Gold Coast Private - the reviewAllamanda Private hospital - safer surgery nuclear medicine
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
the review Allamanda Private Hospital
ISSUE 1 2015
Gold Coast
safer surgery
improves fertility
Private
reaches major milestone
nuclear medicine new equipment
world-first technology diagnoses epilepsy
www.allamandaprivate.com.au
WELCOME
21 Spendelove Street
Southport, QLD 4215
P (07) 5591 9400
4
C ontents
F (07) 5591 4675
David Harper
MORE INFORMATION
E
very year we look back on what
4 GCPH reaches major milestone For more information
we achieved the previous year. In
regarding the services offered
2014, Allamanda celebrated its
at Allamanda Private Hospital
8 allamanda celebrates 35 years please contact:
35th year of service to the Gold
Coast community. On reflection, it’s clear we
10 rehab program scores top results have been at the forefront of developing and
8 P: (07) 5591 9494
E: alix.saunders@
providing new services since 1979 and will
12 safer surgery improves fertility healthscope.com.au
continue to be a leader in our field well into
the future.
This year is a year of celebration and
14 nuclear medicine –
sadness for Allamanda, which is now in its
world first technology final year of operation before we relocate to
the Gold Coast Private in 2016.
16 new equipment to diagnose epilepsy We have a proud history and a bright
future.
18 new sponsorship for surf life saving I would like to thank all of our staff
and doctors for your ongoing efforts and
20 news in brief support as we continue to provide the
10 highest standards of healthcare to the Gold
21 mac – DR dodd resigns Coast community in 2015 and beyond.
22 profiles
Dr michael johnson
Dr chin wong
Dr rafid alzubaiDy
3
12
Gold coast private hospital Gold Coast private hospital
GOLD COAST PRIVATE HOSPITAL
reaches major milestone
onstruction on the new Gold Coast Private Hospital has “Healthscope has shown an enormous vote of confidence in the
reached a major milestone with the building officially Gold Coast and I am pleased to have the opportunity to leave but
‘topping out’. a small mark on this significant project.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Rob Molhoek, MP Healthscope CEO, Robert Cook said the hospital would
signed the last concrete slab of the $230 million Healthscope be world-class.
operated hospital before it was hoisted into place on the top of the “This facility will be the jewel in the Healthscope crown and the
fourth and final level. people of South East Queensland will be the beneficiaries,” he said.
Since construction began in October last year, the site has had “Situated in the heart of the Health and Knowledge Precinct,
two large cranes and more than 150 workers keeping the building Gold Coast Private is co-located with the Gold Coast University
on schedule for completion in late 2015. Hospital and Griffith University. Together this trio will make a
The Gold Coast Private, which will become the new facility for formidable team.
Allamanda Private Hospital, is co-located with the new Gold Coast “This type of co-location is the way of the future for healthcare,
University Hospital at Parklands, Southport, and forms part of the education and research and has real benefits for our community.
Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. “When the great minds of our city work together and coexist we
Mayor Tom Tate said he was delighted to be part of the can achieve great things.
construction milestone celebrations and that he looked forward to “The Gold Coast is leading the way in creating a culture of sharing
the hospital opening to the local residents. and collaboration in an effort to better service the community both
“The Health and Knowledge Precinct is a transformative project locally and nationally.
for the Gold Coast which will deliver better patient outcomes and “We are proud to be part of this new-age approach and look
help to diversify our local economy,” said Cr Tate. forward to contributing our knowledge and resources, as we
“I am delighted to see private enterprise share our vision for continue to shape the future of the Gold Coast.”
the area with a substantial new investment in facilities, expertise Allamanda Private Hospital general manager David Harper said
and training. construction was tracking ahead of schedule on the Gold Coast’s
L-R: Healthscope Senior Infastructure Project Manager Peter Shephard,
Mayor Tom Tate, David Harper, Rob Molhoek MP.
