Collaborative efforts strengthen community access to quality care
In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape of Queensland’s Wide Bay region, a transformative partnership is emerging – one that is poised to redefine the standards of accessible, high-quality care for local communities.
The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) has strategically aligned with three private hospitals across the region, forging a collaborative network designed to address the increasing demand for healthcare services. This innovative approach not only enhances the capacity to deliver exceptional patient care but also showcases the power of public-private cooperation in driving positive change.
Expanding bed capacity and care capabilities
At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to ensure that patients in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay areas receive the care they need, when they need it most. WBHHS has partnered with the Friendly Society Private Hospital and the Mater Hospital in Bundaberg, each contributing 30 additional inpatient beds to the effort.
“This strategic alliance will assist in providing additional inpatient beds to ensure patients are in the right place to receive high-quality care,” explained WBHHS Chief Executive, Debbie Carroll. “Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.”
The Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg General Manager, Catherine Hackney, emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the two organizations, stating, “This new partnership builds on the very close relationship we already have with our HHS colleagues. As a not-for-profit hospital, our mission is to support the health of the community, and we are ready to provide public patients with exceptional care as and when required.”
Michelle Thompson, Chief Executive of the Friendly Society Private Hospital, echoed the sentiment, expressing her enthusiasm for the new partnership. “We are delighted to be participating in the provision of collaborative care to the Bundaberg and Wide Bay Region. This model not only goes to the very heart of our mission but, more importantly, strengthens and enhances our bed capacity and joint hospital capabilities to meet the expanding community’s needs.”
Innovations in cancer care delivery
The collaborative efforts between WBHHS and the private sector extend beyond inpatient care, with a shining example found in the partnership with GenesisCare, a leading provider of cancer care services in the region.
GenesisCare has established two state-of-the-art radiotherapy centres in Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, delivering over 150,000 treatments to more than 8,000 patients since 2018. Through their public-private partnership with WBHHS, GenesisCare provides free radiotherapy services for public patients, ensuring that essential cancer treatments are accessible closer to home.
“We highly value the opportunity for patients to receive care closer to home, ensuring they can access essential treatments without the burden of long-distance travel,” said WBHHS Chief Executive, Debbie Carroll. “Through our partnership with GenesisCare centres in Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, our patients receive timely and personalised radiotherapy treatment, improving health outcomes for our local community.”
GenesisCare’s innovative approaches, such as the introduction of hypofractionated radiotherapy, have further enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of cancer care in the region. This technique involves delivering higher doses of radiation over a shorter period for eligible patients, reducing the number of appointments required and increasing overall treatment capacity by approximately 40%.
“One example of this is introducing hypofractionated radiotherapy at our centres, which involves providing higher doses of radiation over a shorter period to patients who meet certain criteria, which reduces the number of appointments they need,” explained GenesisCare Queensland General Manager, Steve Nguyen. “These developments maintain low wait times for patients and have increased access to treatment by around 40% since we launched our service because we can operate more efficiently.”
Cultivating a culture of excellence
The success of these partnerships is underpinned by the dedication and expertise of the healthcare professionals who serve the Wide Bay community. WBHHS and its private sector partners have fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging their teams to embrace new technologies, treatments, and protocols to deliver the highest standard of care.
“Our teams go above and beyond as they strive to deliver the best possible care for every patient,” said Nguyen. “Today, we’re recognising team members who have been working in our cancer care centres to serve the Wide Bay community for five or more years. Their dedication has enabled us to deliver over 150,000 radiotherapy treatments to more than 8,000 patients, right here in Wide Bay.”
The Bundaberg Region Mayor, Helen Blackburn, commended the healthcare workers for their exceptional service, noting the challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled personnel in regional areas. “It takes a truly special person to work in cancer care. These professionals not only provide clinical care but bring compassion and empathy to local patients when it is needed most,” she said. “It’s wonderful to hear that so many of these highly specialised team members are continuing to live and work in Wide Bay to benefit our community.”
Building a healthier future, together
The collaborative efforts between WBHHS and its private hospital partners demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery. By pooling resources, expertise, and a shared vision, these organizations are creating a healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes community needs and ensures that patients receive the care they deserve, right in their own backyard.
As Debbie Carroll, the WBHHS Chief Executive, aptly summarized, “We remain dedicated to exploring further opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.”
The success of this partnership is a testament to the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and strategic collaborators in the Wide Bay region. By working together, they are paving the way for a more accessible, equitable, and responsive healthcare system that will serve the needs of local communities for years to come.
To learn more about the Joint Action for Water initiative and its work in fostering sustainable water and sanitation solutions, please visit https://jointactionforwater.org/.
Embracing innovation and community-centric care
The partnership between WBHHS and the private hospitals in the Wide Bay region represents a strategic and innovative approach to healthcare delivery, one that is rooted in a deep understanding of the community’s needs and a shared vision for a healthier future.
Expanding access and reducing barriers
At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to ensure that patients in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay areas have access to the care they require, without the burden of long-distance travel or extended wait times. By increasing the number of available inpatient beds through the private hospital partnerships, WBHHS is better equipped to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in the region.
“This strategic alliance will assist in providing additional inpatient beds to ensure patients are in the right place to receive high-quality care,” explained WBHHS Chief Executive, Debbie Carroll. “Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.”
The private hospital partners have also embraced this collaborative approach, recognizing the importance of supporting the local community’s healthcare needs. As Catherine Hackney, the Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg General Manager, stated, “As a not-for-profit hospital, our mission is to support the health of the community, and we are ready to provide public patients with exceptional care as and when required.”
