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Springfield’s Mater Hospital to Feature Cutting-Edge Robotic Pharmacy System

Springfield residents will soon benefit from the latest advancements in medical technology as the Mater Foundation, a charitable organization supporting Mater hospitals across Queensland, invests $450,000 in a state-of-the-art robotic pharmacy system for the new Mater Private Hospital in Springfield.

This innovative system is set to revolutionize prescription delivery, aiming to provide around 100,000 prescriptions annually to patients and medical staff within minutes. The investment made by the Mater Foundation demonstrates the importance of community fundraising in supporting the vital work of Mater, Queensland’s largest not-for-profit health provider.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield’s General Manager, Suzanne Hawksley, expressed gratitude for the generosity of Mater’s donors and highlighted the significant impact the investment will have on the hospital’s pharmacy team and patients.

With the completion of the Stage 2 expansion, Mater Pharmacy anticipates dispensing approximately 100,000 prescriptions per year. The cutting-edge technology of the BD ROWA Vmax-160 pharmacy robotic and inventory dispensing system will ensure accurate and efficient medication delivery, significantly reducing waiting times for patients. The system automates the process of picking and dispensing medicines, directing them to each pharmacist’s workstation via chutes and conveyor belts. This eliminates the need for pharmacists to manually locate and collect medications from shelves, streamlining operations and enhancing patient care.

In addition to improving efficiency, the robotic pharmacy system will optimize stock control, leading to more effective inventory management within the pharmacy. This will ultimately reduce the amount of storage space required and enhance overall pharmacy operations.

Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive, Andrew Thomas, emphasized that the acquisition of the pharmacy robot exemplifies how community fundraising efforts directly contribute to enhanced patient care at Mater. He encouraged Springfield residents to participate in Mater Giving Day, which falls on 28 June 2023. On this day, all donations to the Mater Foundation will be tripled by matching donors, amplifying the impact of each contribution.

To contribute to Mater Giving Day and support the Mater Foundation’s initiatives, donations can be made online.

Mater Giving Day serves as an opportunity for the community to support the provision of life-saving medical equipment, research, education, and healthcare throughout Queensland. Mr. Thomas expressed his gratitude to Mater’s staff, patients, loved ones, and supporters, emphasizing the profound difference their collective contributions can make in the lives of Mater’s patients.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Stage 2 expansion of Mater Private Hospital Springfield, located on Health Care Drive, is a crucial development aimed at meeting the community’s healthcare needs for years to come. The expansion will provide 174 public beds and offer both private and public services, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit, and Mater’s renowned maternity services. This comprehensive approach ensures that local women have the opportunity to give birth within their own community, fostering a sense of comfort and convenience during the crucial time of childbirth.

Construction work on the Stage 2 expansion began in early 2023, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The new Mater Private Hospital Springfield represents a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates Mater’s commitment to delivering exceptional care to the Springfield community.

Published 18-June-2023

Springfield-Based Medcan Leads the Way in Medicinal Hemp Farming with Advanced Technology

Photo Credit: MedCan/Facebook

Use of medical hemp in Australia has witnessed a steady increase since its legalisation, and one company in Queensland is at the forefront of revolutionizing the industry. Medcan, with its headquarters in Springfield, has pioneered a cutting-edge tech setup that is considered one of the most advanced in the southern hemisphere.

Under the leadership of CEO Craig Cochran, Medcan is dedicated to producing the highest quality hemp available in the market. Cochran emphasised the importance of creating an environment that can be accurately controlled and consistently replicated to achieve this goal.

Thanks to its advanced technology setup, Medcan has the capacity to produce up to 6,000 kilograms of dried cannabis flower per year. This production volume places the company at the forefront of medicinal cannabis cultivation in Australia.

Medcan operates a 3,000-square-meter vertical cannabis farm equipped with the PRIVA software system and a state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The combination of these technologies allows for precise environmental control and optimal cultivation conditions.

