Townsville Hospital and Health Service

29/09/2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICE ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren commissioned an independent Health Services Investigation into the administration, management, delivery, and clinical governance of urology services at Townsville University Hospital.

The investigation will examine and report on the care of outpatients, focusing on booking processes, management of referrals and reviews, and the follow-up of patients between 1 January 2022 and 31 July 2025.

A hospital review identified 11 patients as having gaps in their care. These patients have been contacted, and appropriate clinical follow-ups have been arranged.

I accept that this news today is very disappointing for our community. To every affected patient and family, I sincerely apologise. We are unequivocally committed to this investigation and to acting on its findings.

Townsville HHS takes incredibly seriously its responsibility as a trusted healthcare provider and the confidence the community puts in Townsville HHS to care for them.

We have acted immediately, taking steps that include reviewing our current urology waitlist to ensure each patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan is current and appropriate follow-ups are occurring. We are also fast-tracking any necessary investigations, engaging locum doctors, and employing a specialist urology nurse.

I understand that anyone receiving urology care from our hospital would be concerned. If you are concerned, please call 4433 0396 between 8am and 4pm. A call-back service will also be offered.

The independent investigation will involve experts to ensure the impartiality of the process and the report will be publicly released, while respecting patient confidentiality.

Safe patient care is the bedrock of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service; this is why we have acted quickly and decisively.

Our patients are the reason we are here and everything we do is about their safe care.

Sincerely,

Rex O'Rourke
Acting Health Service Chief Executive
Townsville Hospital and Health Service

25/09/2025

📱 Important information for patients who receive appointment messages from us 📩

Townsville Hospital and Health Service sends text messages (SMS) to notify patients about upcoming appointments and other information relating to their care.

Some patients have reported they haven’t received these messages because their phone has marked them as spam.

To make sure you don’t miss important updates, please check that our messages aren’t being flagged as spam on your device.

How to mark messages as “Not Spam”👇
1. Open Google Messages
2. Go to the spam & blocked folder
3. Tap the message from Townsville Hospital and Health Service
4. Select "Not Spam"

This helps your phone recognise our messages as safe, so you don’t miss important information about your care.💙

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is passionate about improving the health and lives of the North Queensland community. We deliver excellent care, research and education to improve the health of the people and communities of northern Queensland.

19/09/2025

We grabbed the tongs and hit the grill today to serve up a BBQ feast for the amazing crew at Townsville University Hospital. 🥩🌭☀️🎊

We soaked up the sunshine and shared good food and great company to celebrate our annual Staff Thank You BBQ.

We cooked up more than 120kg of steak, 80kg of sausages, 1000 bread rolls, and a Castle Hill’s worth of salads and condiments.

To our incredible team, thank you for everything you do. Your hard work and heart make all the difference! ✨

16/09/2025

Hey Ingham and Ayr!

More surgical services are coming to your hospitals.

Much love,
Townsville Hospital and Health Service

16/09/2025

A communal colouring-in poster at Townsville University Hospital’s is helping cancer patient like Colin draw strength during their stay at the oncology ward. 🧑‍🎨

The poster, which sits in the common area, is a vibrant reminder for patients to stay strong.

Originally a blank canvas with some outline, the poster has been changing every day as people colour in little bits of it. For Colin, it has been one of his highlights during his time on the ward. 💪

He says it motivates him to get out of bed each day to see it and how it has changed.

Registered nurse Rachel was the inspiration behind the initiative and says it has not only been a great mindfulness exercise for patients but also a great conversation starter as well. 🙏

11/09/2025

A conversation could change a life, and cupcakes can make a morning tea!

Health service staff embraced RU OK? Day by wearing yellow and holding morning teas to help raise awareness of the importance of starting a conversation with family, friends, or colleagues who might be struggling with some of life’s ups and downs.

Today is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in checking in on those around us. A simple question can make a huge difference.

Remember, you don't need to be an expert to ask, "Are you okay?". Just being there to listen is enough.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is always available:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Let's keep the conversation going, not just today, but every day.

11/09/2025

Queensland Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles infection in a person who spent time in the following public places while unknowingly infectious.

An alert is issued to provide advice to people who have potentially been exposed to measles.

The potential exposure areas include the Townsville area from 30th August to 11th September and the specific locations and times are:
• Townsville Strand Promenade walking path Saturday 30.08.25 5.30am - 6.50am
• Freelance Roasting, 1/58 The Strand, North Ward Saturday 30.08.25 6.50am -7.50am
• Little Sunshine & Co., 679 Flinders St, Townsville City Saturday 30.08.25 8.00am - 8.30am
• Gregory Street and The Strand Park 37-43 The Strand, North Ward Saturday 30.08.25 1.00pm - 2.30pm
• Cotters Markets, Flinders St, Townsville City Sunday 31.08.25 8.30am -10.00am including the following:
The Quarters, 334 Flinders St, Townsville City 31.08.25 8.45am-9.45am and Gecko Interiors, 280 Flinders St, Townsville City 31.08.25 9.50am-9.55am
• Chemist Warehouse, Sturt St, Townsville City Sunday 31.08.25 10am -10.05am
• Anderson Gardens, 41 Gulliver St, Mundingburra Sunday 31.08.25 10.30am -12.30pm
• Lighten Up Studio, 509 Flinders St, Townsville City Sunday 31.08.25 4.00pm -5.00pm
• Coles Supermarket, Castletown Shopping Centre, 35 Kings Rd, Pimlico Sunday 31.08.25 5.15pm - 5.25pm
• QML Pathology, Oxford Medical Suites, Ground Floor 16/18 Oxford St, Hyde Park Friday 05.09.25 8.30am - 9.30am and Monday 08.09.25 2.25pm - 2.30pm

Members of the public who visited the above areas on the specified dates and times may have been exposed to the disease and need to be alert for symptoms for up to three weeks from the exposure date.

