Mackay Hospital and Health Service

02/04/2026

Did you know there are ways you can seek treatment for minor illnesses and injuries without leaving home? And for free? ❤️‍🩹

If your Easter doesn’t go to plan, the Virtual Emergency Care Service (VECS) is a Queensland Health service that puts you in touch with real emergency nurses and doctors by phone or video call. ☎️ 💻

It's faster, cheaper and way more pleasant than sitting in a waiting room, especially for conditions like flu, gastro, infections, minor burns, rashes and allergic reactions.

VECS is available between 7am to 12am Tuesday to Friday and 8am to 10pm Saturday to Monday. Find out more and see if virtual care is right for you: https://www.qld.gov.au/.../virtual-emergency-care-service

The Mackay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, located in Peel Street Mackay, is another alternative for conditions and illnesses that are episodic and not immediately life-threatening, such as fractures, urinary tract infections (UTIs), minor fractures or sprains, minor eye and ear problems, wounds, and minor burns.

For confidential health advice you can always phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and for all non-urgent medical issues, please consult your GP.

Remember, if you think you're experiencing a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening condition, call Triple Zero (000) or head straight to your nearest emergency department. 🚑

Please make the most of free services like VECS and the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and keep our Emergency Departments for life-threatening emergencies.

02/04/2026

People diagnosed with lung cancer in the Mackay region now have access to a dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse for the first time, bringing vital support to patients during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Clinical Nurse Consultant Leah Greenfield started at Mackay Base Hospital in November as Queensland’s first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse dedicated to lung cancer.

Her role is part of an expansion of the McGrath Foundation’s cancer nursing service and comes after Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) was identified as a regional lung cancer hotspot, with incidence rates significantly higher than the national average.

Residents in the Mackay region are 57 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer compared to the Australian average based on analysis of national cancer incidence data, Leah said.

Several factors contribute to region’s higher incidence rates including higher smoking prevalence, occupational exposure and socio-economic disadvantage. Cancer Council Queensland data shows that between 2018 and 2022, 502 people were diagnosed with lung cancer within the region.

Leah said her role is focused on helping lung cancer patients navigate the complex journey after diagnosis through to treatment and beyond.

“My role is to provide support for patients and their families by providing clinical guidance as well as emotional and psychosocial support,” she said.

“A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and patients often have many questions. I work with them to help make sure they have the information and support they need at every stage.”

Leah has 12 years of nursing experience, and a career has spanned many specialties at Metro North, including the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, neonatal unit and respiratory outpatient services at Prince Charles Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

She has also worked in oncology and palliative care and was the lung lesion coordinator at Caboolture Hospital, assisting patients in the diagnostic phase of their disease.

“Now I’m supporting patients once they have a lung cancer diagnosis and am helping guide them through treatment and beyond. That’s true continuity of care,” she said.

Since relocating to Mackay in late October, Leah has observed additional challenges faced by regional patients.

Read more here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/first-mcgrath-lung-cancer-nurse-supports-local-patients

01/04/2026

An eight-person board with experience in accounting, pharmacy, governance and leadership has been appointed to help shape the future of healthcare in the Mackay region.

The newly appointed Mackay Hospital and Health Board (HHB) will be led by reappointed Chair Monica McKendry, who joined the Board in 2023 and stepped into the role of Interim Chair in September last year.

Ms McKendry, a chartered accountant, is a highly respected member of the Mackay business community with considerable experience in financial management.

“Monica’s extensive experience in governance and accounting has already had a positive impact on our health service and I look forward to continue working together, alongside other members of the new Board, to ensure people of the Mackay region can access the healthcare they need,” Mackay HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said.

“It’s wonderful to see five new faces this year, complementing two reappointed members and one member continuing their current term.

“Among the new faces is HHS clinician Ron Nightingale, who has been a pharmacist for more than 40 years and is currently the Director of Pharmacy at Mackay Base Hospital.

“Mr Nightingale brings significant expertise in the allied health discipline of pharmacy and local knowledge to the Board.

“We also welcome stronger representation from across our rural and regional footprint in new members Alana Moller from Clermont and Dave Nebauer (Deputy Chair) from Bowen.”

Other new members include Dr Peter Malouf, a respected leader in indigenous health, and Lynn Smart who has extensive finance and directorship experience across a range of industries.

