MATTERSMATER SUMMER 2016/17
“ The new X-ray system will
provide superior image
accuracy.
DR JON HODGE
Inside...
New Parkinson’s Disease treatment
Mater development moves forward
3D Mammogram technology arrives
MATER WELCOMES
Photo courtesy of the Townsville Bulletin. NEW BOARD
DIRECTORS
L to R: CEO Gerard Wyvill with three of the four new Directors Lewis Ramsay, Annabel Dolphin and Ken Taylor
Mater Health Services has appointed four new Directors to human resource management and leadership expertise; Dr
its Board of Directors as the hospital embarks on a major John Rivers is an experienced and well respected medical
development of the Pimlico Campus. specialist and has 20 years’ experience on government, private
and not for profit boards in medical, commercial, research and
The new appointments bring the number of Directors to 10. not for profit sectors; Ken Taylor is a Principal at Purcell Taylor
Lawyers and Lewis Ramsay, General Manager at the Townsville
Board Chair Laurence Rogencamp said the new Board Bulletin, has a business, property development and marketing
members brought with them a wealth of experience and background.
complimented the skill set of the sitting members.
Mr Rogencamp said each new member had a depth of
“We went looking for people with specific expertise and we are professional experience and would add expertise the Board
very fortunate to have such high quality candidates apply,” Mr needed as the hospital moved forward with the redevelopment
Rogencamp said. of its’ Pimlico campus.
New Director Annabel Dolphin has extensive business strategy,
Peace of mind with Certificate III qualified staff consistently
providing the highest quality pathology service available
Collectors with Advanced Skills Training in:
• Paediatric 0 - 5 yrs • Children 5 - 12 yrs
Over 34 conveniently located centres:
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CHARTERS TOWERS MT ISA TOWNSVILLE
SNP WILL ACCEPT ALL PATHOLOGY REFERRAL FORMS
Call 4779 3277 to find the best centre for you
www.snp.com.au
2 MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17
CEO’S DESK with Gerard Wyvill
Welcome to the latest edition of Mater Matters
This year has been a busy one full of planning, service developments and events for
the Mater.
At their meeting in August, Board Chair, Laurie Rogencamp welcomed four new
Directors – Annabel Dolphin, Lewis Ramsay, Dr John Rivers and Ken Taylor to its
Board.
The redevelopment of the Pimlico Hospital Campus is moving forward with the
Master Plan application currently being assessed by the Townsville City Council
with an expectation of approval in early 2017. Once the Master Plan is approved
MHSNQ will then submit the Stage 1 redevelopment application. The first look of the
proposed Stage 1 of the redevelopment is featured in this edition.
Our installation and commissioning of our $2.2M upgrade to our Cardiac Catheter
Labs has been completed. These upgrades are a significant investment in our
Hospital’s leading areas of clinical specialty and will enable the hospital to further
promote the expertise of our Cardiology division to the community of North
Queensland.
The new Mater Rehabilitation Unit, which was opened in July, has been proving to be a valuable service providing a holistic
approach in the treatment of patients and their recovery. There are a number of additional day patient programs planned for 2017
to expand rehabilitation services.
The Mater’s profile in the community has been enhanced throughout the year with the hospital’s sponsorship of the Mater
Townsville Cup, Townsville Triathlon Festival, Blackhawks rugby league games and other smaller events. These events also
provided staff with the opportunity to attend and enjoy themselves and represent MHSNQ in our Townsville Corporate Community.
You will see some of the photos in this edition.
It has been a busy year and 2017 is shaping up to be even busier when construction begins at the Pimlico Campus. As we
approach the Christmas period I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their hard work throughout the year and
the ongoing support provided by members of our visiting medical community.
I hope that those who can get away for leave enjoy their break and have a safe and holy Christmas with their families.
Kind regards
Gerard Wyvill, CEO
In this issue . . .