4 5
Gold coast private hospital gold coast private hospital – quick facts
Below L-R: Mayor Tom Tate, David Harper, Rob Molhoek MP.
GOLD COAST
PRIVATE HOSPITAL Quick Facts
• Operated by Healthscope - to be the new
facility for Allamanda Private Hospital.
• Constructed by Watpac.
• Construction to finish late 2015.
• Open to patients early 2016. • The first new private hospital to be
biggest private hospital development in more than two decades. built on the Gold Coast in more than
He said the ‘topping out’ was a major highlight in the evolution
two decades.
of the new hospital.
“Since construction began 12 months ago, there has been in
• 284 beds with the ability to expand to
excess of 25,000 cubic metres of concrete poured to get us to the 400 in line with demand.
stage we are at today,” he said. • 13 operating theatres with the ability to
“People can now get a real sense of the scope and size of
expand to 21 in line with demand.
the hospital.
“It’s an exciting day as it marks the half way point of construction • Services will include: 24 hour Emergency
and brings us one step closer to welcoming patients in early 2016.” Care Centre, cardiac catheterisation lab,
Mr Harper said the hospital would open with 284 beds and 13
cardio thoracic operating theatre and
theatres with the ability to expand to 400 and 21 respectively.
“The use of dry walls allows easy re-configuring of the hospital’s hybrid theatre, intensive care, maternity,
layout for ease of expansion in line with demand,” he said. paediatrics and special care nursery.
“These design inclusions also accommodate future advances in • The site will be supported by providers
technology and changes in medical care practices.
of imaging, pharmacy and pathology • Co-located with Gold Coast University
“The interior finishes and colour scheme is intended to create a
warm, welcoming environment - more along the lines of a five-star services. Hospital, forming part of the Health
hotel than the cold, clinical feel found in many hospitals.”
and Knowledge Precinct.
The facility will provide an extensive list of services including
maternity, special care nursery, paediatrics, cardiac catheterisation
lab and hybrid theatre, rehabilitation, intensive care and 24 hour
emergency care centre, and will be supported by providers of
imaging, pathology and pharmacy.
6 7
allamanda turns 35 allamanda turns 35
35
Allamanda
turns
llamanda marked its 35th birthday with a celebration to
honour the hospital’s four longest-serving nurses.
Sandy Downs, Kay Connelly, Leigh Parker, and Liz
Tunbridge, who have each dedicated 35 years of service to
The celebration was also attended by Samantha Bailey - the first
baby born at the hospital when the maternity ward opened in 1980.
Kay Connelly, who set up and commissioned the theatres as one of
the hospital’s first theatre nurses, began working two weeks prior to it
the hospital, are the “originals” among the many long serving staff at opening and has since dedicated 35 years of continuous service.
Allamanda, some of whom have clocked up 20 and 30 plus years The hospital opened with just 72 beds and two operating theatres on
of service. September 17, 1979 and by 1985, Allamanda had become the largest
Allamanda first opened its doors in September 1979 and doctors, private hospital in Australia, with 214 beds and five operating theatres.
nurses, staff and patients gathered to celebrate the event with The hospital continued to grow and in 1993, opened the Gold
a presentation for Sandy, Kay, Leigh and Liz. Coast’s first private rehabilitation unit.
Sandy delivered the first and last baby when the maternity ward was Allamanda now has 830 staff, 220 beds and nine operating theatres
open and remembers having her job interview in the hospital foyer and will soon boast 284 beds and 13 operating theatres, with room
whilst the building was still under construction. to expand to 400 and 20 respectively, when it moves to the new Gold
Sandy said she had only planned to work at Allamanda until she had Coast Private Hospital in Parklands in 2016.
children, but loved the place so much she kept coming back. Allamanda Private Hospital general manager David Harper said he
“Doctors and staff stay a long time with Allamanda,” she said. was honoured to be part of such a significant milestone and excited to
“Everyone is respected and treated the same in the hospital - from see the hospital transition to its new location.
upper management to the car park attendant. “We have a great past and bright future,” he said.
