on the end of 91 before them!
As we walked together under the Australian army guns
at the finish line, a thought went out for the brave men of
the original Kokoda and what they went through with the
Japanese army doing their best to end their progress. The
spirit of Kokoda continues and it is a privilege to be able to
say we finished this small tribute to their bravery.
Our time across the line was 24:58:30 - Made It !!!!!
Thanks to our major sponsors Greenslopes Private Hospital
and Cairns Private Hospital, plus all the other many people
who supported us.
Above: ‘WASSUP’ team at the start line for 2009 Kokoda Challenge.
LtoR Mark Goves, Jaeme Zwart, Dan Rowe, Tony Hurd
GPHnews 15

Introducing new Spe
Dr Kathleen Cooke
Anaesthetist & Pain Medicine Physician
Dr Julie Humphries
Cardiologist - Echocardiography
T: 3394 2778
F: 3397 6439
Dr Kathleen Cooke has recently established
private practice with Dr Mark Tadros in
the Brisbane Rehab Rooms at Greenslopes
Private Hospital.
Dr Cooke graduated from the University
of Queensland in 1998 and completed her
anaesthetic training in 2006 then pain medicine
fellowship in 2007.
She enjoys working in all areas of chronic pain
medicine particularly neuropathic pain. Those
who may benefit from pain management include
chronic musculoskeletal pain; pain associated
with neurological dysfunction (stroke, multiple
sclerosis, trigeminal neuralgia); persistent
post-surgical pain and cancer related pain. The
services Dr Cooke can offer include chronic pain
assessment and management; medicolegal
assessment; interventional pain management.
T: 3394 3100
F: 3394 3118
Cardiologist, Dr Julie Humphries has just returned
from an Advanced Echocardiography Fellowship
at the Mayo Clinic.
Dr Humphries has a particular interest in heart
failure, particularly diastolic heart failure.
She has expertise in the management of
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diseases of the
ascending aorta including Marfan syndrome and
common adult congenital heart diseases, such as
bicuspid aortic valve, mitral valve prolapsed, ASD
and Ebsteins anomaly.
Dr Humphries completed her Cardiology training
at the Prince Charles Hospital before heading
to the USA. She initially trained as an exercise
physiologist, has an extensive background in
cardiovascular diseases and was once the
Director of the Wesley Hospital’s Cardiac
Rehabilitation Program.
Dr Gerard Connors
Interventional Cardiologist
Dr Nick Lutton
Colorectal Surgeon
T: 3394 3100
F: 3394 3118
Cardiologist, Dr Gerard Connors returns from two
years in the United States, where he completed
two subspecialty Fellowships - Interventional
Vascular Medicine at Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston,
and Interventional Cardiology at Stony Brook
University Hospital, New York. Prior to this he
graduated from the University of Queensland
and completed specialty training in Cardiology at
Princess Alexandra Hospital.
His special interests include coronary artery
disease, vascular medicine, peripheral artery
disease and hypertension. He provides
consulting and interventional services at
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
T: 3394 7504
F: 3394 6722
Colorectal surgeon, Dr Nicholas Lutton has
recently commenced private practice at
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
He completed his training in General Surgery
at Princess Alexandra Hospital and then began
three years of sub-specialist training in colorectal
surgery. He trained in Basingstoke, UK, for twelve
months under the ‘father’ of modern rectal
cancer surgery and then completed the postfellowship
training program of the Colorectal
Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand.
This involved year long appointments at both
The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne and St George
Hospital, Sydney.
Dr Lutton is interested in both cancer and
non-cancer colorectal surgery with a particular
interest in functional bowel problems
(incontinence, constipation and defaecatory
disorders). He has a public appointment at both
the Princess Alexandra and Mater Adult Hospitals
and can be contacted via our Greenslopes Private
Hospital Sessional Rooms.
16
GPHnews