4 Mater Advances New Acute Dialysis room
New Parkinson’s Disease treatment
5 Mater News Mater development moves forward
Mater nurses Mihoko Crawford,
AMdvaatnecres 6 - 7 Mater Feature Tina Lee Nochevan and Rebecca Foster
4 ON THE COVER:
MNaetwers EDITOR: Linda Souter Mater Hospital Pimlico
5 25 Fulham Road Pimlico QLD 4812
[email protected]
07 4727 4192 Mater Hospital Hyde Park
12-14 Oxford Street Hyde Park QLD 4812
JOURNALIST: Niki Lyons
Phone: 4727 4444 | Fax: 4725 1034
www.matertsv.org.au | Email: [email protected]
DESIGN & PRINT 121 Creative Townsville
[email protected]
07 4721 6265
MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 3
L to R: RN Lizzy Deng, RN Erica Smith,
Nurse Unit Manager Angela Beveridge,
RN Kate Hook
NEW ACUTE DIALYSIS ROOM
Townsville’s Mater Hospital is now treating patients new to The statistics are alarming – in Australia one in three people
renal dialysis, after adding an Acute Dialysis Room to its have kidney disease and Kidney Health Australia states that
services. kidney related disease kills more people each year than breast
cancer, prostate cancer and even road traffic accidents.
Renal Unit Nurse Manager Angela Beveridge said the new
Level 4 service had also helped free up beds in the Intensive “We can now also treat acute
Care Unit. patients on maintenance
“The Acute Dialysis Room allows the hospital to provide dialysis. RENAL UNIT NURSE MANAGER
dialysis for patients post-surgery who are too sick to attend the ANGELA BEVERIDGE
(Satellite) Renal Unit or are not that sick to be admitted to ICU,”
Ms Beveridge said. In the Townsville region about seven per cent of the population
has signs of chronic kidney disease, while in Far North
“We are now able to provide acute dialysis treatments to
maintenance dialysis patients as required.” Queensland and Central Queensland it increases to about 12
In the first month of the Acute Dialysis Room opening five per cent. (Kidney Health Australia State of the Nation 2016)
patients underwent 20 dialysis treatments.
Ms Beveridge said one of the major causes for an increase in
“The treatment and care plan for patients undergoing dialysis kidney disease since 2003 is diabetes.
for the very first time is completely different to those on long-
term dialysis,” Ms Beveridge said. “The Renal Unit will continue to grow with the health needs of
our community, so we will increase our renal unit chairs from
“Those with chronic end stage renal failure have high levels of four to six in early 2017.”
metabolic waste products, toxins and fluid.
To find our more information contact the Mater Renal Unit on
“So they undergo more treatments with an extensive care plan 4722 8855 or 4727 4444.
and more tests to avoid disequilibrium.
“As this is an extremely big learning curve for the new patient,
part of the treatment involves a lot of education from staff and
advice from a dietitian.”
SESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE VACANCIES Please contact:
The Mater Medical Consulting Suites 104 have vacancies in sessional office space at the Kerrilee Tanzer
Mater Pimlico campus. The suites use one of Australia’s leading Practice Management Medical Consulting Suites Coordinator
software systems, “Genie” and we are pleased to be able to offer the latest version to our
consultants. Phone: (07) 4727 4020
Fax: (07) 4727 4019
Consulting Suites Coordinator Kerrilee Tanzer, along with Practice Manager Melissa and staff
are available to assist doctors interested in commencing private practice with any enquires Email either: [email protected]
about the Mater Specialist Suites, costs and the availability of clinic sessions. or [email protected]
4 MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17
NEW
PARKINSON’S
DISEASE
TREATMENT
L to R: Dr Richard White and Mater
Hospital Duodopa Nurse Rachael White
Townsville’s Mater Hospital has become the first private light general anaesthetic by Dr Gillian Mahy. This procedure is
hospital outside the south-east corner to provide a ground done in the Mater’s Endoscopy Unit, after which the pump is
breaking treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. connected.
Neurologist Dr Richard White has commenced a new Following the procedure, the patient is trained in the use of the
procedure to treat Parkinson’s Disease, which involves use of pump before being discharged. Once the wound has healed
a pump to continuously deliver Duodopa drug directly into the they are able to return to all their previous activities, including
intestine. work. Patients then have access to a 24-hour helpline for any
difficulties with the pump.
Dr White said the drug Duodopa is used to treat patients
who have advanced Parkinson’s Disease with severe motor The Duodopa cassette needs to be removed after 16 hours
fluctuations, despite optimised alternative pharmacological and thrown away. However, some patients can stay on the
treatment. Duodopa for 24 hours, which requires two cassettes per day.