Nate Jones, Head of Cultivation at Medcan, highlighted the challenge of managing the dehumidification load required for indoor plant growth. However, Medcan designed an innovative HVAC system that effectively maintains the temperature at an ideal 25 degrees Celsius, with an optimal humidity level of 55 per cent.

The PRIVA system employed by Medcan is a comprehensive software solution that utilizes algorithmic logic to calculate and manage the plant’s environment. It collects data from hundreds of probes and various measuring equipment throughout the facility, ensuring optimal conditions for growth.

In addition to cultivation, Medcan operates as a full-service company, covering the entire value chain of medicinal cannabis. They engage in manufacturing, importation, exportation, wholesale distribution, and local supply of medical cannabis across Australia.

The innovative approach and dedication to quality exhibited by Medcan are propelling Queensland to the forefront of the medicinal cannabis industry in Australia. With the company’s advanced technology and comprehensive services, it is poised to meet the growing demand for medicinal cannabis and contribute significantly to the healthcare sector.

Published 16-June-2023

Stage 2 of $710-M Ipswich Hospital Expansion Awarded

Construction on the $710-million Ipswich Hospital is now one step closer to completion as Stage 2 of the project, expected to add 200 beds and 1,700 construction jobs to the region, is awarded to BESIX Watpac.

Read: New Building With Childcare Centre, Commercial Spaces Proposed For Brisbane Street Ipswich

Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 — Photo credit: Sybille Goss/Google Maps

Local officials highlighted the comprehensive nature of the expansion, which includes not only the 200 new beds but also a new Emergency Department, purpose-built acute clinical service building, six extra operating theatres, a satellite medical imaging service, and a new Central Sterilisation Service Department.

The project is particularly signigicant for the expansion of healthcare services in the region. It is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Local authorities emphasised the short-term benefits for local businesses and suppliers who eagerly anticipate the opportunity to be part of such a significant project.

“It is critical that Queensland Health and BESIX Watpac Qld ensure that our local businesses and suppliers receive orders and that they are informed and given the opportunity to bid for subcontracts, rather than the jobs and work leaving the Ipswich region,” Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.

The State is currently overseeing the $146.3 million Ipswich Hospital Stage 1 upgrade project, which is set to be completed in late 2023. This project includes the establishment of an Acute Mental Health Unit, an MRI suite, a 26-bed medical and surgical ward, and a transit lounge for the local community. Additionally, a new Satellite Hospital in Ripley is scheduled to open later in 2023.

Councillor Nicole Jonic, Chair of the Economic and Industry Development Committee, highlighted the direct benefits that the hospital expansion program will bring to the Ipswich industry.

“Health care and social assistance is one of Ipswich’s core industries, with 17 percent of our region’s workers employed in the sector,” Cr Jonic said.

Read: Opening Soon in Springfield: Innovative Mater Health Hub for the Whole Family

Construction of the Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 expansion would commence by 2024 and is anticipated to be complete by 2027.

Published 8-June-2023

Good Samaritans Rescue Toddler Found Wandering at Closed Greenbank Military Base

Photo Credit: Garde Jipulu/Pixabay

A heartwarming rescue took place at the Greenbank Military Base, near the Springfield Lakes-Greenbank Arterial Road, when a toddler was found wandering through the closed military base by a vigilant member of the public.

The three-year-old girl, covered in mud and bites, was spotted along the fence line of the training area, freezing and chewing on rocks. Thanks to the quick actions of two good Samaritans, the toddler has been safely reunited with her mother.

Kylie Hey, a resident of the Spring Mountain Estate, was on her way to work when she noticed the child inside the fenced area. Concerned for the toddler’s well-being, she wasted no time and reached through the fence to grab the girl’s hand. Ms Hey immediately called the police, despite the child’s distressed state, with screams overpowering the conversation.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ransley was driving her children to school when she noticed Ms Hey and initially assumed it was a parent attending to their child’s needs. However, her children alerted her to the fact that the child was behind the fence, prompting her to turn around and offer assistance.