Associate Professor Luke Lawton, who joined the board in 2023 has been reappointed and Andrea Ranson, appointed in 2024 is continuing as a board member.

The Mackay HHS has joined all other Queensland Hospital and Health Services in welcoming a local frontline clinician to its board.

Changes to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 were announced last year, requiring all 16 of Queensland’s Hospital and Health Service Boards to include at least one APHRA registered health practitioner currently working for its local HHS.

These changes come into effect for the first time on 1 April 2026.

The board is responsible for the performance of their HHS and the delivery of local public health services under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.

31/03/2026

📣 Working with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is an opportunity to proudly contribute to the health care of people living across the Mackay, Isacc and Whitsunday regions.

Right now, there are a range of careers available within our hospitals and community health facilities.

If you would like to be part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, check the listing below for a role that’s suitable for you.

All our current vacancies can be viewed via our Careers page here https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/careers

📌 Senior Pharmacist – Bowen
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-679540

📌 Senior Radiographer/Sonographer – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-678871

📌 Pharmacy Student – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-676835-OP

📌 Principal House Officer (Care in the Right Setting) – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-MK679080

📌 Dentist – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-677404

📌 Healthcare Security Officer – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-678837-OP

📌 Administration Officers – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-676764-OP

📌 Physiotherapist – Sarina
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-678260

📌 Social Worker First Nations Graduate (Social Work Department) – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-678756

📌 Deputy Director Pharmacy – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-678774

📌 Groundsperson – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-677373

📌 Enrolled Nurses – All Mackay HHS locations
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-573065

📌 Enrolled Nurses Advanced Skills – All Mackay HHS locations
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-573077

📌 Care Support Officer – Mackay
https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-674020-OP

31/03/2026

Three Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) patients are part of a worldwide clinical trial to test a new drug for a rare and often fatal lung disease.

A total of 165 patients from 85 trial sites across the globe, including eight in Australia, are participating in the clinical trial testing a potential new drug treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a serious respiratory disease characterised by stiffening of the lung tissue due to progressive scarring.

The Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI), the research arm of the Mackay HHS, was a key contributor to the study and was the second-highest recruiting site in Australia, according to Dr Pieter Nel, Director of Medical Services Research and Innovation.

“This is a significant achievement and an opportunity to trial new treatments that would otherwise only be available to sufferers in metropolitan centres,” he said.

“It also highlights the growing capacity and capability of our Mackay clinical trials unit, providing greater local access for patients to these types of treatments, which is a key focus area for the health service.”

Those overseeing work on the trial include respiratory physicians Dr Yi Tat Lo and Dr Muhammad Nazmi.

“The aim of the trial is to see whether a new drug treatment will be helpful to reduce the scarring in the lungs or slow it down,” Dr Lo said.

“To date there are only two drugs approved in Australia for IPF to slow the progression of the disease.

“While some patients may be eligible for lung transplants, older patients may not.

“The available drugs have side effects, including bowel symptoms and liver function decline and eventually aren’t able to be tolerated. Some patients even stop treatment because of these side effects.”

Without treatment, the prognosis for patients is poor according to Dr Nazmi.
“When the diagnosis comes after the age of 60, it can progress rapidly. Without treatment, the average life expectancy is about 3 to 5 years.” Dr Nazmi said.

The 26-week study is a randomised placebo-controlled trial with the three local participants receiving either the investigational drug or a placebo alongside standard care.

Read more about a patient 'John' who is participating and about the clinical trial here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/locals-join-global-trial-to-test-new-drug-for-rare-lung-disease

31/03/2026

Specialist clinicians from Mackay Hospital and Health Service recently held a public information evening to raise awareness and understanding of endometriosis.

The evening also included a personal story of the journey from diagnosis to living with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.

For those who were unable to attend, please click on the link to watch the presentation: https://youtu.be/Ypq0vM4VkvI

30/03/2026

Today (30 March) is National Doctors’ Day, a time to thank the more than 350 doctors who work across Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), both at Mackay Base Hospital and at all of our rural facilities. 🏥

Today, we reflect on the extraordinary impact you make in our communities each and every day.

Behind every doctor is a story of personal sacrifice; long hours, the emotional toll of patient care and the relentless pressure to excel.

Thank you for the years of study and preparation you have invested in learning to care for others.

