http://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/

Mackay Hospital and Health Service, 475 Bridge Road, Mackay (2025)

28/11/2025

After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Mackay Base Hospital is bidding farewell to medical oncologist Dr Kerrie Vaughan who is retiring after a remarkable career shaping cancer care across the region. ⭐

Originally from Melbourne, Dr Vaughan completed her medical degree and oncology specialty training before heading north in search of sunnier skies. She joined Mackay Base Hospital in February 2001, when she was the only oncologist in the region working across both the public and private sectors.

“When I first started here, MBH had just one nurse who could give chemotherapy treatment,” she said.

“Now there’s a whole team including oncology consultants, junior doctors, specialist oncology nurses including McGrath Breast Care Nurses, chemotherapy-trained nurses in the oncology day unit, pharmacists, admin officers and allied health staff.

“It’s been incredible to see how far the service has come.”

Over her career, Dr Vaughan has witnessed extraordinary advances in cancer treatment.

“When I was a junior doctor, managing the side effects of chemotherapy, especially nausea and vomiting, was very difficult,” she said.

“Now there are far better medications and so many more treatment options. Patients are living longer, and more people are being cured of their cancer than ever before.”

She describes immunotherapy as one of the most exciting developments of the past decade and a treatment once thought impossible.

“It’s been amazing to see some people with very advanced cancer potentially cured thanks to this therapy,” she said.

For Dr Vaughan, the greatest reward has always been her patients.

"It has been an honour to accompany people and their loved ones as they negotiate their cancer journey, which is often one of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at Mackay Base Hospital, Dr Vaughan expressed deep gratitude for her colleagues.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, kind and caring medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health staff, as well as the surgeons here at MBH and our radiation oncology colleagues at the ICON Cancer Centre and The Townsville University Hospital.

“Everyone in the oncology team is passionate about delivering compassionate, quality care to the people we see,” she said.

Director of Medicine Dr Janath da Silva said Dr Vaughan’s keen interest in innovative therapeutic approaches and advanced cancer treatments had set her apart in oncology, with many in the community benefiting from her exceptional medical expertise and compassionate care.

As Dr Vaughan retires, she leaves behind not just a legacy of clinical excellence but also a thriving, multidisciplinary oncology service built on teamwork and compassion, a testament to more than two decades of dedication.

Congratulations, Dr Vaughan, on an extraordinary career and thank you for your years of service to the Mackay community. 💐

26/11/2025

Every day, more than 40 dental assistants across Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) dental units help patients feel safe, respected and cared for — especially those who may be anxious, in pain or facing complex oral health challenges.

They support the treatment of patients aged four years and over, assisting dentists and oral health therapists.

If you’ve ever considered a career as a dental assistant, now is the time to apply. Mackay HHS currently has dental assistant opportunities ranging from entry level to qualified roles.

Zali Mooney has worked with the Mackay Base Hospital Dental Unit for six years, first as a dental assistant before moving into an administration role.

“I started straight out of high school as a trainee dental assistant and, while I wasn’t sure at first, I quickly discovered how rewarding it can be. There are so many opportunities to learn, grow and move in different directions,” she said.

“Trainee dental assistants undertake a 12-month traineeship completing a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, which combines hands-on experience with theory work. You’re buddied up with an experienced dental assistant who guides you through patient care, infection control and clinical skills.

“The first days and weeks can feel very daunting but the support network is fantastic. You grow up quickly and learn life skills that go beyond the job.”

With clinics based in Mackay, as well as opportunities to travel to sites in Clermont, Dysart, Proserpine and Bowen, Zali said no two days are the same.

“You meet and work with the entire Mackay HHS dental team, train in professional clinical settings and care for a diverse range of patients,” she said.

“The role also offers chances to engage with the community through events like Deadly Choices and the Homeless Expo, helping people develop healthy habits.

“If you’re thinking about applying, just give it a go. Health care is a rewarding career where you’ll gain confidence, skills and lifelong connections.”

For more information on these current vacancies and how to apply, click on the links below:

Trainee Dental Assistant: https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-669252

Trainee Dental Assistant (First Nation): https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-670176

Dental Assistant: https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-669485

25/11/2025

There’s no place like home for Bowen registered nurses Katrina Smith and Melissa Finn.