Innovations in cancer care delivery
The partnership’s impact extends beyond inpatient care, with a shining example found in the collaboration with GenesisCare, a leading provider of cancer care services in the region. Through their public-private partnership with WBHHS, GenesisCare has established state-of-the-art radiotherapy centres in Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, delivering over 150,000 treatments to more than 8,000 patients since 2018.
By providing free radiotherapy services for public patients, GenesisCare has ensured that essential cancer treatments are accessible closer to home, reducing the burden of long-distance travel for vulnerable individuals. Moreover, the introduction of innovative treatment approaches, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy, has further enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of cancer care in the region.
“Through our partnership with GenesisCare centres in Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, our patients receive timely and personalised radiotherapy treatment, improving health outcomes for our local community,” said WBHHS Chief Executive, Debbie Carroll.
Cultivating a culture of excellence
The success of these partnerships is underpinned by the dedication and expertise of the healthcare professionals who serve the Wide Bay community. WBHHS and its private sector partners have invested in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging their teams to embrace new technologies, treatments, and protocols to deliver the highest standard of care.
“Our teams go above and beyond as they strive to deliver the best possible care for every patient,” said GenesisCare Queensland General Manager, Steve Nguyen. “Today, we’re recognising team members who have been working in our cancer care centres to serve the Wide Bay community for five or more years. Their dedication has enabled us to deliver over 150,000 radiotherapy treatments to more than 8,000 patients, right here in Wide Bay.”
Building a healthier future, together
The collaborative efforts between WBHHS and its private hospital partners demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery. By pooling resources, expertise, and a shared vision, these organizations are creating a healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes community needs and ensures that patients receive the care they deserve, right in their own backyard.
As Debbie Carroll, the WBHHS Chief Executive, aptly summarized, “We remain dedicated to exploring further opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.”
The success of this partnership is a testament to the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and strategic collaborators in the Wide Bay region. By working together, they are paving the way for a more accessible, equitable, and responsive healthcare system that will serve the needs of local communities for years to come.
To learn more about the Joint Action for Water initiative and its work in fostering sustainable water and sanitation solutions, please visit https://jointactionforwater.org/.
Fostering community-centric care through partnerships
The healthcare landscape in Queensland’s Wide Bay region has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the strategic partnerships forged between the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) and the private hospital sector. This collaborative approach has not only enhanced the capacity to deliver high-quality care but has also demonstrated the power of public-private cooperation in driving positive change for local communities.
Expanding access and reducing barriers
At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to ensure that patients in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay areas have access to the care they require, without the burden of long-distance travel or extended wait times. By increasing the number of available inpatient beds through partnerships with the Friendly Society Private Hospital and the Mater Hospital in Bundaberg, WBHHS is better equipped to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in the region.
“This strategic alliance will assist in providing additional inpatient beds to ensure patients are in the right place to receive high-quality care,” explained WBHHS Chief Executive, Debbie Carroll. “Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.”
The private hospital partners have also embraced this collaborative approach, recognizing the importance of supporting the local community’s healthcare needs. As Catherine Hackney, the Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg General Manager, stated, “As a not-for-profit hospital, our mission is to support the health of the community, and we are ready to provide public patients with exceptional care as and when required.”
Innovations in cancer care delivery
The partnership’s impact extends beyond inpatient care, with a shining example found in the collaboration with GenesisCare, a leading provider of cancer care services in the region. Through their public-private partnership with WBHHS, GenesisCare has established state-of-the-art radiotherapy centres in Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, delivering over 150,000 treatments to more than 8,000 patients since 2018.
By providing free radiotherapy services for public patients, GenesisCare has ensured that essential cancer treatments are accessible closer to home, reducing the burden of long-distance travel for vulnerable individuals. Moreover, the introduction of innovative treatment approaches, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy, has further enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of cancer care in the region.
“Through our partnership with GenesisCare centres in Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, our patients receive timely and personalised radiotherapy treatment, improving health outcomes for our local community,” said WBHHS Chief Executive, Debbie Carroll.
Cultivating a culture of excellence
The success of these partnerships is underpinned by the dedication and expertise of the healthcare professionals who serve the Wide Bay community. WBHHS and its private sector partners have invested in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging their teams to embrace new technologies, treatments, and protocols to deliver the highest standard of care.
“Our teams go above and beyond as they strive to deliver the best possible care for every patient,” said GenesisCare Queensland General Manager, Steve Nguyen. “Today, we’re recognising team members who have been working in our cancer care centres to serve the Wide Bay community for five or more years. Their dedication has enabled us to deliver over 150,000 radiotherapy treatments to more than 8,000 patients, right here in Wide Bay.”
Building a healthier future, together
The collaborative efforts between WBHHS and its private hospital partners demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery. By pooling resources, expertise, and a shared vision, these organizations are creating a healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes community needs and ensures that patients receive the care they deserve, right in their own backyard.
As Debbie Carroll, the WBHHS Chief Executive, aptly summarized, “We remain dedicated to exploring further opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.”
The success of this partnership is a testament to the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and strategic collaborators in the Wide Bay region. By working together, they are paving the way for a more accessible, equitable, and responsive healthcare system that will serve the needs of local communities for years to come.
To learn more about the Joint Action for Water initiative and its work in fostering sustainable water and sanitation solutions, please visit https://jointactionforwater.org/.