“This procedure has provided an option for patients where Depending on the patient’s response, the rate may need to
there has sometimes been no choice but to struggle with oral be changed by a Duodopa nurse, under the Neurologist’s
medications, and possibly lose their independence through directions.
poor mobility and other late problems,” Dr White said.
Dr White said prior to this procedure being offered at
“This procedure can mean the difference between living at Townsville’s Mater Hospital, private patients have had to travel
home and permanent nursing home care,” Dr Richard White to Brisbane to undergo treatments, including Deep Brain
said. Stimulation surgery.
“This procedure provides a means of giving a drug, which “The cost of travelling to Brisbane, travel limitations and the
most Parkinson’s Disease patients have experience with as an need for regular support have been a disincentive for some
oral medication, but with the unique advantage of a continuous patients to undergo such procedures,” Dr White said.
delivery to maintain optimal blood and brain drug levels.”
“The provision of Duodopa for patients with advanced
The pump is an external device, which delivers the Duodopa Parkinson’s Disease who are unable to travel or unsuitable for
drug to the small intestine via a PEG-J tube. This means a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, is an important development,
constant drug level is delivered to maximise the control of the which will transform the quality of life for such patients.”
patient’s symptoms.
Duodopa was added to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme in
Patients need to be assessed by Dr White and deemed May 2011, but its implementation has been restricted to just a
suitable for the treatment, before being reviewed by a few Neurology Centres in large urban areas.
Duodopa nurse specialist. Before the procedure the patient
undergoes a trial infusion of Duodopa via a nasojuejunal tube, Approximately 350 patients had received the procedure in
to assess suitably and dose. This requires admission for 5-7 Australia by the end of 2015, with the majority in the major
days before the final PEG-J insertion. population centres around Sydney and Melbourne.
The PEG-J intestinal tube is inserted endoscopically under a To contact Dr White call Townsville Neurosciences 4779 9266
or fax: 4767 5100 www.tnclinic.com.au
Fast Facts • One in 350 Australians are affected by Parkinson’s Disease, with 30 more
people diagnosed with the disease each day.
ABOUT PARKINSON’S
DISEASE • 20% of those affected are of working age
• The disease is more common than prostate, bowel and many other cancers
(Statistics - Parkinson’s Queensland)
MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 5
PROPOSED FULHAM ROAD
STAGE 1
CURRENT
LOTHAIR ST WING
PROPOSED NEW
ENTRANCE
The Mater Hospital’s Pimlico development is moving Once the Master Plan has been approved, plans for the
forward with construction of Stage 1 expected to Stage 1 of the redevelopment will be lodged.
commence by Easter 2017.
Mr Brady said the final plans for Stage 1 were currently
The Statutory Public Consultation Period for the Mater being finalised for submission to the Townsville City
Plan, which provides for the ongoing development of the Council.
Mater Pimlico campus over the next 10 years, began on 25
October 2016 and ends on December 8. “Now that we have gained approval for the partial closure
of Lothair Street we have been able to design a brand new
“The board is very excitedto be progessing the entry to the hospital, which will become the front door of
a totally modern hospital experience when people visit the
redevelopment ... PAT BRADY, DIRECTOR Mater,” Mr Brady said.
Mater’s Planning Committee Chair Pat Brady said a The $56 million first stage of the development will include
report with recommendations would be presented to the an additional four operating theatres integrated into the
next available Townsville City Council meeting after the hospital’s Lothair Street wing.
consultation period ends. Mr Brady said plans for a multi-level 600-car carpark and
medical suites would follow shortly after the submission of
Mr Brady said however this was dependant on whether Stage 1 plans.
submissions were received that required more detail.
“The Board is very excited to be progressing this
“The feedback we have received so far has been very redevelopment, which will ensure that Townsville continues
positive so we are confident that the plans will be approved to have access to private hospital facilities equivalent to
by early 2017,” Mr Brady said. any in metropolitan areas,” he said.
Mr Brady said the construction phase of Stage 1 would
provide a boost to the local economy through the
engagement of local contractors.