Both are excited to be continuing their nursing careers in permanent roles with Bowen Hospital as their graduate year wraps up in December.

For Katrina, the journey has been a decade in the making. After nearly ten years working as an enrolled nurse at Bowen Hospital, she decided to take the leap and study a Bachelor of Nursing.

“I wanted to learn more and expand my nursing scope. The transition from enrolled nurse to registered nurse has been hugely rewarding as it has enabled me to do more with my increased skill set,” she said.

“I’m now on to my ward rotation after completing six months in the emergency department.”

As a student in nursing, Melissa was also very familiar with Bowen Hospital before commencing as a registered nurse last year.

“It benefitted me greatly to work in the hospital while studying. I gained an early understanding of everything - from bedside manner to appreciating how all roles contribute to patient care - before I started university placements,” she said.

“I have really enjoyed emergency nursing as each day is different. Being a rural hospital we don’t have the specialty staff and the variety of patient presentations has helped me grow as a nurse.”

Looking ahead, Katrina and Melissa are both interested in pursuing emergency nursing.

Congratulations and well done to all Mackay HHS nursing and midwifery graduates completing their first year of registered nursing.

24/11/2025

Last week we looked to the sky as a helicopter test landing was carried on Moranbah Hospital’s new helipad.

CQ Rescue performed a test landing and take off as part of a flight exercise and operational preparedness.

This exciting milestone brings the Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment project one step closer to completion. Final preparations are now underway before the helipad becomes fully operational.

New signage will soon be installed to restrict access to areas bordering the helipad, including parking along Mills Avenue and the hospital’s Elliott Street car park.

These measures are in place to protect patients, helicopter crews, community members and staff. Any interference near the helipad could potentially delay landings and compromise patient safety.

Once operational, the helipad will enable patients in need of time-critical and advanced care to be transferred between hospitals more efficiently.

The Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment project is part of the Queensland Government’s Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

23/11/2025

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of a severe to extreme heatwave across parts of our health service this week.

Heatwaves can affect everyone, but certain groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, or young children, might be more at risk.

Heat-related health issues can be severe and sometimes deadly.

Please check on vulnerable friends, family or neighbours (like the elderly, pregnant or young kids).

Learn more about how to beat the heat and signs of heat-related illness 👇

If you or anyone else show signs of heat-related illness, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice or visit your doctor.

If it is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For tips on staying safe in the heat, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/heatsafe

Stay informed by visiting the Heatwave Service for Australia via the BOM website: https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/heatwave

21/11/2025

Join nurse Kaitlyn for a tour of the unit caring for our region's smallest and most vulnerable patients.

20/11/2025

Our Community Engagement team are impressed with the fantastic entries we’ve received so far for the 2025 Mackay Hospital and Health Service Christmas Card Competition!

Don’t worry there’s still time to grab your pencils, get creative and draw your own Christmas-themed masterpiece.

The winning artwork will be featured on the official 2025 Mackay Hospital and Health Service Christmas card and the lucky artist will win a fantastic prize from the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

Entry flyers are available from all Mackay HHS hospitals, Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteer desk and community health facilities.

Get drawing — entries close 26 November!

19/11/2025

Today, on International Men’s Day (19 November), we recognise and celebrate the contribution of our dedicated tradespeople and maintenance staff who work behind the scenes to ensure our health facilities remain safe, reliable and ready to support our community. 🔨

They are skilled, hardworking, and form a diverse team that is critical to the continuous, safe and efficient operation of our complex healthcare facilities.

The Mackay HHS Building Maintenance and Engineering Services (BEMS) team play an essential role in keeping our hospitals and community health centres running.

Their work covers everything from maintaining core infrastructure such as electricity, plumbing and building systems, to managing the specialised equipment and environments required for patient care. Their expertise prevents costly shutdowns and ensures the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.

Our trades teams, including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, trades assistants and coordinators, perform a wide range of work. They carry out repairs, preventative maintenance and urgent fixes across multiple sites, working on everything from circuitry and high-voltage systems to air-conditioning, ventilation and other vital equipment.

Without their commitment and know-how, patient safety, clinical services and the overall operation of our hospitals would be significantly impacted.