“We are believe that every single person in the hospital is there for “We’re proud of Allamanda’s history and look to the future with
a reason and we can’t do our job without the help and support of great anticipation.
each individual. “The new Gold Coast Private Hospital will be one of the best in
“Allamanda has always been very family orientated, staff are very Australia, and while a new facility is a significant step forward, it is
well cared for and everyone says hello by name. meaningless without the people behind it.
“The whole hospital gets behind each other and helps when someone “Our staff are invaluable and we understand that we wouldn’t be
is in need. This is reflected in the way we care for our patients as well. the hospital we are today, or the one we plan to be in the future,
“We’ve created a culture that we’re proud of and it makes it a really without them.”
is a special place to work.” Allamanda, operated by Healthscope, will move to the new
Leigh Parker celebrated her 35 year anniversary alongside her $230 million Gold Coast Private Hospital in Parklands, Southport
daughter Meg, who is also a nurse at Allamanda and was born at the which is currently under construction and due for completion
hospital in 1987. late 2015.
Nurses Leigh Parker, Liz Tunbridge, Kay Connelly and Sandy Downs who have been with Allamanda 35 years.
8 9
rehab program scores top results rehab program scores top results
R
ehabilitation patients at therapy and medical team to develop an level of function, greater independence
Allamanda Private Hospital are individualised program designed to meet and safety, and a reduced risk of
averaging shorter stays and their specific goals. further complications.
better outcomes than those in “Like the inpatient programs, the “We encourage those who are in the early
other Australian facilities. day therapy programs at Allamanda are stages of their decline to seek assistance so
In 2013, Allamanda patients stayed an tailored to the needs of the participant that we have the best chance of making a
average of 1.1 days less than patients and progress is measured by the therapy significant difference in their lives.”
in other facilities, with 81 per cent of staff to ensure each participant’s goals are Apart from those who are transitioning
patients returning home on discharge met,” he said. from hospital admission, Dr Johnson said
and less than 10 per cent discharged to “Although participants are not day therapy had a significant potential
residential care facilities. admitted to hospital, they have value for many people in the community.
Patients also scored better than average access to rehabilitation physicians, “Day therapy can have enormous benefit
on standardised testing over the course physiotherapists, occupational therapists, for those with a history of recent falls,
of their rehabilitation program, scoring an a speech pathologist, a social worker, a chronic neurological illness with a recent
average improvement of 17 points on the dietician and nursing staff. deterioration in their level of function,
Functional Independence Measure (FIM) “Sessions are conducted in our those who have become de-conditioned
assessment, up to two points above the specialised gymnasium and in addition as a result of a recent event such as an
Australian average. to the traditional land-based therapy illness, and those who are planning to
Day rehabilitation participants are also programs we are also fortunate to be able have joint replacement surgery,” he said.
among the most improved in the country, to offer hydrotherapy.” “Day therapy is available to anyone who
with a review of 20 recent participants Dr Johnson said the programs focussed needs the level of service and support that
revealing an average improvement of 25 on preventative and restorative care and is available from this type of program.”
per cent for balance, endurance, flexibility that early intervention yielded the Day therapy runs Monday to Friday and
REH A B P RO GRAM and mobility scores. best results. participants typically attend for a three
scores top results
Allamanda Private Hospital operates “Day therapy is designed to improve hour session, twice a week for six weeks
day rehabilitation programs for a variety participants’ level of function so that they - although the program length can vary
of conditions including falls prevention, can continue to live in the community and depending on individual circumstances.
cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, amputee maximise their independence,” he said. A GP or specialist referral is required
and reconditioning programs as well as “We work to improve movement, muscle for day therapy programs.
programs following surgery or illness. strength, coordination and general health, For more information please contact
Allamanda rehabilitation physician as well as assist with chronic illness and the rehabilitation admission’s
Michael Johnson said every patient injury, and help decrease the risk of falls. coordinators Kay, Yvonne or Carolyn
underwent a thorough assessment by the “What we are trying to achieve is optimal on (07) 5591 9408.
