Laboratory tests have confirmed a case of imported dengue fever in a Bowen resident. The Mackay Public Health Unit launched a response to the suspected case last Friday after a resident returned from overseas and became unwell. Public Health Medical Officer Dr Steven Donohue said testing confirmed the resident had type 2 dengue fever acquired… [Read More]

The Mackay Public Health Unit is responding to a suspected imported dengue case in a Bowen resident. Public Health Medical Officer Dr Steven Donohue said the person had recently been overseas and became sick after returning. “Unfortunately, sometimes it can take a week or so for the virus to be identified,” Dr Donohue said. “We… [Read More]

In our special Cyclone Debbie Tribute 2018 newsletter we honour our hospital and healthcare workers who ensured every hospital remained open during Cyclone Debbie and the storm that followed.

Sarina Hospital has welcomed three permanent Senior Medical Officers. Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Thian Barnard was working at the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department three years ago when he started part-time work at Sarina. He fell in love with the hospital and community and in April last year moved to a full-time position and in… [Read More]

A 16-year-old Toni Simmons stood and watched her mother lie on blood-soaked hospital sheets with vomit on her pillow case after an operation for kidney cancer. In that instant teenage Toni knew she had to become a nurse. “She looked like she was about to die, she looked horrible. Mum had been in and out… [Read More]