North West Hospital and Health Service

North West Hospital and Health Service Do not use this page to report an emergency or to seek medical advice. In an emergency call Triple Zero.

We provide a range of healthcare services to a number of communities in the region including: Burketown, Camooweal, Cloncurry, Dajarra, Doomadgee, Julia Creek, Karumba, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton. The main facility for the North West Hospital and Health Service is the Mount Isa Hospital which is situated at 30 Camooweal Street Mount Isa. From here we provide a vast range of clinical and non-clinical services to our region.

22/03/2026

hello
hi
yes
sorry to bother you

BUT…

Got 2 minutes and an opinion?

We’re running a short survey to help shape how we work with consumers and the community across the North West.

You don’t even have to have used our services, we just want to know if things actually make sense.

👉 Do the survey here: https://buff.ly/eNhWeuD

🔥 Mount Isa Community BBQ - Come have a feed & a yarn! 🔥Gidgee Healing invites everyone to join us for a relaxed communi...
20/03/2026

🔥 Mount Isa Community BBQ - Come have a feed & a yarn! 🔥

Gidgee Healing invites everyone to join us for a relaxed community BBQ at our Burke Street Clinic - a great chance to catch up, have a yarn and enjoy a feed together.

We'll also be sharing information about a new way to get Bicillin injections that may be coming to you soon.

📆 Friday, 20 March 2026
⏰ 1:00pm
📍 Gidgee Healing - Burke Street

Come down, meet the team (Jane & Rachel), and connect with your community🤝

Everyone is welcome - we'd love to see you there!

Nothing is more natural and grounding than a woman going through her cycle…and yet somehow that monthly Crimson Comet pr...
19/03/2026

Nothing is more natural and grounding than a woman going through her cycle…
and yet somehow that monthly Crimson Comet preparing for atmospheric re-entry still catches you off guard every single time.

One minute. thriving.
Next minute? Survival mode clocks in.

And can we discuss the betrayal lightning?
Those sharp, out-of-nowhere, soul-leaving pains?

“Why does my uterus have access to my entire nervous system.”

Those sharp “lightning” pains and digestive chaos are common during menstruation thanks to prostaglandins, the hormones that help your uterus contract but also irritate nearby nerves and bowels (yes, that includes the infamous period poops).

Here’s the slightly-less-magical, very-real-world survival guide:

⚡ Lightning pains
– Heat packs are elite.
– Gentle movement (yoga, walking, ect).
– Anti-inflammatories can reduce prostaglandins (chat to your pharmacist or GP).

💩 Period poops
– Stay hydrated (coffee is not hydration, that causes it's own movements iykyk).
– Fibre can help
– If it’s severe or impacting daily life, it’s worth a check-in with your GP.

🩸 Heavy bleeding
– Track your cycle so you’re not emotionally ambushed.
– If you’re soaking through products hourly or passing very large clots, that’s not just “normal woman stuff”... that’s a medical conversation.

🔥 PMS
– Sleep.
– Blood sugar stability (eat the snack).
– Magnesium can help some people.
– ...God forbid a girl carry a little rage with her whimsy 😉

And if any of it feels extreme, debilitating, or not manageable?
That’s not weakness. That’s a reason to talk to a health professional.

Regenerating internal tissue monthly and still answering emails.
That’s not dramatic.

That’s magic. ✨🩸

❄️ From Canada to Cloncurry 🌵Meet Dr Jillian, our Regional Director of Medical Services. 👏Jillian joined the North West ...
18/03/2026

❄️ From Canada to Cloncurry 🌵

Meet Dr Jillian, our Regional Director of Medical Services. 👏

Jillian joined the North West in July last year, relocating from Sarina with her husband and their young son, ready for a new adventure.

Originally from Canada, Jillian’s path to rural medicine has been anything but ordinary. After completing a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Molecular Biology, she started working as a teacher before applying — on a whim at midnight — to study medicine in Australia.

A few weeks later, she was accepted into UQ.

She’s never looked back.

Jillian completed all of her medical training regionally, becoming a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine with advanced skills in emergency medicine. Before moving west, she worked for many years across Mackay and surrounding rural hospitals.

The Regional Director of Medical Services role was newly created in Cloncurry, with a strong focus on strengthening and supporting medical services across the North West. The model has been developed through collaboration between the Cloncurry clinic team, Queensland Country Practice and North West Hospital and Health Service.

As part of this role, Jillian works closely with the team of NWHHS doctors now based in Cloncurry, supporting medical services across both the hospital and the GP clinic, through the SEM (Single Employer Model) ‘medical agreement’ which allows doctors to be employed by Queensland Health and work in the private practice. Through this workforce model, there is a strong focus on creating a more sustainable medical service for the community.

Today, Jillian supports six NWHHS doctors living and working in Cloncurry and Julia Creek across both services, improving access to care for the town and surrounding communities. Interestingly, 2 of the registrars who started in January were Dr Jillian’s previous PHOs at Sarina Hospital who chose to come here for RACGP training!