6 MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17
MATER
DEVELOPMENT
MOVES FORWARD
JCU CLINICAL
SCHOOL
LOTHAIR STREET
DIPROSE STREET
Artist’s impression
of the proposed
new main entrance
MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 7
3D MAMMOGRAM
Queensland X-Ray at Mater Pimlico is now offering Townsville’s first digital
L to R: Chief Radiographer Oliver Kipping and breast tomosynthesis unit, also known as 3D mammography. Similar to a
Mammographer Holly David CT scan, 3D mammography will allow doctors to view multiple slices as
separate images, removing confusion often caused by overlapping.
There have been a number of studies showing the benefits of 3D
mammography, including:
• The new C-View option creates synthesised 2D images of the
breast from the 3D mammography data therefore possibly
reducing patient compression time and radiation dose.
• Shows cancers and abnormalities are found earlier and can
improve the detection rate compared with 2D mammography alone.
• Reduces call backs for re-testing meaning the false-positives rate
is lower thanks to the diagnostic clarity of producing multiple
individual slices.
• Increases cancer detection in women with dense breasts.
All patients can benefit from a 3D exam but the following high-risk
patients may be most suited for 3D mammography.
• Ladies with any breast changes, signs or symptoms.
• Anyone with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
• Young women more likely to have dense breasts, e.g. women in their
40s seeking screening mammography.
• Patients with a previous diagnosis of breast disease or those
requiring further assessment following a 2D exam.
A 3D mammogram is taken by an x-ray arm that sweeps over the breast,
creating multiple images or “slices” that can be viewed individually,
allowing the radiologist to examine the tissue one thin layer at a time,
similar to reading pages in a book. Traditional digital mammography takes
two-dimensional shots, which shows the breast tissue overlapping. This
can simulate a suspicious finding or hide a significant abnormality.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
SPECIALIST ON BOARD
Pictured: Dr Tyson Reeve From there he worked locuming throughout Queensland at
the Mackay Base, Mount Isa Base, Cairns Base hospitals,
Queensland XRay Hyde Park’s newest Radiologist Gordonvale, Babinda, Nambour General Hospital, and
and Nuclear Medicine Specialist is pleased to be now Caloundra.
permanently based in Townsville after graduating with the
first cohort of medical students from James Cook University In 2010 he commenced radiology specialty training
in 2005. completing his first two years at The Townsville Hospital.
It is believed that Dr Tyson Reeve is the first and only He completed the final three years of training in Brisbane
Radiologist in Australia to complete both years of specialty at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Gold Coast
training in Nuclear Medicine within a private organisation. University Hospital, before commencing a Nuclear Medicine
fellowship in August 2014 within Queensland XRay.
Dr Reeve began his Nuclear Medicine fellowship in August
2014 within Queensland XRay and recently completed Dr Reeve will continue to work in Townsville as a dual
12 months of specialty training in Nuclear Medicine in trained Radiologist and Nuclear Medicine Specialist,
Townsville. reporting across a range of diagnostic imaging modalities
including Xray, Ultrasound, Mammography, CT, MRI, PET/
After graduating from JCU, Dr Reeve spent from 2006 to CT and Nuclear Medicine, as well as imaging guided
mid-2008 at the Townsville Hospital as an Intern, JHO and interventions - tissue biopsies, muscuoloskeletal injections,
Palliative Care Registrar - completing a Diploma in Palliative Radioactive Iodine therapy.
Care Medicine.
Dr Reeve also attends regular MDT meetings run by Icon
8 MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 Cancer attended by various specialists in Medical Oncology,
Radiation Oncology, Haematology, Surgery, Pathology and
Radiology.
FeSattourrye
MATER LEADS THE WAY IN
CARDIAC AND
VASCULAR TREATMENT
L to R: Mater nurses Mihoko Crawford, Tina Lee Nochevan and Rebecca Foster
Townsville’s Mater Hospital has installed new medical imaging higher resolution images as well as decreases the amount of
to diagnose and treat heart conditions that features new radiation.
technology, the first of its type in Australia.
“The new X-ray system will provide superior image accuracy,
“The new X-ray system will while allowing physicians to carry out procedures in a shorter
provide superior image time,” Dr Hodge said.
accuracy. DR JON HODGE
“More images can be taken in one sequence, which also
The hospital’s two cardiac catheter laboratories have reduces the contrast dose and radiation exposure to patients.
undergone a $2.2 million upgrade to include the new Philips
Volcano SyncVision technology system, which is a precision “This also expands treatment options for obese and high-risk
guidance vessel enhancement tool. patients as it allows longer procedures to be carried out with a
fraction of the contrast dose.”