Patients Edward Buttimore, David Flitoff and rehab specialist Dr. Michael Johnson.
1010 11
safer surgery improves fertility safer surgery improves fertility
SAFER
SURGERY
N “The MyoSure tissue
ew technology is giving women with uterine lesions as MyoSure uses saline instead of glycine, and allows for shorter
a better chance of falling pregnant, with fertility rates procedures, with an average time for resection of a polyp less than
improving for up to 70 per cent of patients. one minute, resulting in minimised risk of fluid overload.”
Fibroids are common ball-like swellings in the wall of the uterus. removal procedure uses
no energy, therefore
The technology is also effective for women looking to reduce heavy They are benign and usually do not cause any problems or require
bleeding caused by polyps or fibroids, with studies showing more than treatment, however sometimes they can be troublesome, causing
96 per cent of procedures were effective in achieving symptom pain, pressure effect or menorrhagia.
resolution, with recurrence rates reported as low as 10 per cent in the
five years post procedure.
Dr Angstetra said in some cases fibroids can cause miscarriages
and infertility problems and a hysteroscopic procedure is necessary.
retaining uterine form
Known as MyoSure, the technology facilitates minimally invasive
advanced hysteroscopic surgery, effectively and safely removing uterine
“Some evidence suggests that submucosa fibroid may interfere with
fertility issues such as sperm migration, embryo implantation due to
and function.”
lesions such as myomectomy or polypectomy while retaining a fully alter uterine cavity contour or abnormal uterine contractility,” he said.
functional uterus. “If a patient is having difficulty conceiving due to fibroids, the Dr Angstetra consults on conditions such as polyps, fibroids,
According to Allamanda Private Hospital gynaecologist Donald chance of getting pregnant can greatly improve after resection; scar tissue (Asherman’s syndrome), uterine septum and recurrent
Angstetra, the procedure removes polyps or fibroids from the inside however it is important to remember that the ability to conceive miscarriage, and provides surgical expertise in advanced endoscopic
of the womb in the uterine lining via the vagina using an instrument depends on many factors and therefore it is difficult to predict who surgery to ensure that any problem with the uterus is dealt with
called hysteroscope. will be successful. carefully, methodically and using the latest technology to maintain
He said it is safer than traditional surgery because it removes uterine “For patients suffering menorrhagia or irregular menstrual bleeding, good gynaecological health and, when needed, fertility.
pathology via mechanical energy. periods will likely be lighter and more regular afterwards, with
“Conventionally, electrical energy was used with thermal loop during improvements continuing over two to three months. If endometrial
resectoscopic myomectomy, but this method can potentially cause ablation was performed at the same time, reduction in bleeding will
For more information or to arrange an appointment
thermal damage to the inside of the uterus which can be extremely be even more pronounced.”
please contact Dr Angstetra at:
damaging to a woman’s fertility,” he said. Dr Angstetra stated alternative treatment options included
“The MyoSure tissue removal procedure uses no energy, therefore medication which can make the fibroids smaller but is unlikely to 134 Queen Street, Southport 4215
retaining uterine form and function. be a permanent solution. Ph: (07) 5532 3066
“The procedure also allows for tissue cutting and removal in a single He said another option is uterine artery embolisation which shrinks Fax: (07) 5531 3493
step, as well as specimen integrity and the preservation of histology. single fibroids by cutting off the bloody supply, but currently it is not www.goldcoastwomencare.com.au
“The procedure is safer than traditional advanced hysteroscopic recommended for women who would like to preserve their fertility.
