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Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah) celebrates 10,000 patients as rollout comes to a close

Registered Nurse Georgia Evans and patient Dave Hooper

 

  • Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah) offers a full suite of services as the Day Medical Unit opens.
  • More than 11,700 patients have been treated at Tugun Satellite Hospital’s (Banyahrmabah) Minor Injury and Illness Clinic since opening.
  • The new Day Medical Unit offers care options closer to home for patients requiring specialised, non-chemotherapy, infusion services.

The Tugun Satellite Hospital – co-named Banyahrmabah, meaning “a place to be made healthy” – has wrapped up its phased service expansion with the opening of its Day Medical Unit.

The new Day Medical Unit provides specialised services for a variety of non-chemotherapy infusions to treat deficiencies like anaemia, and intravenously administer medications for autoimmune conditions and infectious diseases.

Gold Coast resident Dave Hooper was among the first patients to experience the treatments offered at Tugun Day Medical Unit for his digestive condition.

“Every two months, I receive an intravenous (IV) infusion treatment of Infliximab for an autoimmune disease that impacts my bowels," Dave said. 

“Previously, I used to have to travel to the Gold Coast University Hospital to receive this treatment, so I already know most of the team, and that is very comforting.  

“Thanks to these regular infusions and an easy trip to the new Day Medical Unit, I can get back to the things I love, like reconnecting with my running club mates.”

The GCUH Day Medical Unit and the Day Medical Unit at Tugun Satellite Hospital will collectively offer 15 treatment chairs, operating Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm.

Brandi Menhinnitt, Nurse Unit Manager, Day Medical Unit said across both facilities, there will be 24 staff members, with at least nine stationed at the Tugun location.

“This service will improve the quality of life for more patients, as they can stay actively involved with their families and friends, without requiring hospital admissions," Brandi said. 

“We see a wide range of medical and surgical patients, including those with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. We also see those with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatological conditions, and infectious diseases, as well as maternity patients.

“These patients are generally well enough to be seen in the community setting, spending anywhere from an hour to eight hours with us, depending on their infusion type.”

The completion of the phased service expansion coincides with Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah) surpassing 10,000 patients treated at the Minor Injury and Illness Clinic.

From 15 November 2023, more than 11,700 patients have received care closer to home.

The most common reason for presentations is limb or joint pain, followed by coughs and treatment for lacerations.  

Services offered at Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah) are:
•    Minor Injury and Illness Clinic
•    Day Medical Unit 
•    Kidney Dialysis Clinic
•    Women, Newborn and Childrens Clinic
•    Allied Health Outpatient Services.


Last updated 15 Jul 2024