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Woman Successfully Conceived After Robotic Surgery At Greenslopes Private Hospital

Dr Clare Boothroyd with Atia Ali, husband Kiba Aoci, and their daughter Afsa Rahima (Photo credit: Australian Private Hospitals Association)

Atia Ali, a Logan resident, successfully conceived and gave birth to her first child after more than five years of trying multiple fertility treatments, thanks to a successful robot-assisted operation at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The surgery, recommended by fertility specialist Dr Clare Boothroyd, involved the use of state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical system to remove the painful fibroids that affect Atia’s fertility. It comes with robotic arms that hold the small surgical instruments and a small video camera, which transmits a magnified 3D video image of the uterus onto a screen.

Just four months later, Atia and her husband Kiba Aoci were surprised to learn that they were expecting and finally, on 1 February, 2021, they welcomed their daughter Afsa Rahima. Afsa, whose name means “clear mercy” in Sudanese, was born via caesarean section.

It’s the first in Greenslopes, but it’s not certainly going to be the last, because the hospital is expecting to welcome three more babies in 2021 from mothers who have had fertility surgery via the da Vinci robot.

Dr Clare Boothroyd, medical director of Care Fertility Greenslopes based onsite at Greenslopes Private Hospital (Photo credit: ivfmed.com.au)

In an interview with Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA), Dr Boothroyd shared it’s the most exciting development in technology for gynaecological surgery throughout her career. She has over 20 years experience in both endocrinology and gynaecology and is the only one of four clinicians in Queensland to hold the prestigious Certificate of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI).

“It makes difficult surgery easier, it can reduce a patient’s length of stay and can reduce their pain, plus it can facilitate natural conception and reduce the need for IVF,” she told APHA.

An example of Da Vinci surgical system (Photo credit: davincisurgery.com)

Dr Boothroyd said the magnification of the device is good and the dexterity of the instruments allows meticulous placement of sutures which the uterus needs if it’s going to carry a pregnancy.

Greenslopes Private Hospital was the first hospital in Queensland to use the technology in December 2008 when they performed a robotic prostatectomy. Since then, it has continued to grow and is now used in other specialties including gynecology and general surgery. This year will mark the 13-year anniversary of the use of robotic surgery at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Stones Corner Due For a Daring Comeback This 2021

After much neglect and a series of closures pre-pandemic, Stones Corner is set to make a daring comeback in 2021. With six projects set to revitalise the precinct, it’s only a matter of time until this high street is restored to its former glory.

Sprucing Up Penney’s Building, 357 Logan Rd

The first of these projects is the restoration of Penney’s Building, one of the precinct’s chief landmarks. Having been around since 1938, the building at 357 Logan Rd has been left in a state of disrepair despite its iconic and easily-recognisable art deco exterior. Plans are being drawn by the DeMartini Fletcher group to refurbish it with wooden trusses, exposed brick, higher ceilings, and indoor foliage; all of which will give the interior a fresher look.

Bringing in the Latest Tenants to Bower Lane

Bower Lane, 433 Logan Rd is also due for some upgrades, with seven new tenancies that range from the chic coffee shop Buenos Dias Con Café, all the way to the yet-to-be-opened Greenslopes branch of Brooklyn Depot — a renowned burger bar hailing from South Bank. With new establishments packed with personality, Bower Lane aspires to catch the eyes of many would-be regulars.

New Clinics, Dentists, and Doctors at 416 Logan Rd

One of the more extensive projects is the overhaul of 416 Logan Rd, which is scheduled to be fully renovated in March. Tenants from the health industry such as dentists and doctors are planning to set up clinics within the building, supplying Greenslope locals with some easily-accessible medical expertise.

Beautician’s Hub at Freedom Suites

The fourth Stones Corner project is Freedom Suites, 392 Logan Rd. A powerhouse in the hair and beauty industry, this building now serves as a hub for freelance hairdressers and beauty specialists to set up shop, and given how many customers Freedom Suites attracts, businesses close by also prosper as a result of the influx of visitors.

Cello Apartments

Plans have also been drawn for the Cello Apartments situated in the corner between Cleveland and Flora streets. With an enticing residential area in a prime location surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars, hundreds of people can move in and be proud to call Stone Corners their home.

New Mixed-Use Residential Area at 66 Cleveland

The final project lined up for the revitalization of Stones Corner is Montague Developments’ plan to create a mixed-use residential tower in 66 Cleveland, complete with residential floors, an outdoor kitchen, coffee shops and restaurants, as well as an infinity pool. Given its proximity to various outlets and facilities as well as the Brisbane CBD, Stones Corner has the potential to become one of the busiest precincts in the Queensland area.