ecialists
GP Education at GPH
– doing fine in 2009.
Dr Kellee Slater
General & Hepatobiliary Surgeon
T: 3240 5309
F: 3240 7011
General and Hepatobiliary Surgeon, Dr Kellee
Slater has recently commenced private practice
at Greenslopes Private Hospital in the sessional
rooms and has a weekly operating list.
Dr Slater has been a staff General and Liver
Transplant Surgeon at the Princess Alexandra
Hospital for the last four years. Her main area of
interest is hepato-biliary and pancreatic surgery
and she especially enjoys laparoscopic gallbladder
surgery. She is also a general surgeon and enjoys
all types of hernias and splenectomy both open
and laparoscopic hernia surgery. Dr Slater also
specialises in the care of high risk and critically
ill patients.
Her patients all enjoy the benefits of extensive
information guides to their surgery and gift bags
to make their hospital stays more comfortable.
Dr Slater works exclusively with only two
anaesthetists who understand her surgery and
the sometimes complex nature of her patients.
Dr Slater’s registrar training was at Princess
Alexandra Hospital, followed by a liver transplant
fellowship in Denver, Colorado USA and a Hepato-
Biliary fellowship at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
GP Education at GPH has had a bumper year2date, with
still more to come! Credit for this must go to our excellent
presenters & enthusiastic participants, our doggedly loyal
GPEdu committee who make sure that our curriculum remains
relevant, practical & focussed…and then there’s ‘the boys (&
girls) in the back room’ that make it all happen - from our
creative designer Jono, cordon bleu chefs Peter & Simon and
AV genius re Peter thro to traffic controllers, organisers, time
keepers and trouble shooters, Frances, Taren & Alison.
Just to give you a snapshot of what we have been up to in the
conference room –
February – Sweet talk , a small group learning over 3
nights, in diabetes management with 9 specialist presenters
& 19 GPs.
March – Lifesavers , a weekend Active Learning Module in
Emergency Medicine with Saturday arvo round table discussions
and Sunday morning workshops. Plus Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation! 56 participants & 8 intrepid specialists.
July thro September –Take 5 , our joint series with the
RACGP featuring 5 evening symposia covering men’s health,
oncology, gastroenterology, geriatric and general medicine
and introducing 5 of our newer specialists in a speed updating
night. 22 specialists in total & 50-60 GPs/night.
Yet to come
In October we are planning another Sat/Sun ALM- Middle Age
Spread looking at chronic disease management and better
health in the middle years. To date, 12 good hearted specialists
have agreed to sacrifice their sat arvo cycle / sun morning sleep
in …. So mark your diary now 17,18 October 2009 and look out
for our fax stream invite soon!
Planning for 2010
We are off and running with lots of exciting projects & plans
for next year and greatly appreciate the generosity of those
specialists ‘volunteering’ to contribute their time and talents,
the quality of the activities under consideration and the
ongoing enthusiasm of the GPEdu team as we continue ‘doing
it 4 docs’.
GP Education@GPH- in a class of its own, with the cream of the
crop teaching & learning together- wot a winner!
Sue Gray
Dr Sue Gray
GP Liaison & Education
Ramsay Health Care
GPHnews 17

Practice Moves
We are pleased to advise the following specialists have moved into
new suites in the Ramsay Specialist Centre.
Suite 209
Professor Judith Goh
Gynaecologist
T: 3847 9909
F: 3847 6433
Indonesian docs benefit
from expertise at GPH
Dr Hannah Krause
Gynaecologist
T: 3847 8998
F: 3847 6433
Looking for a specialist
at GPH?
For a complete &
up-to-date list of
accredited specialists
regularly attending
Greenslopes Private
Hospital visit the website
greenslopesprivate.com.au
Above: Dr Sapto Adji Hardjosworo (L) and Dr Dwi Pantjawibowo (R) with
Dr Jim Houston, Director of Medical Services, on their visit from Indonesia.
We were delighted to welcome two Indonesian doctors from the Ramsay
Health Care hospital in Bitaro to spend two weeks at Greenslopes Private
Hospital in August.
Dr Sapto Adji Hardjosworo and Dr Dwi Pantjawibowo attached
themselves to the orthopaedic and pain management teams to pick up
some of the latest techniques performed in Australia.
Adji is an Orthopaedic Surgeon who has a special interest in sports
medicine. He joined the Orthopaedic Unit at Greenslopes Private Hospital
for tuition in major joint replacement and had time with Dr Simon Locke
a specialist sports physician on campus.
Pantja is a practicing Anaesthetist with a special interest in chronic
pain management. He spent the weeks under the guidance of Dr Jim
O’Callaghan and Dr Brendan Moore at their clinic.
Both Adji and Pantja enjoyed their time here and hope to return next
year to further expand their knowledge in their respective fields.
GPH celebrates inaugural EEN Graduation
In August the first group of students
undertaking the Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
Program graduated after completing their 18
month course.
As a joint venture, Greenslopes Private
Hospital and Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
deliver an integrated and innovative HLT51607
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2) course
which is held at Greenslopes Private Hospital
and delivered by Gold Coast Institute of TAFE.
Ramsay Training Institute Manager, Mr Jody
Meier said that the program has been a huge
success with two additional student groups
currently undertaking the course on campus.
“The course has attracted a good number
of quality candidates and we have had a strong
response from applicants for the fourth intake
in October 2009,”Jody said.
The 13 graduates who commenced in April
2008 will now become EENs at Greenslopes
commencing in October.
To be considered for this fantastic and
innovative program at Greenslopes Private
Hospital, candidates must lodge an application
by the specified closing date for each intake. All
applications will be reviewed and the candidates
who meet the entry requirements will be offered
an interview. After the interview and selection
process is complete the successful candidates will
be offered a place within the program.
For more information visit
www.ramsayjobs.com.au and click
on the EEN Program link.
Right: Samantha Le Moeligou, recipient
of the Greenslopes/RTI All Rounder Award
(outstanding performance in the classroom
& on placement).
18
GPHnews

