Mater Private Hospital Springfield Archives

Sight-Saving Surgery in Springfield Transforms Lives of First Nations People

Over 1000 First Nations Queenslanders have successfully had their eyesight restored through cataract surgeries, as part of a groundbreaking partnership between the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

The program began in 2016 and now facilitates about 150 publicly-funded operations annually at Mater Private Hospital Springfield. It aims to address the higher rate of severe sight deterioration among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who often experience vision loss earlier than non-Indigenous Australians.

Holistic Approach to Eye Care

IUIH CEO Adrian Carson highlighted the program’s comprehensive support system: “By working collaboratively across the region and health system to ensure our people are diagnosed and well supported before, through and after treatment, we have reduced demand on the system since patients can be treated earlier, supporting better long-term health and community outcomes.”

The program offers:

– Pre and post-operative care
– Transport
– Personal support on surgery day
– No additional cost to patients or the healthcare system

Mater Private Hospital Springfield — *Photo Credit: Peter Wallis/Supplied*

Improving Access and Outcomes

Dr Sunil Warrier, Director of Ophthalmology at Mater Hospital Brisbane, explained the program’s significance.

“We know a lot of First Nations people lose their vision around the age of 50 to 60 years, a lot earlier than Caucasian people, who tend to be around the age of 60 to 70.”

“Our patients already know and feel comfortable with our team because they’ve been engaged with their local clinic and optometrist, and the opportunity to be together and connected with each other and us throughout the day makes it a positive shared experience,” Celia McCarthy, IUIH Eye Health Services Manager, added.

“Watching television and doing simple household chores including cleaning have become frustrating due to my deteriorating vision. I’m looking forward to seeing normally again,” Gordon Cowburn, 75, a Wakka Wakka Elder, said prior to the cataract procedure.

“I had a check-up the other day and things are great. My life has improved and I’m much happier now,” Ian Delaney, 70, a Quandamooka man, said.

The program continues to significantly impact the lives of First Nations Queenslanders, restoring not only their sight but also their independence and quality of life.

Published 13-July-2024

Mater Celebrates Springfield Lakes Leadership Team’s Achievements

Mater Private Hospital Springfield has received significant recognition for their exceptional service as its leadership team is honoured with the prestigious Clinical Excellence (Team) Award.

More than 13,000 procedures are performed at this hospital in Springfield each year, across specialty areas ranging from oncology and orthopaedics to gastroenterology and maxillofacial surgery.

The recognition comes as Mater embarks on Stage 2 of the expansion of Mater Hospital Springfield.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the expansion will include 174 public beds and a much-needed Emergency Department, further enhancing healthcare accessibility in the area.

The new facility will integrate Mater Health and Mater Education, offering a range of specialist consultancy suites, allied health services, and healthcare education.

Mater Springfield Lakes — Photo Credit: Mater

The Clinical Excellence (Team) Award, presented at the Mater People Awards, acknowledges the team’s dedication to the 12,500 patients they have cared for over the past year.

Paul Darcy, the Executive Director, commended the team for their unwavering commitment to the rapidly growing Springfield community. Their approach, particularly in pressure injury and fall prevention, has been a highlight in the realm of patient care.

“Greater Springfield is a rapidly growing community, with evolving health care needs, and Mater’s Springfield leadership team has been unwavering in its efforts to ensure these needs are met,” Mr Darcy said.

“They’ve been innovative, resilient, and responsive in achieving excellent patient outcomes, particularly in pressure injury and fall prevention – that’s been a real highlight over the past 12 months.

“The award also recognises the team’s collaborative approach, irrespective of position or department, which has also gone a long way to ensuring our patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.”

Published 17-Nov-2023

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

Music to Feel Better? Singing Surgeon Soothes Mater Private Hospital Springfield Patients

Dr Geoff Muduioa of Mater Private Hospital Springfield goes about this workday checking on patients as a breast and endocrine surgeon but everyone looks forward to his daily rounds because he brings something even better — music and songs that put a smile in the staff and soothe his patients.

Dr Muduioa, who is originally from the Solomon Islands, has earned the nickname the “singing surgeon” at Mater Hospital because he loves to sing to his patients to keep them calm prior to their surgery.

“I have always loved music. There’s always music playing in the theatre when I’m operating,” the doctor said.

“Growing up in the Pacific Islands, singing is part of the culture. We sing all the time, even from a very young age.”

Dr Muduioa admitted his singing is not pitch-perfect, but said his patients recovering from breast, thyroid, and general surgical procedures appreciated his enthusiasm.

“It does not matter if we sing out of key, what matters is the joy we experience and the joy the song brings to my patients,” he said.

His choice of tunes has united his colleagues, who also sing along and out loud with Dr Muduioa.

Gavin Daniell, from Wynnum Manly, was nervous about his hernia operation but Dr Muduioa’s became the highlight of his day.

Daniell was also impacted by the recent flooding in Brisbane and his experience and consults with the singing surgeon helped take his mind off things at home.

“All the patients just love it,” Mater Private Hospital Springfield theatre floor coordinator Sue Richardson said.

“They laugh and even request songs. He definitely gives it his all and he’s passionate about how he delivers it.

“You know when Dr Geoff is operating in the theatre as you can hear the reggae music playing. It’s a really good vibe.”