Ms Ransley held the girl’s hand, trying to keep her calm, whilst Ms Hey spoke with the police. Several other people passing by also stopped to lend a hand, bringing ladders to aid in the rescue efforts.

Once the girl was safely rescued from behind the fence, her soaked clothes were removed, revealing ant bites all over her body. Concerned for her well-being, the residents wrapped her in a towel and brought her into Ms Ransley’s heated car. There, the girl found comfort in the warmth and even ate some food from Ms Ransley’s children’s lunch boxes.

According to Ms Hey, the company responsible for security on the fence line at the Greenbank Military Base suspected that the girl may have crawled through one of the wildlife holes in the fence, setting off on her unexpected adventure. The nearest homes were believed to be several kilometres away, separated by multiple creeks.

Emergency services arrived at the scene and assessed the girl for injuries. Fortunately, she was found to have no significant injuries and was later transported to Ipswich Hospital as a precautionary measure. The police, in the meantime, launched a door-to-door search in the surrounding area to locate the girl’s parents, but their efforts were initially in vain.

As news of the incident spread, social media platforms were inundated with messages of support and appeals for assistance in finding the child’s parents. The community rallied together to aid the police in their search. Eventually, a mother reported waking up late in the morning and discovering her toddler missing. After verifying the information, she was identified as the parent of the toddler.

The heartwarming reunion between the mother and child took place, bringing relief to all involved. The police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, attributing the toddler’s adventure to a case of curiosity and wanderlust.

Authorities from West Moreton Health, when contacted for comment, declined to provide any specific details about the child’s condition.

Published 22-May-2023

Springfield Grande Shopping Hub Soon to Rise in Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Springfield Lakes residents can look forward to a new shopping destination as Springfield Grande prepares to open its doors in early 2025.

Springfield Grande, previously known as Springfield Lakes Shopping Village, will soon begin construction at its prime location on 11 Grande Avenue. This much-anticipated project comes to fruition under the new ownership of Limbada Group, taking the reins after Taree Property faced voluntary liquidation.

The owners are pushing forward with the approved plans for the centre, aiming to commence construction in just four months. With this timeline in mind, locals can look forward to Springfield Grande’s grand opening in early 2025.

Site plan | *Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council / developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au*

Strategically positioned a mere three and a half kilometres from the thriving Orion Shopping Centre in Springfield Central, Springfield Grande will be ideally situated to meet the growing demands of the community. Anderson highlighted the centre’s intent to cater to the rising needs of nearby Aveo retirement living, as well as the expanding communities at Springfield Rise and Greenbank Arterial.

The current blueprint for Springfield Grande reveals an impressive array of businesses, poised to deliver a diverse range of services and products. Anchored by a Drakes Supermarket, the centre will also feature a 7/11 convenience store, a Snap Fitness gym, the popular Yiros Shop, Sushi Hyo, and JAX Tyres Auto.

Retail elevations | Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council / developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Moreover, a pharmacy, bottle shop, laundromat, kebab shop, and bakery will enhance the convenience and variety offered to shoppers. Anderson expressed the team’s ongoing commitment to finding the perfect tenants to complete the centre’s vibrant atmosphere including a café and restaurants.

The plans for Springfield Grande may also include the addition of an auxiliary childcare centre, ensuring that families in the area will have access to quality care whilst attending to their shopping needs.

Published 19-May-2023

Australian Made Week Celebrates Local Legends to Promote Aussie-Made Products

Waves of promotion kick off for Australia Made Week, which is aimed at encouraging Australians to support local makers and growers by purchasing Australian-made products.

As part of Australian Made Week, Brookwater local and tennis star Ash Barty is calling on all Australians to join in and support local producers by buying genuine Aussie products.