VR GPs for Preadmission Clinic
This is a unique opportunity that would suit
a VR GP interested in providing preadmission
assessment services to the patients of
Greenslopes Private Hospital.
• Employee or contractor position
• Competitive hourly rate
• Flexible hours
• Well-supported, stress-free hospital environment
• Nursing staff support
• Computerised clinic
For a confidential discussion and to find
out more contact:
Dr Tony Hayek on 0407 175 831
or email: thayek@ozemail.com.au
Greenslopes supporting the community
Art & literature awards educate our children
on ANZAC DAY
Greenslopes Private Hospital was proud to once again sponsor the Ernie Adsett ANZAC Day
Art and Literature Awards. This is a local community event established three years ago by the
Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, Federal Member for Griffith. Now as Prime Minister of Australia,
Mr Rudd continues to support this important event which has attracted entries from children
attending schools from throughout the southside of Brisbane.
CEO, Richard Lizzio was one of four judges
for the awards which are across three groups
– prep, primary and secondary school. Richard
said that Greenslopes Private Hospital is proud
of its heritage as a repatriation hospital and
this is a great opportunity to celebrate our
history with our local community.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to
support events such as this which educate and
stimulate our children about the significance
of ANZAC Day and the sacrifice made by our
veterans,” Richard said. “The quality and
diversity of entries was very high and it is
encouraging to see so many children with
such an appreciation of this important
historical event.”
1st place winners in each category
Lower Primary William Yarnall, Norman Park State School
Upper Primary
Senior
Kate Stephenson, Cannon Hill State School
Tristan Sattler-Penny, Seton College
Above: The Honourable Kevin Rudd
MP, Prime Minister of Australia
at the awards presentations at
Riverbend Books, Bulimba in June.
Greenslopes supports
music festival
Greenslopes Private Hospital was proud
to support this year’s Queensland Catholic
Schools’ and Colleges’ Music Festival held on
14, 15 & 16 August.
With the flu season upon us, Greenslopes
provided sanitising hand gel as well as
educational posters featuring hygiene
advice which were displayed at each hand
wash station.
The Festival provides the opportunity for
all Catholic primary and secondary schools
to perform in a wide range of choral and
instrumental sections.
Over the years it has grown into a major
event with this year’s festival, the 19th
annual festival, including 333 ensembles
from 83 schools, featuring 10 000 student
performances. It is hosted by Villanova
College and performances also took place at
St James Church and St James School Hall
in Coorparoo.
GPHnews 19

Greenslopes Private Hospital
…leading the way
Greenslopes Private Hospital is the flagship
hospital for the Ramsay Health Care Group,
Australia’s largest private health care operator.
The 575 bed hospital is located within 5kms of
the Brisbane CBD and offers comprehensive
inpatient and day services across all major adult
specialities excluding obstetrics.
Comprehensive pathology, radiology,
pharmacy and allied health services are also
available on-site.
Our 24 hour Emergency Centre is staffed by a
team of qualified emergency specialists.
We provide Resident Medical Officer cover
24 hours, 7 days a week, working in liaison
with our Visiting Medical Officers to ensure
the best possible care.
At the forefront of tertiary health care,
Greenslopes Private Hospital offers healthcare
professionals a unique opportunity to
experience the private health care system in
a supportive, teaching environment.
In 2010, the expansion of the onsite clinical
school will be launched at Greenslopes
in collaboration with the University
of Queensland.
www.greenslopesprivate.com.au
24 hr Emergency Centre
3394 7654
Immediate emergency care 24 hrs a day – 7 days a week
Newdegate St, Greenslopes 4120
www.greenslopesprivate.com.au
20
GPHnews