New orthopedic ward opens at Mackay Base Hospital

Director says having a dedicated orthopedic ward is the gold-standard of care for patients.

Truck driver Bruce Shenfield, who is recovering from multiple injuries after a car crash, talks to Orthopedics Director Dr Jonathan Smith and Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert about his treatment in the new orthopedic ward at Mackay Base Hospital.

A NEW 16-bed orthopedic ward will expand services for patients recovering from surgery, provide 29 full-time jobs and reduce waiting lists at Mackay Base Hospital.

The newly opened 16-bed ward will allow for an extra 800 patient stays each year and an additional 29 full-time equivalent jobs in nursing, medical, allied health and operational positions.

This is the second major boost for the health sector in the area in the past few months and doubles the number of orthopedic beds.
At the opening, Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said Queensland Health had invested $4 million annually to meet the cost of running the ward.

“This is part of our investment in providing the best healthcare across Queensland, no matter where you live,” Mrs Gilbert said.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Jo Whitehead said eight additional beds had been funded with the other eight reallocated from other wards that previously cared for orthopedic patients.

“Orthopedics is one of the most in-demand specialities and this year we have added additional theatre lists to ensure more elective patients are treated sooner,” she said.

“The extra beds will not only facilitate specialised care but will help with the flow of patients through the hospital.”

Orthopedics director Jonathan Smith said having a dedicated orthopedic ward was the gold-standard of care for patients.

“It’s a milestone for the Base Hospital to have achieved this and puts us on the same level as major metropolitan hospitals,” Dr Smith said.

Dr Smith said the expansion was necessary due to an increased demand for trauma services, an ageing population, tourists visiting Mackay and the long stretch of road between Rockhampton and Townsville where no specialised wards were available.

He said the nursing model had worked well in other cities and helped keep patients positive.

Truck driver Bruce Shenfield, a patient on the ward, is recovering from a recent crash between his truck and a car near Alligator Creek which left him with multiple broken bones, fractures and internal bruising.

He expressed his gratitude at being treated by a range of experts in the new orthopedic ward.

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