Ms Barty, who is a strong advocate for buying local, says that every purchase makes a difference for local businesses and encourages people to spread the word on social media using the hashtag #AustralianMadeWeek.

According to Roy Morgan research, every household in Australia could contribute an extra $4.8 billion to the economy each year and up to 9,500 new jobs if they spent just an extra $10 a week on products made in Australia. Ben Lazzaro, CEO of Australian created, is asking Australians to make a weekly commitment to purchasing at least one additional item that is created or farmed domestically.

The Australian Made logo, featuring a trusted green-and-gold kangaroo, is recognised by a staggering 99% of Australians, making it one of the most trusted certification brands in the country.

A whopping 93% of Australians are confident that products displaying the Australian Made logo are made or grown in Australia.

The week-long event, which runs from May 15 to May 21, is being promoted through various channels, including TV, radio, print, and online advertisements. With 86% of Australians considering it important to buy Australian-made products, the event aims to celebrate local makers and growers while boosting the country’s economy.

Published 15-May-2023

‘Go for Gold’ Fund Benefits Springfield Lakes and Springfield Central Schools

Seven schools in the Jordan Ward, which covers Springfield Lakes and Springfield Central, were the lucky recipients of the “Go For Gold” funding program that encourages sports participation among the young.

In early 2023, Springfield Lakes State School and Springfield Central State High School each received $3,000 for the purchase of sports equipment to help with the training of budding athletes. The Springfield Anglican State College also received $500 for gymnastic ribbons.

Camira State School, Greenbank State School, Flagstone State Community College, and Woodcrest State College were also beneficiaries of the substantial funding.

The Go for Gold program supports investment projects for active engagement to boost the students’ interest in sports.

This year, applications for the first round closed on March 2023 but the second round, including the assessment, will run until 15 Sept 2023. Queensland schools, including primary, high, middle and special education schools, may apply for this benefit, especially for the following needs:

re-marking or re-surfacing outdoor courts, permanent shade cover over existing outdoor courts
outdoor athletic track and field facility, small multi-purpose sports facilities and synthetic grass fields
small multi-sports indoor court facilities and outdoor courts.

APPLY FOR GO FOR GOLD

For enquiries about Go For Gold, email PriorityPrograms.StrategicInvestment@qed.qld.gov.au.

Published 14 May 2023

Trees for Mum Eco Event Returns at Camira’s Jim Seymour Park

Photo Credit: Tumisu/Pixabay

Ipswich residents are getting ready to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty for the annual Trees for Mum event this Mother’s Day.

Taking place on Sunday, 14 May 2023, at the Jim Seymour Park in Camira, the Trees for Mum event is expected to draw over 200 people who are eager to improve their surroundings whilst celebrating Mother’s Day.

This vital activity is part of the Ipswich City Council’s strategic Habitat Connection rehabilitation program, which aims to restore waterways throughout the region through the planting of native species. The program also seeks to encourage wildlife to thrive by providing suitable habitats.

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said that the event is a great opportunity to support the platypus population at Jim Seymour Park. The Sandy Creek catchment area in the park provides important platypus habitat, making it a perfect site for the event. Participants will be helping to improve the platypus habitat by planting native plants, which will also benefit other native wildlife that uses waterway corridors.

This comes following a concerning report from the Ipswich City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee that the animals haven’t returned to the waterways since the flooding in February 2022.

“Platypus monitoring was conducted in June last year, only a few months after the floods, at 22 known platypus sites across Ipswich,” Councillor Russell Milligan said.

“This monitoring sadly recorded just one tentative positive eDNA sign in Wacol.

“Officers repeated the eDNA monitoring at all of these 22 sites in December 2022, with similar results confirming platypus still have not yet returned to Ipswich’s rivers, creeks and waterways.”

Meanwhile, Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said that Trees for Mum is an excellent way to spend quality time with family whilst contributing to local sustainability. She encourages everyone to get involved and make the most of the day by having a picnic and celebrating Mother’s Day in the beautiful city of Ipswich.