Thank you for your dedication and tireless service on the wards, by bedside, in surgery, in clinics and in online outreach as you tend to patients and provide advice and guidance.

We also recognise the personal qualities of our doctors: compassion, empathy, and the kindness you show in moments of vulnerability. Your resilience and ability to comfort patients is as vital as your medical treatments.

The pursuit of medical excellence is no small feat. As a doctor, you face the daunting task of navigating complex healthcare challenges, advancing medical research and adopting new technologies.

Today, we extend our gratitude for your profound commitment to healing and improving lives in our community. ❤️‍🩹👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️

29/03/2026

Want to acknowledge a Mackay HHS midwife for their care and dedication to maternal and newborn health? 👶

You can say a special thank you and show your appreciation for the incredible work and support of midwives during pregnancy, labour, birth and post natal.

Nominate a midwife today for the Exceptional Midwifery Care Provider Award.

International Day of the Midwife is held on 5 May and an awards ceremony is being held at our facilities to celebrate our wonderful midwives and recognise their outstanding contributions.

The Exceptional Midwifery Care Provider Award is open for nomination to patients and consumers who have accessed midwifery services at any of our hospitals and health facilities between 1 May 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Click here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=CLBlC9eVvEq6_D_8IMA5wLe5btInfqlIqxIY4dWiTG5UNVBKQU81VzJSRTQ1REcxQTlNQUpNMkdMVi4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawQ35JtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4d0FYOGxBNlZBNmJiMmJXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlvC6wYYMPMx9GSHoi1Qocbg4mj9jp7rr6mcasE1CxsdO05z9CQL-9Mrag_x_aem_bLmFsWMuyodV3mx4B3k38w

Nominations close tomorrow 5pm.

27/03/2026

25/03/2026

🎉 We were thrilled to officially mark the completion of the Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment at a recent celebration event.

Staff and community partners gathered at the hospital to acknowledge the redevelopment and its significant boost to healthcare infrastructure for Moranbah.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Sean Birgan said the Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment would positively impact the health and wellbeing of people in Moranbah for years to come.

“From the integration of hospital and community health services, to an expanded emergency department, to the addition of a new onsite helipad; the project was always about enhancing health care and bringing services closer to home,” he said.

“This is an important infrastructure project for the Isaac region and more importantly, it is a transformational project for the people of the Moranbah community.

“Thank you to the dedicated Moranbah Hospital staff, Mackay HHS Capital Projects, Health Infrastructure Queensland and community who worked to plan, design and produce the project, ensuring it serves the region now and into the future.”

The Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment was carried out in two stages with the new hospital opening for care in November 2024, followed by the construction of the onsite helipad which became operational a year later in November 2025.

24/03/2026

What began as a gap year for Judy Struik has evolved into 46 years dedicated to patient care and nurse education.

Judy’s extensive nursing career was celebrated recently after she made the decision to call it a day and enter a well-earned retirement.

“I started at the Base Hospital in 1980, fresh out of school as a 17-year-old nursing student,” Judy said.

“I had been accepted into university to become a teacher but I needed a break after my school studies. My mum said, ‘you have to go and earn a living’ so she sent me off, I did some interviews and I got my first nursing job, and, well here I am today.”

That year, Judy began as a hospital-trained nurse and has never looked back.

“It was confronting as a 17-year-old, but I found nursing to be mentally stimulating and challenging,” she said.

“We did 6-week rotations and over my three years of training, I managed to experience every specialty of nursing.

“After completing my training, I secured a position in the medical ward, where I worked for a year. Soon after, my friends and I packed up and travelled to Perth, where I began working as a casual agency nurse.”

She joined Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital working in the intensive care unit (ICU).

“My experience in ICU was where I learnt a lot; more about organs and how they function together. It was a very pivotal point for me,” Judy said.

“After two years in Perth, I returned to Mackay for six months working in both Coronary Care and ICU, then on to the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital ICU for a brief time before moving back to the Base Hospital ICU in 1987 where I stayed for five years.”

The desire to continue learning and branch out into teaching was on Judy’s horizon. She took on her first leadership role with the Base Hospital’s female medical ward and completed higher education studies.

"In 1992, I became the ward’s clinical nurse consultant. It was the ideal place to learn management skills – staffing, rostering, education; we did it all,” Judy said.

Read more on Judy's story here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/judy-bids-farewell-to-nursing-after-four-decade-of-care