Director of Medical Services Dr Jon Hodge said with this
new technology, doctors would be able to better analyse the The laboratories are used to perform a range of cardiac and
vessels to allow accurate length and sizing measurements vascular diagnostic and interventional procedures, as well as
during cardiac and vascular procedures. the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators and heart
ablations for rhythm disorders.
“Cardiology has been one of the biggest growth areas over
the last 20 years and interventional X-ray technology is a vital Catheter Laboratory Nurse Manager Karin Laws said one of
component in the future of medicine,” Dr Hodge said. the major benefits of the new system was a decrease in X-ray
radiation for doctors, patients and staff.
“This new equipment means that we can do a lot more things
in the catheter labs now, which is better for the patients.” “Our staff and physicians spend a lot of time in the labs
carrying out these procedures, so it’s important that we
The upgrades to the laboratories also include Philips’ latest decrease radiation exposure as much as we can,” she said.
interventional X-ray system (Allura Clarity), which provides
“This new system produces less radiation output compared to
the previous system, without comprising the image quality.”
The Mater is a tertiary level teaching private hospital with a long
history of providing interventional cardiology services and was
the first hospital to provide interventional cardiology in North
Queensland.
MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 9
REHABILITATION VMO
Dr Ola Otaiku is one of the Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) at the Mater Hospital who
is involved with the Rehabilitation Unit.
Dr Otaiku is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians Australia and New Zealand
FRACP and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians FRCP(UK). In 2015, he
concluded a Clinical Research Training course at Harvard Medical School.
He did his undergraduate training at University of Ibadan, Nigeria, then moved to
England for his postgraduate studies. In 2008, he obtained a specialist qualification in
internal medicine and geriatrics, before working in the north west of England.
Dr Ola Otaiku moved to Townsville in November 2012 and since then he has
continued to develop geriatrics in cooperation with stakeholders, including primary
health networks and general practitioners.
Dr Ola Otaiku
ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS
PLANNED FOR 2017
Rehabilitation
General Outpatient
• Falls Program Services
• “PD Warrior” (Multiple Sclerosis
and Parkinson’s Disease) • Orthopaedic /Spinal
• Orthopaedic /Spinal • Women’s Health/Ante/Post Natal
• Health and Well Being
Cardiac Rehabilitation (eg: non-rehabilitation group exercise)
• Phase II to continue These services (have individual appointments or groups)
• Phase III to begin may be covered by your Health Fund or Medicare
Chronic Disease Management Plan or self-funded.
Contact the Rehab Unit on Phone: 07 4727 4650 or Email: [email protected]
EASY ACCESS
TO REHAB
Patients attending the Mater’s new
Rehabilitation Unit for treatment now
have easy access to the facility.
A designated drop off area adjacent to
the entrance of the main gymnasium
facing Fulham Rd has been allocated
exclusively for rehab patients.
Patients will be issued a security code
for the boom gates by rehab unit staff.
To find out more call 47274650.
10 MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17
LEADING THE WAY IN
REHABILITATION CARE
Townsville Mater Hospital’s Rehabilitation Service is leading the “The main opportunity for me has been to help North
way in treating patients with its new multi-million dollar facility, Queensland patients through their hospital journey from acute,
making it the first of its type in the region. rehabilitation and functional recovery, to being able to return to
their loved ones in their own homes.”
The new $2.8 million rehabilitation unit includes: a cardio gym,
consult rooms and a large combined therapy area with a Allied Health Manager Aya Pellatt said a dedicated team
kitchen and laundry to assist patients practice their day to day of health professionals had been specially recruited for the
activities. service.
“The strength of our service “Our multi-disciplinary team includes; specialists,
is being able to manage physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, speech
acute and rehabilitation pathologists and nurses,” Ms Pellatt said.
patients in the same unit ...
DR OLA OTAIKU “The team also includes podiatrists, social workers,
psychologists and orthotist prosthetists.”
Rehabilitation Coordinator Susan Menzies said the unit also
included a 12 bed inpatient ward with ensuite bathrooms. Dr Otaiku said the rehabilitation services would be expanded in
2017.
