What's Happening in North Lakes, QLD…

Youngsters in North Lakes, Queensland, and surrounding areas stand to benefit greatly from expanded services and increased bed numbers in the paediatric ward of Redcliffe Hospital.

Demand for services at the site has increased following the closure of the Mater Children’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital in November, and the opening of the new Lady Cilento Hospital at South Brisbane.

A team of 42 at Redcliffe Hospital has treated over 1,800 children from Griffin, Mango Hill, North Lakes, and Pine Rivers during the past years.

According to Karen Rigby, acting nurse unit manager, there was no need for children to go elsewhere as orthopaedic and surgical services had grown to meet demand and extra beds had been added, eliminating the need for potential patients to seek alternative services elsewhere.

She said referrals to other hospitals would occur should a child’s injury or illness require it, but Redcliffe Hospital was able to handle the majority of cases.

Ms Rigby said her work role involved overseeing patient care, staff workload and performance.

Complex care co-ordinator Louise Conroy concentrated on families who had kids with complex needs, who were once regularly addressed by procedures or day treatments at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Ms Conroy said Redcliffe Hospital was now providing an important service for youngsters.

Media and printing services have kept residents in nearby suburbs up to date with the expansion project, which has now been completed.