12 13
world-first technology puts allamanda at forefront of nuclear medicine world-first technology puts allamanda at forefront of nuclear medicine
WORLD-FIRST
TECHNOLOGY
P UTS A L L A M AN D A AT F OREFRO NT
O F NU C LE A R M E DI C INE
A
llamanda physicians now have and malignancy; and the ability to more reconstructing the SPECT and CT images
the potential to ‘see the unseen’ accurately monitor disease and measure simultaneously, resulting in nuclear
through a new hybrid gamma small differences so surgeons can adjust medicine images that display physiological
camera with built in CT scanner treatments earlier. information with anatomical detail.”
Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Peter Gentle.
at Queensland X-Ray - the only one of its kind QXR nuclear medicine technologist Peter The new equipment can be used for
in Queensland. Gentle, who has been working in the field anything from secondary bone cancers,
The QXR service at Allamanda Private for 38 years, said the new hybrid system had including breast and prostate cancer; to
Hospital is one of only three facilities in impeccable accuracy that gave doctors the arthritis and degenerative bone disease.
Australia with world-first technology that ability to more confidently interpret images. It can also be used for infection, sports nuclear physicians to discuss how xSPECT
integrates the nuclear medicine slices with “This equipment allows us to combine the injury, bone inflammation and evaluation of may help their patient’s diagnosis .
the CT images during reconstruction. nuclear medicine and CT to give us function prosthesis infection. All nuclear medicine studies at Allamanda Queensland X-Ray
This procedure produces an enhanced 3D and anatomy in the one image, enabling Mr Gentle said the xSPECT camera at are bulk billed, with QXR offering the full range
picture that enables reporting physicians and more precise diagnosis and localisation of Allamanda meant QXR could perform of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic Level 2, Nuclear Medicine Ph: (07) 5555 4127
referring doctors to see detail that cannot disease within the bone,” he said. bone scanning better than anywhere else nuclear medicine procedures including Allamanda Private Hospital (clinical and technical enquiries)
be seen using conventional gamma cameras “Conventional systems are based on the in Queensland. myocardial perfusion scanning (MPS), lung, 21 Spendelove Street (07) 5555 4100 (appointments)
with SPECT /CT. principle of separately reconstructing the “More precise images mean more brain, renal, thyroid and GI imaging. Southport 4215 Fax: (07) 5555 4130
The extra data, which combines nuclear medicine (SPECT) images and CT accurate diagnoses which leads to better QXR has relocated and upgraded its
anatomical information with functional images before fusing them together to get targeted therapies,” he said. nuclear medicine service from its Southport
For more information contact Peter Gentle on (07) 5555 4127.
information, gives more precise lesion a display. Mr Gentle said he encouraged any GP practice on Queen Street to rooms at
localisation and characterisation to help “The difference with the new images, or specialist with a puzzling condition Allamanda Private Hospital and can now
distinguish between degenerative disease called ‘xSPECT’, is they are generated by to contact one of QXR’s sub-specialised found at:
14 15
new equipment to diagnose epilepsy new equipment to diagnose epilepsy
NEW EQUI PMENT
to diagnose epilepsy
llamanda Private Hospital now provides an
electroencephalogram (EEG) service for the
“All types of seizures
investigation of seizures.
EEG helps to recognise epileptic discharges, identify
can be treated with
the origin of the seizures and classify types of epilepsies, which is
important for instituting appropriate treatments.
medications and so it is
Allamanda neurologist Swapna Sebastian said the EEG’s other
important function was to exclude seizures as the cause of collapse
important to recognise
or loss of consciousness, which can be due to other factors such as
heart problems or fainting spells. the condition.”
The EEG is a safe and painless test where electrodes are placed
on the scalp and a continuous trace of the underlying brain activity EEGs can be referred by a GP and are now performed at
is recorded. Allamanda Private Hospital on Thursday mornings in the
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition and about 225,000 rehabilitation unit.