“Our allied health team can provide a holistic approach to
treatment to assist people through recovery from a range of “In the new year we will provide pre-operative services so
health conditions, such as a decline in cognitive or physical patients rehab requirements can be tailored and their function
function, following surgery or injury,” Ms Menzies said. optimised before and after surgery,” Dr Otaiku said.
Rehab VMO Dr Ola Otaiku said the unit provided therapy to “The new outpatient services will continue to look after these
inpatients and outpatients. patients well after discharge from hospital.
“The strength of our service is being able to manage acute and “While the rehab ambulatory clinic will be initiated with focus on
rehabilitation patients in the same unit, this is not usually so in falls prevention through multidisciplinary interventions.”
other services,” Dr Otaiku said.
All patients undergoing rehabilitation programs need a referral
from a general practitioner or a treating specialist.
The staff can check your private health fund eligibility, and if not
eligible, you could potentially be covered under an alternative.
Please phone 4727 4650 for further information.
MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 11
NEW
ROOMS
Pictured: Dr James Price
Townsville orthopaedic surgeon Dr James Price has recently Queensland for a range of orthopaedic conditions.
relocated his private practice to the new Park Street Medical
Suites. He treats orthopaedic conditions of the hip, knee, ankle, foot
and hand, and uses a triage system to ensure patients are
The new modern premises are conveniently located in Park seen in a clinically appropriate timeframe.
Street across the road from the Townsville Mater Hospital –
Pimlico campus. The new medical suites also provide ample Dr Price did his surgical training at hospitals in Queensland,
free parking for patients. including Townsville.
Dr Price first started his private practice in Townsville in 2001 Park Street Medical Suites
and since then he has been treating people from across North Suite 3, 62 Park Street Pimlico QLD 4812
Phone 07 47288500
EMBRACING NQ
Following this Dr Musumba undertook a one-year
Pictured: Dr Crispin Musumba Endoscopy Training Fellowship in Advanced Endoscopy/
Endoscopic Ultrasound at the Westmead Hospital, Sydney.
Gastroentorologist Dr Crispin Musumba’s medical journey
has taken him from Kenya to the UK to Sydney and now While undergoing specialist training in the UK, Dr
finally to North Queensland. Musumba enrolled for a PhD in Clinical Pharmacology/
Gastroenterology at the University of Liverpool, under the
Along with his wife Betty, a paediatrician, and his daughters supervision of Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed (NHS Chair
Andrea, 7 and Jasmine 9, Dr Musumba moved to Townsville of Pharmacogenetics) and Professor David Mark Pritchard.
in April 2015. His thesis was on the genetic predisposition to NSAID-
induced peptic ulcer disease, leading to the award of a PhD
“We have all enthusiastically embraced all that Townsville in April 2016.
and the region have to offer, and have settled well in our new
home,” he said. In April 2015 Dr Musumba joined The Townsville Hospital
as a Staff Specialist in Gastroenterology (part-time) and
Dr Musumba completed his medical training (MBChB) at began working privately at Townsville Gastroenterology
the University of Nairobi, Kenya in 1998, followed by basic and Townsville Day Surgery as an associate of Dr Stephen
medical training and specialist training in gastroenterology, Fairley.
general internal medicine and clinical pharmacology and
therapeutics, at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in In 2016 Dr Musumba gained his FRACP and FRCPE and
Liverpool, UK. This training led to the award of a Certificate to date has published more than 25 papers in international
of Completion of Training (CCT) in 2012. peer-reviewed journals.
Dr Crispin Musumba is a gastroenterologist, specialising in
in general gastroenterology, hepatology, gastroscopy and
colonoscopy. His areas of additional training are advanced
therapeutic endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and
capsule endoscopy.
To contact Dr Musumba call Townsville Gastroenterology
4725 2855 or fax: 4767 7131 www.tgenq.com.au
12 MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17
TOWNSVILLE
RECOVERY CENTRE
15MARKS YEARS
L to R: Phill Cooper, Gerri Crozier, Connie Cairns and Sharon Isle
The Trauma Recovery Centre at Townsville’s Mater Hospital has The team also includes amongst its facilitators veterans who
reached a milestone, after completing its 70th program to treat have completed the program and return as co-facilitators.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on its 15th year anniversary.