Thank you to our BEMS teams for making the Mackay HHS a safer, stronger and better place for our patients, visitors and staff — and Happy International Men’s Day! ⭐

17/11/2025

Today on World Prematurity Day (17 November) as we shine a light on the region’s tiniest and most vulnerable babies, Proserpine couple Daisy and Brendan Smith are reflecting on their own whirlwind journey into parenthood, one that began much earlier than expected. 👶

Their first child, Oaklan James, decided he wasn’t going to wait until his due date of 17 December. Instead, the little boy made a dramatic entrance at 34 weeks and 4 days, arriving on 9 November at 7:46am, weighing 2280 grams and measuring 45.5 centimetres long.

It was a Thursday morning on their rural property when Daisy’s waters suddenly broke while she was home alone.

Brendan, who had been out working on the farm, rushed back after her call to rush her to the Proserpine Hospital.

After initial tests, she was transferred by ambulance to Mackay Base Hospital, where the medical team hoped to delay labour.

“They gave me steroids and antibiotics because every extra day on the inside was beneficial,” Daisy said. “Plans changed four times… we just tried to stay calm.”

Three days after her waters broke, Daisy went into natural labour. Her sister and husband were beside her side in the birth suite. The moment Oaklan was placed on her chest, he let out a cry which Daisy describes as a moment of relief. But within minutes, things changed.

“He deteriorated quickly and they had to resuscitate him in the delivery room,” Daisy said. “It was terrifying. Everything happened so fast.”

With a head full of thick dark hair and a tiny button nose, baby Oaklan was admitted to the Special Care Nursery (SCN).

Daisy can smile now imagining how much hair he would have had if he’d stayed in a little longer: “If he was fully cooked, imagine it!”

Because he was born after 32 weeks, Oaklan was able to remain close to home at Mackay Base Hospital rather than being transferred to Townsville’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

He is also the second baby in the Mackay SCN to benefit from pasteurised donated human breast milk, delivered through a feeding tube until Daisy’s milk fully comes in and he can latch properly.

For Daisy and Brendan, the days that followed have been a blur of emotion, exhaustion and gratitude.

“It’s so hard to leave the hospital and leave your baby behind,” Daisy said. “I visit him three times a day for cuddles and to help with his care. We’re lucky to be able to stay close by.”

The couple has leaned heavily on their families — from caring for the farm’s sugar cane, cows and horses, to supporting them emotionally while they navigate their first days as parents.

Oaklan is Daisy’s mum’s fourth grandchild and Brendan’s parents’ first grandbaby, making his early arrival even more special.

Despite the stress, Daisy says the hospital staff have been “wonderful”.

“They’ve made us feel confident about going home when Oaklan is ready. For now, he’s getting the absolute best care here in the nursery.”

The new family are taking things one day and one cuddle at a time, waiting for the moment they can finally take their little boy home.

“He just didn’t want to be a Christmas bub,” Daisy said.

“We’re so proud of how strong he’s been and how well he is doing now.”

Last year the Mackay Base Hospital SCN team cared for about 350 premature and unwell newborns, some staying in nursery only a few days and others for months.

On World Prematurity Day we extend enormous thanks to all our SCN team.
Thank you for your steady hands, warm smiles and compassionate hearts which help guide families through this uncertainty. 🥰

14/11/2025

What began as a clinical training placement in Mackay for Dr Charuka Dharmaratne has evolved into so much more; it’s a place to build his career, raise his family and find the balance and satisfaction he longed for.

Dr Charuka arrived in Mackay in 2019 as a registrar at Mackay Base Hospital, part of a mandatory overseas training component for physicians in Sri Lanka.

“Mackay has been a very popular training centre for our program – 28 Sri Lankan registrars have come through here,” he said.

“We arrive already with solid physician training from Sri Lanka and the experience here overseas helps us become better specialists, up to international standards.”

He was among the first registrars to treat Mackay’s earliest COVID-19 patients, before returning to Sri Lanka in 2021 to complete his board certification as a consultant physician.

After a brief stint back home, he reapplied through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and returned to Mackay as a senior registrar and was soon offered a Staff Specialist position. He has been part of the General Medicine team at Mackay Base Hospital for the past 18 months.

It was one of the busiest departments in the hospital, caring for patients with a wide range of complex conditions, he said.

“We see everything – strokes, infections, diabetes, cancer, geriatric patients, respiratory and gastrointestinal cases,” Dr Charuka said.