Australians are living with the disease. Approximately 25,000 There is an on-call service provided on site by our EEG scientist
people are diagnosed with epilepsy in Australia each year, but for urgent cases in the hospital.
many cases go undiagnosed, which is why the EEG is such an “With the EEG service, we hope to improve the epilepsy service
important tool. on the Gold Coast, helping hundreds of patients with seizure
“Convulsive seizures are well known to the general population, disorders,” she said.
but there are a number of seizures that present with less well
known symptoms,” Dr Sebastian said.
“For example episodes of confusion, loss of awareness and For more information or to arrange an appointment
visual disturbances can all be manifestations of seizures. please contact Dr Sebastian at:
“All types of seizures can be treated with medications and so it is PACIFIC PRIVATE CLINIC
important to recognise the condition.” Level 6, Suite 5B
Dr Sebastian said epilepsy may be genetic or acquired. 123 Nerang Street
“Sometimes seizures are the result of a head injury, tumours or Southport QLD 4215
infections in the brain,” she said.
“Investigation and proper management of seizures is important P: (07) 5556 6355
because it is a very treatable condition, with about 70 per cent of F: (07) 5556 6366
patients becoming seizure-free on medications.”
Clinical Neurophysiologist, Vicky Grant.
16 17
allamanda renews sponsorship of southport surf life saving club
ALLAMANDA RENEWS SP O NS O RSHIP O F
Southport Surf Life Saving Club
T
he Southport Surf Life Saving Ms Gilmour said some of the events the that are available to people through the club.
Club (SSLSC) will again benefit sponsorship enabled them to participate Allamanda’s sponsorship also provided
from a major sponsorship from in included the Youth Excellence Camp and nippers with rashies and foam boards.
Allamanda Private Hospital. 2014 Surf Rescue Competition. “The money donated by Allamanda
This is the second year the hospital has “In the past we have either missed out goes directly to the kids and gives them an
supported the club and it will also continue altogether or managed to send just one advantage by exposing them to competitions
to stock the first aid room and carry out free member to the Youth Excellence Camp, but and encouraging them to gain new skills and
heart checks for competitive youth lifesavers. this year we were able to send three kids make new friends,” said Ms Gilmour.
SSLSC youth development officer Rochelle plus a youth leader,” she said. “But most importantly, it puts smiles on
Gilmour said the difference the money made “We were also able to send 24 their faces.”
to the club was invaluable. competitors to Stradbroke Island for the Allamanda Private Hospital general
“It’s unbelievable how much Allamanda’s 2014 Surf Rescue Competition - up from just manager David Harper said it was important
sponsorship has done for our club already,” two competitors in 2013. to give back to a club that did so much for
she said. “This is a really important competition as it the community.
“The money gave us the ability to reach tests not only physical capabilities, but also “Surf life saving clubs really are the
out to more kids within our organisation, theory and resuscitation. Our kids performed backbone of our community,” he said.
giving them opportunities to broaden phenomenally well at this particular “They not only keep our beaches safe, but
their horizons and develop their lifesaving competition - gaining three first places, four they give members, particularly kids, a sense
skills such as CPR, which can be used in second places and two third places.” of purpose and belonging.
competition as well as everyday life. Sixteen youth members were also able “These clubs encourage our kids to live
“We were also able to give many of our to attend the Youth Ball at Bond University, a healthy and active life while teaching
competitors the chance to participate at a and the club organised fun days including invaluable life lessons and social skills in
state level in surf rescue and pool rescue camping at Brunswick Heads, Fright Night at a safe environment.
events and attend camps and competitions Movie World, laser skirmish, beach activity “At Allamanda, we support anything that
that would have otherwise not been possible days and an Amazing Race challenge. promotes mental and physical health and
due to costs. The SSLSC also sent some of its youth want to continue to sponsor SSLSC’s efforts
“We can’t believe how lucky we are to members to the Check-It Festival for youth to promote healthy living and provide
have Allamanda’s support again and look suicide prevention in October where they positive opportunities to the youth of the
forward to putting more smiles on faces with spoke to other kids about the positive Gold Coast.”