Mr Cooper said the co-facilitators played an integral part in the
Since 2001, the centre has been providing a range of PTSD process and that inspired him to return as a new co-facilitator
programs to meet the needs of veterans who are experiencing working with the current cohort that began in mid October.
symptoms related to stress as a result of war experiences.
“Co-facilitator and veteran Matt Campbell has been involved in
Clinical Director of the Trauma Recovery Centre Dr Anand the program for the past four years.
Gundabawady said the program aimed to improve the quality
of life for participants and help them manage relationship “The program and participants greatly benefit from his
difficulties. contribution and past experiences, which provides a link
between military and civilian life.”
“Participants learn strategies for dealing with thoughts and
emotions associated with trauma and also learn ways to The Trauma Recovery Centre also prides itself on providing
manage depression, anxiety, anger, and alcohol and drug- continuity of care. The three longest serving facilitators, Connie
related problems,” Dr Gundabawady said. Cairns, Alana Bowen and Glen Davey, have clocked up 32
years between them. While unit receptionist Gerri Crozier has
The centre offers both individual counselling and group been with the centre for eight years.
programmes, as well as separate group partner sessions.
The Mater Hospital runs five programs a year, with the first one
Veteran and ex-participant Phill Cooper said the program of 2017 starting in February.
helped him understand PTSD and its symptoms. Mr Cooper
spent 15 years in the Army in the infantry and transport units, To be eligible for the program - current serving members of the
which included a seven month deployment to Afghanistan. ADF need to be diagnosed with PTSD and be referred by their
treating psychiatrist, counsellor or GP, and veterans can also
“The program provided me with the tools to be able to live self refer.
some-what of a normal life and not let PTSD control me,” he
said. Ex-serving members need to have PTSD recognised through
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“It has also been very good for my wife, as it has given her a
better understanding of what I am going through.” Veterans from out of town may also be eligible for
accommodation at a local motel during the program.
The PTSD programs are conducted by a team of experienced
professionals, including; psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, For further information contact Townsville’s Mater Hospital on
social workers, nutritionists, occupational therapists and sleep 4727 4187.
therapists.
Pictured: Dr Anand Gundabawady Dr Anand Gundabawady is a General Adult Psychiatrist and is the Clinical Director of
the Trauma Recovery Centre. He has a special interest in treating post-traumatic stress
disorder, mood and anxiety disorders and treating Defence Personnel and Veterans
with mental health issues. Dr Gundabawady is also Director of Townsville Integrated
Health Care Precinct and does a weekly clinic at Lavarack Barracks.
He completed his primary medical training at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences
in India and completed his Psychiatry training in Oxford, UK, where he gained his
Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). He is a Fellow of the
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and studied
Masters of Medicine in Pain Management at Sydney University.
MATER MATTERS Summer Edition 2016/17 13
Be close by ...
WHILE YOUR LOVED ONES ARE IN HOSPITAL
Stay at our Relatives Accommodation Units
• Laundry facilities are also available for • Mater Relatives Accommodation Units
your convenience. Housekeeping available for only $88 per night.
services will provide essentials such
as tea, coffee, toilet rolls and linen. • Directly across the road from the
Rooms are serviced weekly or upon Pimlico Campus.
your departure.
• There are 13 basic motel style units,
• Air conditioned, TV, bar fridge, tea and and one larger unit with two single
coffee making facilities. beds and a double bed.
• Check-in from 2pm. MATER COURTESY VEHICLE
AVAILABLE WEEKDAYS
10 AM - 2 PM TO
TRANSPORT FAMILIES
TO LOCAL DESTINATIONS
26-28 Fulham Road Pimlico QLD 4812
CONTACT PATIENT SERVICES
FOR BOOKINGS 07 4727 444
14 MwAwTEwR.mMAaTtTeErRtsSvS.oumrgm.earuEdition 2016/17
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We offer a Discovery Rise Domain
comprehensive James Cook Drive 103 Duckworth Street
range of services Douglas 4811 Townsville 4812
across our
FOUR Townsville Mater Hyde Park Mater Pimlico
practices 9-13 Bayswater Road Fulham Road
Hyde Park 4812 Pimlico 4812
Open weekends
Saturday 9am – 4pm
Sunday 8am – 12pm
To make an appointment call
Central Bookings on (07) 4759 2800
Brisbane • Cairns • GoldCoast • Mackay • Toowoomba • Townsville qldxray.com.au