Measles is a highly infectious virus that is spread by coughing and sneezing or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Symptoms usually start 7-10 days after contact with an infected person but can sometimes take as long as three weeks.

Symptoms
The initial symptoms of measles can include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore red eyes. This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.

What you should do
If you have any measles symptoms, you can arrange testing with your doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice.

If you think you may have measles, it is very important that you avoid public spaces.

Please contact your GP and pathology services before attending so they can take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading measles to others. When you call, state that you have been in contact with a measles case.

Vaccination
Vaccination is an important step towards reducing the risk associated with vaccine preventable diseases and keeping people safe.

People who have been vaccinated against or previously contracted measles are very unlikely to catch the disease even if they have been exposed.

Those who are at highest risk of contracting measles include people who:
• have a weakened immune system or,
• were born during or after 1966 and have no documented evidence of having received 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine or
• have not been infected with measles before

Measles-containing vaccine is recommended for children as part of the National Immunisation Program at 12 months of age as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, and at 18 months of age as MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccine.

Queensland has an extended Immunisation Program for:
• Children aged 6 months to less than 12 months who are travelling to a country where measles is endemic, or where outbreaks are occurring, both overseas and in Australia.
• People born during or since 1966 to have two funded doses of measles containing vaccine
If you are unsure of your vaccine status, contact your doctor to discuss whether you may need a vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is free and available at GPs and participating community pharmacies.

For more information about measles, call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or go to the Queensland Health website.

For information on measles alerts outside of Queensland please refer to individual state and territory websites.

10/09/2025

The Townsville Public Health Unit has recorded a significant rise in rotavirus cases 📈, with numbers more than doubling this year compared to the same period last year.

Acting chief medical officer and paediatrician Dr Jason Yates has warned that while rotavirus is often mild, it can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalisation, especially in young children. 👶

Here's how you can help protect your family:

➡️ Vaccinate: The rotavirus vaccine is a key part of the childhood immunisation schedule and is highly effective at preventing severe illness. Talk to your GP about it. 💉

➡️ Wash your hands: Practising good hygiene, like regular handwashing with soap, is crucial to stop the spread. 🧼

➡️ Stay home if unwell: If you or your child have symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, stay home from school, work, or childcare to avoid spreading the virus. 🤒

If you're worried about your child's symptoms, especially signs of dehydration, please see a doctor. 👨‍⚕️

For more information, visit the Townsville Hospital and Health Service website. 💻

06/09/2025

While most dads will be out at breakfast or lunch today 🍳Townsville Hospital and Health Service's (HHS) Errol Reeves will be under the bonnet of his son’s race car 🏎️

The pair share more than just a passion for fast cars.

Errol is a fitter and turner with the Townsville HHS, and his son Leslie’s career is on the same track after he started an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner with the HHS a few weeks ago 🔧

“It’s good working with the old man here, and all the other fitters know what they’re talking about as well, we’ve got a good crew,” Leslie said.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and father figures out there! ❤️

05/09/2025

Check out our Townsville University Hospital staff proudly wearing their team colours today to support Jersey Day, an initiative by the Nathan Gremmo Community Network in partnership with DonateLife.

Jersey Day is about starting the conversation around organ and tissue donation.

💬 Talk to your loved ones.
💗 Consider registering.
🌐 Sign up at donatelife.gov.au

📸 Swipe through to see our amazing staff showing their support in jerseys!

01/09/2025

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻

The Queensland Government is seeking applications from appropriately experienced individuals to fill a range of Board vacancies across the state.

Persons with commercial acumen, local business experience, and strong community connections are encouraged to apply.

Those with local knowledge of the Hospital and Health Service (HHS) area, including frontline clinicians currently working within HHSs are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on Sunday 7 September 2025.

For more information, visit https://www.careers.health.qld.gov.au/join-a-hospital-board

01/09/2025

Nursing has never been just a job for clinical nurse Kaye Kavanagh, it’s been a calling. 🏥💙

But after more than three decades of working in health, Kaye is stepping into retirement.

Kaye’s journey began in 1977 when, at just 17 years old, she spotted an ad in the local newspaper for a hospital-based enrolled nurse course at Mater Pimlico.

She applied, was accepted, and from that moment, her path was set.

“I’ve always wanted to help and care for people,” Kaye said.

“Once I started, I never looked back."✨

Kaye said she had many cherished memories from her time working in health.

“One I hold close to my heart is being part of the first uro-gynae procedures in Townsville, led by Professor Rane,” Kaye said.

“It was life-changing for so many women in Townsville and regional north Queensland.

“We were also the first hospital in Queensland to get a bladder scanner which was a huge advancement in patient care.”

Planned procedure unit nurse unit manager Sam Johnston described Kaye as a passionate advocate for both patients and staff, and someone who embraced change and technology with grace.

“Kaye’s kindness, wisdom and dedication has been an inspiration to us all over all these years, and she has mentored generations of nursing staff,” Sam said.

“The mark she has left on the hospital and on the lives of those she’s touched over the years will live on long after she’s stepped away.

“I am sure we will all continue to feel her influence in the way we care, and in the way we support each other.”

Kaye sums up her career in three words; long, adapting, and enriched. 💙💛