this generous donation.” aspects of surf life saving and the avenues
Left to right: Macy Gilmour, Max Johnston, Harrison Ganis
18 19news in brief dr peter dodd retires from mac
GC Marathon DR PETER DODD
A retires from mac
llamanda staff and their families had
an early start for the 2014 Gold Coast
Airport Marathon. The pre-dawn race
saw a record 10,000 participants take part in
the marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometre run,
5.7 kilometre challenge and the junior dash AAllamanda Medical Advisory was a highly respected orthopaedic
races. A big congratulations to physiotherapist, Committee (MAC) bids farewell to surgeon on the Gold Coast who had
Tina Parker who posted Allamanda’s fastest Dr Peter Dodd who is retiring from provided unwavering support for
time - running the half marathon in one hour his position as the orthopaedic Allamanda, its patients, staff and doctors
L-R Tina Parker, Chloe Parker, Mick Parker and 56 minutes. representative on both the MAC and over his 30 years on the MAC.
clinical review committee, as well “Dr Dodd’s contribution is greatly
L-R Stuart Thompson-Coleman, chairman of the orthopaedic audit appreciated by myself and Healthscope,”
Scott Henry, Ricky Smythe
group. he said.
Dr Dodd has been a respected “His assistance and advice has been
Kokoda and heavily involved member of the
MAC since 1984 and chair of the
invaluable.
“Whilst Dr Dodd is stepping down from
orthopaedic audit group for 17 years. his committee roles, we look forward
C
ongratulations to our ECC NUM, Orthepaedic Surgeon Dr. Peter Dodd. He was chairman of the MAC during to continuing to work with him as he
Stuart Thompson-Coleman and RN, major changes in hospital ownership, continues his private practice.”
Michelle Jackson, who conquered when the original committee was made Dr Andrew Letchford has been
the 2014 Kokoda Challenge. The trek covered up of only four members, including the elected to take Dr Dodd’s place from the
96 kilometres of gruelling terrain in the Gold director of nursing. beginning of 2015.
Coast Hinterland and the Allamanda team Dr Dodd said despite the many Dr Dodd will continue in private
mates tackled bush, fire trails, huge hills owners and few members, the MAC practice as an orthopaedic surgeon.
and a dozen creeks through Austinville,
Springbrook, Numinbah Valley, Beechmont
Trivia Night had functioned well over the years
fulfilling its various roles.
N
and Clagiraba to finish in Nerang. The oah’s Arc scooped the field at this year’s before blitzing the trivia questions and taking “I have enjoyed my time on the MAC
extraordinary journey saw our fastest finisher, staff trivia night, claiming both accolades out first place by one point. and other committees but it’s time
Stuart complete the track in 27 hours, well for best dressed and brainiest team. to hand over to younger minds and
Back L-R Cris Stanko, Kara Hall, Craig Patesman, Peter Dodd
within the 39 hour time limit. It was a huge The crew from Medical Records filed into the MAC 1990 enthusiasm,” he said.
Susan Jones, Liz Grant, Sonja Walsh. Middle
achievement and raised $1,500 for the room behind “Noah” wearing animal-themed Tanya Ray. Front L-R Kim McQueen, Debbie Allamanda Private Hospital general
Kokoda Challenge Youth Program. onesies carrying their ‘mate’ in balloon or toy form, Northcott, Lauren Harvey, Jan Lessing manager David Harper said Dr Dodd
20 21dr profiles ROOM CHANGES
DR MICHAEL JOHNSON
REHABILITATION PHYSICIAN
DR CHIN WONG
REHABILITATION PHYSICIAN
DR RAFID ALZUBAIDY
FRACS, MBChB
GENERAL SURGERY
WE’VE MOVED!
