Mackay Hospital and Health Service

17/04/2026

From global dreams to local community care 🌏👨‍⚕️
Meet one of our newest interns and discover why Andrew chose Mackay HHS to begin his medical journey. ⚕️

15/04/2026

Today we celebrated 10 years of Deadly Choices in our region 💛🖤❤️💚 🤍💙

A colourful community and cultural event at Victoria Park State School brought together Traditional Elders, community members, local groups and organisations and healthcare staff to mark a decade of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy lifestyle choices.

From cultural activities and health promotion stalls to plenty of fun for families, it was a day to reflect on the growth of strong partnerships, proud achievements and lasting impact of this incredible program.

Deadly Choices has always been supported by dedicated ambassadors, including the 10-year anniversary celebration special guest and Australian professional women’s rugby league player Tallisha Harden, who inspires our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through her leadership and advocacy.

Another highlight of the anniversary celebration was the acknowledgement of Aunty Joan, whose unwavering commitment to the program since 2015 has made a lasting impact.

Thank you to all those who have been part of the Deadly Choices journey.

Here’s to continuing to close the gap and support healthier futures for all our generations to come.

13/04/2026

For more than 17 years, Mackay Birth Centre midwife Julie Pratt has been supporting local women and families through one of the biggest transitions and moments in their lives.

She knew she wanted a career helping and caring for others, so nursing seemed like a natural choice.

After completing her Bachelor of Nursing in 2003, Julie was encouraged to pursue post-graduate studies in midwifery, a path which quickly proved the perfect fit.

Julie began her career at Mackay Base Hospital and eagerly accepted a role at the Mackay Birth Centre in 2009.

“I’ve always been passionate about supporting women with low-risk pregnancies to birth their babies with as little intervention as possible, in a space that feels warm, calm and homely,” Julie said.

“For me, this role is far more than a job. It’s a genuine commitment to the women and families in our community, something which I care deeply about.

“Since 2017, I’ve held medication endorsement, which allows me to prescribe some medications and scans if required during pregnancy and labour, supporting women throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period with an expanded scope of practice.”

Julie said sharing a woman’s journey into motherhood was incredibly rewarding and an absolute privilege.

“To be part of that journey from their very first appointment at around 14 weeks all the way to birth and beyond their postnatal phase is so fulfilling and is what has kept me here for so long,” she said.

“Midwives walk alongside women, build mutual relationships with a common goal at one of the most important and vulnerable times in their lives, offering support, trust, reassurance and expert care every step of the way.

“It’s also why so many of our birth centre mums return to use our service again; there’s a genuine sense of connection and community here that makes it truly special to be part of.”

Julie fondly remembers the first birth she assisted at the centre; like many others since, it created a long and enduring connection with those she cared for.

“I’ve had several women who I’ve helped birth their first, second, third baby at the birth centre,” she said.

“I’ve had women contact me as soon as they receive a positive pregnancy test, sometimes before telling their partners, because having a birth centre birth means so much to them."

The Mackay Birth Centre was established in 1994 for low-risk pregnant women experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy who wanted a natural birth in a home-like environment.

The birth centre model of care, which is currently being offered in a dedicated birth suite in the Women’s Health Unit at the Mackay Base Hospital due to redevelopment plans, aims to make giving birth as natural and comfortable as possible.

Natural methods of pain relief are encouraged and mothers are supported to feel empowered and express their needs freely.

“Another benefit of the service is that, providing mother and baby are well, they are likely to be back at home very quickly,” Julie said.

“Supporting women to rest, recover and begin life with their newborn in the comfort of their own home is a really special part of what we offer.”

To find out more about the model of care available, please contact Mackay Birth Centre on (07) 4885 6933.

10/04/2026

🕷️When your spidey senses start tingling, it can only mean one thing — Dr Spiderman has swung into the ward!

Patients in the Child and Adolescent unit at Mackay Base Hospital were treated to a very special visit this week, with local hero Dr Spiderman (sometimes known as George Mann) delivering smiles, surprises and plenty of web-slinging fun.

A third-year medical student at James Cook University and proud Mackay local, he regularly uses his powers for good, raising funds through his GoFundMe page to purchase toys for sick kids and distribute them as everyone’s favourite friendly neighbourhood superhero.

He was assisted by our friends at My Hospital Foundation and his sidekick Aadi. Now that is a web of kindness that stretches far and wide. 🕸️

Because Spiderman reminds us: “With great power comes great responsibility.” And George is certainly living up to it.

Thanks Dr Spiderman for lifting spirits and delivering joy this week – your efforts are truly super human. 💙

09/04/2026

It’s April No Falls Month, and we’re encouraging everyone to Stay on Your Feet.

Falls can happen to anyone, however older people and people with mobility or cognitive impairment are more at risk. Small steps can make a big difference to safety and independence, whether you’re in hospital or at home.

The Stay on Your Feet MOVES approach helps reduce the risk of falls: 🚶Move regularly, 👉 Orientate yourself to your surroundings, 👓 check your Vision, 🍏 Eat well and 🧠 support your Self-care.

If you’re visiting Mackay Base Hospital this week, drop by our Stay on Your Feet stall set up near the main front entrance. Pick up a brochure that outlines simple strategies to help prevent falls.

You can also find helpful information online via Queensland Health’s falls prevention webpage.: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/groups/seniors/falls-prevention.

07/04/2026

It was the warm welcome, way of life and range of clinical training opportunities in our region that convinced intern Dr Abdul to build his medical career here.

04/04/2026

03/04/2026

Some bunny is ready for treats! 🐰

Hoppy Easter to you all from our Mackay Base Hospital therapy dogs Chili and Tali. 🐶

These furry sisters bring egg-stra special comfort and joy to our patients when they visit our wards. 🏥

They deliver wagging tails and unconditional love to patients, families and staff and their paws-itivity has a remarkable way of lifting spirits and cracking smiles on even the toughest days.

You can read about them and their handlers Claire and Paul here: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/chili-and-tali-offer-patients-taste-of-home-in-clinical-space

So ears to a wonderful Easter every bunny, from our adorable 'heeling' team! 🐣

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/health/services/virtual-care

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