Participants will receive a complimentary gift and treat to enjoy at the planting. The plant species are chosen to suit local climate and soil conditions and are propagated and grown in the Council’s nursery.

Published 12-May-2023

Cryptosporidiosis Alert: Water Park Contamination Raises Health Concerns

Very high magnification micrograph of cryptosporidiosis (cryptosporidium infection) | Photo Credit: Nephron, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

An incident at a popular water park has left a Ripley mum concerned about the health risks posed to her two children.

Read: Springfield Rise Welcomes The Opening Of Silver Jubilee Park

The children–a four-year-old, and the other just 20 months old–were reported to have contracted a parasitic infection, believed to be cryptosporidiosis, which resulted in hospitalisation.

Cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as “crypto,” is a diarrheal disease that is caused by the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium. Young children are mainly affected by the illness, which spreads through contact with the faeces of an infected individual or animal. The parasite has a notable capacity to survive outside the body for prolonged periods and is resistant to chlorine disinfection, making water the primary means of transmission.

The affected children exhibited stomach cramps, high temperatures, vomiting, and diarrhoea as symptoms of the infection. They were given intravenous fluids and antibiotics for several days to fight the illness. Further tests confirmed that they had cryptosporidiosis, and the ACDC reached out to the mum to identify the probable source of the infection.

The ACDC later informed her that the potential infection sources had been narrowed down to two popular locations among families with young children: the Orion Lagoon in Springfield and the Providence Ripley Splash N’ Play Park.

West Moreton Health, meanwhile, confirmed an increase in the number of cryptosporidiosis cases. Working with Ipswich City Council and Ripley facility operators, they have initiated an investigation into the rising incidents.

Routine sampling and testing of the water in all public pools and splash parks were conducted to identify any common sources of infection. Despite concerns from residents, however, water quality tests at Orion Lagoon have shown no issues.

On the other hand, the safety and testing measures at the Providence Ripley water park were not the responsibility of the Council, but rather the developer, Stockland.

Whilst Stockland is responsible for maintaining the Ripley water park, including conducting regular water tests, they have no involvement with the Orion Lagoon.

In 2022, water tests at the Ripley water park showed contamination, resulting in the immediate closure of the Splash ‘n’ Play facility until tests showed the water was safe.

Read: Ipswich Jets Leagues Club Proposes Expansion, New Cafe and Parking Upgrades

Queensland Health recommends the following preventive measures to keep Cryptosporidiosis at bay:

Washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing nappies and before handling food or eating
washing the hands of toddlers and babies after a nappy change
washing hands after contact with pets, and after cleaning up animal faeces
washing hands after gardening or other direct contact with soil
washing hands after contact with cattle and other farm animals
washing fruit and vegetables before eating them
not eating or drinking unpasteurised milk products
not drinking untreated water and inadequately filtered water and boiling untreated water or water of unknown quality for at least one minute before drinking
not swallowing water in swimming pools or other recreational water
avoid swimming in natural waters (rivers, creeks, dams, surf) within a week after heavy rain
not sharing linen and towels during diarrhoea and for 2 weeks after diarrhoea has stopped.

Published 10-May-2023

Fire Breaks Out in Springfield Lakes Home

Photo Credit: QFES/Facebook

A fire broke out at a home located in Springfield Lakes, prompting an emergency response from three crews, as well as ambulance support.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) sent three crews to the site on Opossum Circuit just before 7:00 p.m. on 1 May 2023. Although ambulance crews were also present, there were no patients requiring assessment.

Local residents expressed their concern on Facebook, with some hoping that everyone was safe. Community groups also discussed the fire, with one person asking about the situation in the Horizon Drive area, while another expressed their hope that all the humans and animals were safe.

The police were called to the scene, and they confirmed that the incident was related to mental health.

Published 5-May-2023