Dr Michael Johnson is a Dr Chin Wong is a rehabilitation Dr Rafid Alzubaidy is a general
rehabilitation physician and the physician and consultant to surgeon who specialises in breast, New addresses below:
medical director of the Allamanda Allamanda Private Hospital melanoma and laparoscopic
rehabilitation unit. Dr Johnson rehabilitation unit. general surgery.
completed his MBBS in Queensland and subsequent specialist Dr Wong completed his MD in 1997 and training in
Dr meenakshi raj
Dr Alzubaidy graduated from the University of Al-Mustanseria,
neurologist
training as a rehabilitation physician in metropolitan and non- rehabilitation medicine in Malaysia in 2004. He established Iraq in 1996 before moving to Australia in 2000. He started
metropolitan hospitals throughout Queensland. the rehabilitation medicine unit at Sarawak General Hospital surgical training in Adelaide in 2006 and later moved to Perth PINDARA SPECIALIST SUITES
After gaining his fellowship in rehabilitation medicine, Dr and was instrumental in setting up the spinal cord injury Suite 5, Level 3
to undertake studies in advanced training in general surgery. In
Johnson accepted a position at Toowoomba Hospital where rehabilitation service in Sarawak in Malaysia. In 2006 he 29 Carrara Street
2012, Dr Alzubaidy commenced his breast fellowship training Benowa, QLD, 4209
he was responsible for the rehabilitation unit and associated became the director of rehabilitation service in Sarawak. in Perth at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital before moving to
outreach services. In 2008 he moved to the Gold Coast to take on After relocating to Australia in 2008, Dr Wong became a Queensland in 2013 to complete his breast surgery training. P: (07) 5564 8562
the role of medical director of the rehabilitation unit at Allamanda fellow of the Australian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine in After obtaining his fellowship in general surgery (FRACS), F: (07) 5539 4930
Private Hospital. 2010. He has been attached to the Anne Candle Rehabilitation Dr Alzubaidy completed two years of post-fellowship training E: info@goldcoastneurology.com.au
Whilst his main interests are in the rehabilitation of the de- Centre in Bendigo and Grace McKellar Rehabilitation Centre in in breast surgery, overseen by the Breast Surgeons of Australia
conditioned patient, amputee rehabilitation and neurological Geelong prior to moving to the Gold Coast. He has worked as and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ), where he is still an
rehabilitation, Dr Johnson is involved in the day-to-day care a consultant in rehabilitation medicine at Allamanda Private
PREADMISSION CARE CENTRE
existing member. Allamanda Private Hospital
of patients with a variety of rehabilitation related disorders Hospital since December 2009. Dr Alzubaidy currently works at the Gold Coast University Level 2, 21 Spendelove Street
and issues. Dr Johnson also specialises in the prescription of Dr Wong has a special interest in rehabilitation of the and Robina Hospitals and has commenced private practice at Southport, QLD, 4215
prosthetic and orthotic aids, along with medical footwear. elderly and neurology rehabilitation including stroke, multiple Allamanda Private Hospital.
Dr Johnson is happy to be contacted by GPs and other sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and also spinal cord injury He has a keen interest in research, in particular breast P: (07) 5581 3722
specialists to discuss patients and organise consultation or rehabilitation. He offers a broad range of rehabilitation services E: alppreadmission@healthscope.com
cancer, and is also involved in training junior medical staff,
admission to the rehabilitation unit. including orthopaedic and amputee management and in-patient nursing staff and medical students on the Gold Coast.
and out-patient programs. Dr Alzubaidy is more than happy to be contacted by
GPs and other specialists to discuss and admit patients at
Allamanda Private Hospital.
To arrange an appointment for your patient with
Dr Rafid Alzubaidy please contact:
To refer a patient to the Allamanda Private Hospital
Rehabilitation Unit please contact: ALLAMANDA SPECIALIST SUITES PACIFIC PRIVATE CLINIC
P: (07) 5591 9408 or visit www.allamandaprivate.com.au Level 6, Suite 5B
to download a referral form. 123 Nerang Street
Southport QLD 4215
P: (07) 5556 6355
F: (07) 5556 6366
22 E: info@breastsurgerygc.com.au 23You can also read