“Often patients come to us first and then we refer them on for specialist care if needed after diagnosis.”

With over 11 years of physician training and extensive experience in resource-limited hospitals in Sri Lanka, Dr Charuka has adapted quickly to the climate and complexities of the Australian health system.

“The disease patterns in North Queensland are actually quite similar to Sri Lanka – especially infectious diseases – but here we see more complexity and work closely with multidisciplinary teams,” he said.

“That’s one of the most rewarding aspects of medicine here – the teamwork with nurses, allied health and colleagues.”

Dr Charuka could have pursued work in the NHS and in Scotland, but he chose Mackay for the climate and work-life balance.

“Honestly, we like the calm here,” he said.

“The cities are very busy, traffic is terrible, and the cold weather doesn’t suit us; Mackay is peaceful, good for kids, and the work-life balance is so much better.

“That was one of the main reasons I left Sri Lanka – there you might work until midnight and be away from your family for weeks at a time. Here I get to come home to my wife and children each day.”

In addition to clinical care, Charuka enjoys teaching and research. As an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with James Cook University, he regularly teaches medical students, interns and registrars. His research interests have included anaphylaxis as well as the growing field of geriatric medicine.

“The ageing population is a big issue here – far more so than in Sri Lanka, where families traditionally care for elderly parents at home. Here we see long waiting lists for nursing homes, and it can be heartbreaking.”

Despite missing his parents and sister in Sri Lanka, Charuka feels at home in Australia. He looks forward to welcoming his family to Mackay in December.

“I’m very grateful to Mackay HHS for the opportunities I’ve had,” he said.

“This is the right place for my family and for me as a doctor. It’s always wonderful to see patients go home after weeks or months of hard work from the whole multi-disciplinary team."

Read more of Dr Charuka's story here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/calmness-and-collaboration-key-to-rewarding-medical-career

12/11/2025

👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ It's Perioperative Nurses Week (9 to 15 November) and a time to shine a light on the vital role these specialised nurses play in our healthcare system. 🔦

For Mackay Base Hospital clinical nurse Thomas (Tom) Paul, nursing isn’t just a career. It’s a calling that combines purpose, precision and compassion.

Originally from Cooktown, Tom was working in an office job before deciding he wanted to dedicate his professional life to something more meaningful.

“I wanted a career that allowed me to connect with people and make a real difference,” he said.

While living in Tasmania, he completed a Bachelor of Nursing followed by a postgraduate qualification in peri-anaesthesia care. Tom’s nursing journey began in interventional cardiology, working in the Cardiac Cath Lab initially when he returned north and joined Mackay Base Hospital four years ago.

It was a role that fed his curiosity about critical care and the human body’s intricate systems.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in critical care. I see nursing training in similar terms to the medical apprenticeship-like model — learning different specialties to really understand how everything connects,” he said

Despite enjoying his time in cardiology, Tom’s true passion lay in anaesthetics.

“My goal was always to be an airway specialist,” he said.

“I wanted a broader scope and to be part of the team caring for patients across the full continuum, from newborns to those at the end of life.

“Working regionally, you often have a broader scope of practice and that variety really strengthens your skills. So you're sort of seeing it all, which is great experience and makes you a more robust nurse.

“I get an enormous sense of pride serving my community and helping provide services that allow people to stay in the region if they want to,” he said.

Read more of Tom's story here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/perioperative-nursing-career-demands-creative-problem-solving

11/11/2025

🌺Today, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Mackay Base Hospital staff, patients and visitors had the opportunity to pause for Remembrance Day.

Following the reading of The Ode and playing of the Last Post, we observed a minute’s silence to honour and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflict.

Staff and former serving personnel who assisted with readings and the raising of flags to full mast after the service were, from left, nurse unit manager Sharyn Bird and endorsed enrolled nurse Michelle Furlong.

🇦🇺 Sharyn: Grew up on Holsworthy army base in NSW, trained in the Army Reserves in the Northern Territory, enlisted in Gove, and was based at Groote Eylandt as a private. She has participated in team operations in remote areas.

🇦🇺 Michelle: Spent 17 years in the regular Army as a nurse/medic and was involved in numerous exercises and postings over that time.

🙏 We thank Sharyn and Michelle, and all other current and former ADF personnel, for your service. 🙏

Lest We Forget. 😢

Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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