Outside of medicine, Jillian has previously volunteered as a firefighter 👩‍🚒 and worked as an officer with the Air Cadets, and hopes one day to return to volunteering when life slows down a little.

For now, she’s focused on supporting medical services across the region and continuing the work to strengthen rural healthcare for the communities she now calls home.
Welcome to the North West, Dr Jillian. 🎉

Dearest gentle reader,It has come to this author’s attention that while charm may sparkle, and a fine waistcoat may dist...
12/03/2026

Dearest gentle reader,

It has come to this author’s attention that while charm may sparkle, and a fine waistcoat may distract… spelling ability should not.

Indeed, one must never place blind trust in a rake who can spell gonorrhoea on the first attempt. 🤨

For how did he acquire such swift and confident knowledge?

Is it academic interest?
Is it coincidence?
Or is it… experience? 👀

Let this be a reminder to the ladies, lords, and lovers of the North West:

Such impresive spelling skills should only come from two places: excellent education… or firsthand experience. In either case, knowledge and testing are always in good form. Ignorance, however, is most inconvenient.

After all, dear reader, while spelling gonorrhoea may challenge even the brightest minds… testing for it is remarkably straightforward.

Yours in scandal (and public health),
Society’s Health Correspondent 🖋

💊✨ New Faces in Pharmacy: Meet Osman & Emma ✨💊The North West pharmacy team has welcomed two new intern pharmacists this ...
11/03/2026

💊✨ New Faces in Pharmacy: Meet Osman & Emma ✨💊

The North West pharmacy team has welcomed two new intern pharmacists this year... and they’ve travelled very different paths to get here.

🌍 Osman grew up in Kenya, where he saw firsthand how vital access to medicines and healthcare can be. That experience shaped his decision to pursue Pharmacy, a career where he could make a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives.

After moving to Australia, he chose rural placement intentionally.

“Rural and remote communities often have limited access to healthcare. I wanted to gain experience where pharmacists can make a real difference.”

This year, Osman is focused on building confidence in independent clinical decision-making, speaking up during ward rounds, and strengthening his medication review and counselling skills.
----------------

🏙️ Emma made the journey from Brisbane, as Mount Isa was already calling her back.

After completing a 10-week placement last year, she loved it so much she applied for the intern position… and secured it. “There was definitely a bit of culture shock at first, but I’m really enjoying it.”

Emma says it’s the sense of community, both inside the hospital and out, that makes rural practice special.

This year she’s excited to grow into her role, build confidence in her clinical skills, and learn from the experienced pharmacy team at Mount Isa Hospital.

Rural pharmacy isn’t just about dispensing medications, it’s about teamwork, cultural safety, connection, and making a tangible difference where it matters most.

Welcome to the North West, Osman and Emma 👏💊

11/03/2026

👀
👀
👀

If you’ve got 2 minutes and an opinion, we want to hear it.

We’re running a short survey to help shape how we engage with consumers and the community across the North West.

No need to have used our services, we just want to make sure things are clear, easy to understand and actually make sense.

Have your say 👉 https://buff.ly/eNhWeuD

💙 A heartfelt thank you to the Young/Harrison and Mara families 💙The Cloncurry Aged Care Facility has received a generou...
09/03/2026

💙 A heartfelt thank you to the Young/Harrison and Mara families 💙

The Cloncurry Aged Care Facility has received a generous donation of three dual bed exit sensor alarms, gifted by the Young, Harrison and Mara families in loving memory of their mother, Mary Harrison.

On behalf of the families, and Maree Young's colleagues from the Townsville University Hospital Financial Accounting Team and Admissions Staff, the donation was made as a way of saying thank you to the staff who cared for Mary during her time at the facility.

Mary’s family shared that there are simply no words to fully express how grateful they are for the care, kindness and love shown to their mum.

These sensor alarms will help staff continue to support the safety and wellbeing of residents at the facility — a meaningful legacy that will benefit others for years to come.

Thank you to the Young, Harrison and Mara families for this thoughtful gesture and for honouring Mary’s memory in such a generous way. 💐

💐HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 💐For over 115 years, IWD has been bringing to light the issues still impacting women’s ...
08/03/2026

💐HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 💐

For over 115 years, IWD has been bringing to light the issues still impacting women’s advancement to equality. 💜
The 2026 IWD slogan is “Give to Gain”, promotes the ideal of a world that is not only gender equal, but one that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, is also free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. 🌏✨
North West Hospital and Health Service celebrated 2026 International Women’s Day with the amazing support and effort from the Human Resources team. 👏Each year the team goes above and beyond to mark the event, and this year was no different. 🎉

Give to Gain.
There is no better slogan to use to introduce our 2026 International Women’s Day Guest speaker, Janelle Stuart – Russell. 🎤
Moving to Mount Isa 18 years ago, was only supposed to be a 12-month plan for Janelle and her family. During her time out here, Janelle has given so much to the Mount Isa community and is an integral staff member of NWHHS.
Thank you, Janelle, for your authentic speech, also for the warmth, kindness and sense of humour that brightens our day, every day. 💐
A very warm thank you is extended to our MC, Executive Director Allied Health, Lynette Stenhouse, and the HR team who put in the time to organise and set up this event. 🙌

🌷🩷 PINK FUN RUN THIS WEEKEND 🎀💐While on clinical placement in Mount Isa, JCU medical student Bridgette has been raising ...
06/03/2026

🌷🩷 PINK FUN RUN THIS WEEKEND 🎀💐

While on clinical placement in Mount Isa, JCU medical student Bridgette has been raising funds for the McGrath Foundation, a cause that is very close to her heart.

