Dr Pieter Nel
DEM, Mackay Hospital
"There is a greater work/life balance in Mackay and there are more opportunities to get active. I think the change was worth it!".
 |
Location: 975km north of Brisbane, 336km north of Rockhampton, 380km south of Townsville
Mackay is a major coastal city located on the mouth of the Pioneer River in North Queensland. A highly prosperous town, Mackay supports four major industries: sugar production, cattle farming, mining and tourism. The city is the site for the world’s biggest bulk sugar facilities as well as the Hay Point Coal Terminal and an artificial deep water harbour. Nestled between mountainous national parks and the warm waters of the Coral Sea, Mackay thrives with numerous natural attractions and activities. Mackay offers a relaxed, tropical lifestyle amidst a bustling and expanding community.
The Mackay Health Service District provides an integrated approach to service delivery across acute, community health and other community based services. It aims to promote better health care, clinical and corporate management.
Through 13 sites, the District hosts a diverse range of services aimed at improving the health of the region's population. The Mackay Health Service District services approximately 160,000 people in a 90,000 km2 area, which incorporates the Isaac, Whitsunday, and Mackay local government areas. A 'hub and spoke model' is in place with Mackay Base Hospital being the central 'hub' with 7 'spoke' rural facilities.
The Mackay Base Hospital is currently building its new hospital which will allow an expansion of services and bed numbers to accommodate the increasing inpatient and outpatient activity. As at June 2011, there were 174 beds and 16 emergency department treatment bays open for patient care. By 2016 this expansion will allow for the provision of in excess of 100 additional beds and will more than double the number of treatment bays available for use. It is estimated that over 750 new staff will be employed to meet the service demand.
There will be an additional theatre and endoscopy suite, 2 more delivery rooms, and substantial bed growth in both special care nursery and the intensive care unit. The emergency department is doubling in size, and the design incorporates the capacity for the planned substantial increases for ambulatory services, especially renal and oncology.
Part of the senior workforce recruited to Mackay Base Hospital, particularly the senior medical workforce, will be required to provide support to the rural facilities and their outreach services. The current facility provides medicine, surgery, women's health, paediatrics and mental health services as well as over 30 sub-specialties.
Specialist services include obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics, emergency medicine, orthopaedic surgery, anaesthetics, intensive care, coronary care, psychiatry, aged care, renal medicine, ear nose and throat (ENT), ophthalmology, palliative care and day surgery. Clinics available are dermatology, oncology, orthopaedic, neurosurgical, neurology, diabetic education, urology, surgical, medical, renal, pacemaker, cardiac, haematology, ophthalmology and wound management.
Allied health professionals include physiotherapists, dietitians, speech pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists, radiographers and psychologists.
Outreach services provided are palliative care, cardiac rehabilitation, pain management, generalist nurses and asthma care as well as team midwifery.
Support services such as diagnostic x-ray, pathology, clinical measurements, information services, staff development and human resources as well as library, finance and operational services are also available.
The tropical climate of North Queensland sees Mackay experiencing mild, dry winters and humid, wet summers. All year round, the region is a verdant green of rolling hills and waving cane fields. The beaches offer excellent fishing and water sports especially given the close proximity to the Whitsunday Islands.
Mackay has a great range of shopping, entertaining and restaurant venues. There is also a wide variety of sporting options available for all ages. The education, training and tertiary sector are well catered for with both private and public schools, vocational training providers and 2 universities in the region.
Access to transport includes a well serviced domestic airport, rail and bus services. Mackay is a common entry destination for tourists travelling to the Whitsundays and a welcomed stop over venue for those travelling north or south along Queensland's coast.
A trip to Eungella National Park is a must for anyone. Not only does this park host a number of rare Australian wildlife such as the endangered Eungella Day Frog but it also experiences an uncommon smatter of snow during winter due to its elevated position, 2500 feet above sea level.
Services
Sporting & Recreation
Queensland Health facility address
Fast Facts
Other languages