Just before coming to the North West for placement, Bridgette learned that her mum had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

During her time here, McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse Chloe has been an incredible source of support, not just for patients across the region, but also for Bridgette personally.

Breast Cancer Nurses like Chloe play a vital role in supporting people and their families through diagnosis, treatment and beyond; providing expert care, guidance and compassion every step of the way.

To give back, Bridgette and fellow health students are hosting a Pink Fun Run/Walk and Pink Brunch this Sunday to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation and help ensure this support continues for others. 💐 So slip into your finest pink get-up and join the most stylish walk Mount Isa will see this weekend.

📍 2 Stanley Street, Mount Isa
📅 Sunday 8 March
⏰ 8:00am

If you’d like to join the walk or simply support the fundraiser, you can donate here:
https://buff.ly/HqJ8FnN

Every donation helps ensure people experiencing breast cancer and their families continue to receive the care and support they need.

💗 Thank you to Bridgette and the students for turning a difficult experience into something that will help others.

Dearest Gentle Reader,It has come to this author’s attention that while society remains thoroughly distracted by the ret...
05/03/2026

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It has come to this author’s attention that while society remains thoroughly distracted by the return of syphilis, another far more quietly scandalous visitor has been circulating through the Ton.

Chlamydia.

Unlike its more theatrical counterparts, this particular mischief-maker prefers discretion. In fact, most of those hosting it are entirely unaware they have welcomed it into their social circle at all.

No dramatic entrance.
No public spectacle.
Often… no symptoms whatsoever.

And before we place blame solely upon the notorious Rakes of society, let us remember: many perfectly respectable members of the Ton may be carrying this particular secret without the faintest idea.

However, when chlamydia does choose to make itself known, one might observe:

• Unusual discharge
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Pain during intimacy
• Bleeding between periods
• Swelling or discomfort in certain… delicate regions

Hardly the sort of attention one wishes to attract.

But the true scandal, dear reader, is that left unattended, chlamydia may lead to serious complications, particularly for the ladies of the Ton, including pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility troubles.

In a most unfortunate twist, it may even be passed from mother to child during birth. Let the child inherit the title of heir, viscount, or duke... not a scandal.

Fortunately — and here the author must insist upon good sense over gossip — this particular scandal is both easily detected and easily treated.

🩺 How the Sensible Members of Society Proceed

👉 Seek a simple STI test through your local health service
👉 If detected, complete the prescribed course of antibiotics
👉 Refrain from further romantic entanglements until treatment is complete
👉 Ensure all recent partners are treated as well. After all, what is the point of resolving a scandal only to repeat the entire affair weeks later?

And finally, dear reader, while passion may be spontaneous, protection should never be optional. Because nothing ruins a promising courtship quite like a preventable infection.

Yours in scandal and sensible behaviour,
Society’s Health Correspondent 🖋

🎉✨46 years. One hospital. Countless stories. ✨🎉This year marks 46 years of service for Debbie, our incredible Admin Supe...
04/03/2026

🎉✨46 years. One hospital. Countless stories. ✨🎉

This year marks 46 years of service for Debbie, our incredible Admin Supervisor who has quite literally grown up alongside the Cloncurry hospital.

Born in the old hospital building, Debbie eventually returned to work here... and never left. Over the decades she’s moved between administration and community work, supported Aboriginal Health, and become one of those steady, familiar faces that everyone knows.

Ask her how much the job has changed and she’ll tell you it’s busier now. The presentations are different, and every single day, you still never quite know what’s going to walk through the door.

Her role? Diversified is the word she uses.

Some days she’s at the front desk.
Some days she’s chasing paperwork.
Some days she’s assisting with X-rays — including trauma cases (which she casually admits she loves 😉).

In 46 years she’s seen it all; including the time an ambulance reversed straight through the front fence. Just another day in rural healthcare.

But what stands out most isn’t the chaos. It’s the team.

Debbie says the best part of her day is the interaction; working together, backing each other up, finding something to laugh about even when things get tough.

She’s also been known to bring that humour to the annual Christmas party, once upon a time running a trivia game that cleverly (and bravely) included workplace mishaps from the year. Let’s just say it caused a few laughs… and a few nervous glances.

Through decades of change, growth and challenge, Debbie has remained a constant, supporting the community, advocating through local groups, and quietly keeping things moving behind the scenes.

Forty-six years of showing up.

That’s something pretty special.

If you’ve worked alongside Debbie over the years, share a memory or a message below 👇

Address

30 Camooweal Street
Mount Isa, QLD
4825

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