Sky Garden: Build-To-Rent 10-Storey Tower Proposed at Stones Corner

A development proposal for a build-to-rent 10-storey mixed use residential tower at 34 Stones Corner, Greenslopes, has been lodged with the Council. Called Sky Garden, this project envisions a “high-quality boutique offering” where residents could have short or long-term rental arrangements.

Mewing Planning Consultants filed the development application (DA A005625473) just before Christmas and it’s currently undergoing an assessment with the Council.

Sky Garden will be located near the Stones Corner Busway station, next to a few retail and office buildings. If completed, the residential sections will have 56 units and a communal rooftop recreation space, whilst the ground floor will be open for retail tenancy.

The property will adopt a rarely applied concept in Queensland: build-to-rent. This means that the building’s owner, Propertyprojects Q, will only rent out the dwellings instead of building the units to sell.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

The concept implies that rental rates will be below average for a Stones corner site. According to Mewing Planning Consultants, the building’s planned design will help reduce maintenance and operating costs.

Sky Garden has been designed with “young professionals, students, key workers, visiting professionals and temporary business visitors” in mind who would be keener to take public transport or have a more environmentally sustainable way to get around Brisbane. Thus, the project has only 41 proposed parking slots for both renters and their visitors, as well as 42 bicycle slots.

Two other sites in Brisbane will adopt a build-to-rent scheme for affordable large-scale housing projects in Fortitude Valley and Newstead. These projects, announced in October 2020, will deliver a total of 750 apartments and 240 dwellings at discounted rental rates.

“Build-to-Rent will provide secure, long-term rental accommodation for tenants who don’t necessarily qualify for access to social housing, but may struggle to live close to where they work,” Minister for Education and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said. “We will meet part of the rent cost for the affordable homes to allow a discounted market rate to be offered to eligible tenants like health and emergency service workers.”

Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project Ready for Stage 2

Work on the Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project in Greenslopes is moving along swiftly and will progress to the second stage soon with the completion of the nature-themed play area.

The playground off Lincoln Street is near the Stones Corner Community Kindergarten and is equipped with new sliding and climbing all abilities equipment, sand play and swings, and seating areas for groups and families.

On 11 Dec. 2020, Councillor Fiona Cunningham confirmed that the playground has re-opened with the following features:

Multi-level adventure play tower with slide and swing set
Sandpit with diggers
Water hand pump to activate water flow along the creek bed
Nature-based climbing structures
Shade sails
Paths
Natural rock creek beds

Photo Credit: Councillor Fiona Cunningham/Facebook

The open green space, however, is not yet completely ready for use for safety reasons as construction work is still taking place.

Part of the work includes ripping off a section of the concreted waterway to build a natural ecosystem.

Some 462 trees and 43,000 shrubs will also be planted all around the park to boost the greenery, which will make the Norman Creek water cleaner. Sometime in the year, the community will be asked to get involved with the planting activities.

The Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project, which is estimated for completion by late 2021, aims to:

revitalise Norman Creek, which runs through the park
enhance the environment with more trees and natural spaces
increase recreational and social opportunities for residents and visitors
enhance connectivity and accessibility within the park and local area
boost local economic vibrancy with a new place to relax and enjoy

For concerns and questions about this project, phone the team at 1800 669 416 (business hours) or 07 3403 8888 (off business hours), or send an email through cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

New Community Park Planned at Former Red Cross Site in Greenslopes

The former Red Cross site on Headfort Street in Greenslopes could soon become a new community park following almost seven years of abandonment.

Councillor Fiona Cunningham confirmed in a Facebook post that Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Council agreed to buy the land from the Federal Government.

Discussions are ongoing about redeveloping the precinct for community use, given that there are no nearby playgrounds or family recreational facilities in the area.

“Council has also had discussions with Legacy, an organisation with deep connection to this site, about a portion of the land being used for their services for the families of our veterans,” Ms Cunningham said. “Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will also provide Council with a heritage strategy for the park so this can be considered in the design.”

For years, Greenslopes residents have been asking the government to act on the idle space. The former Red Cross hall has been riddled with disintegrating asbestos and is in the advanced stages of disrepair.

The property, owned by the DVA until its lease expiration in 2013, has been tagged as a health risk and a waste of property. The site stands across the Greenslopes Hospital.

Built in early 1945, the Red Cross hall consisted of two heritage-listed timber buildings. The site was used as a recreational facility for military personnel receiving medical services across the street.

Events like film screenings, concerts and dances were often hosted in the community hall, which also had a library and a room filled with billiard tables. The other building served as a hostel for visiting relatives and friends of the patients.

MP Richard Marles confirmed that the Federal Government will hand over the Red Cross property to the Brisbane City Council.

“The hope is that now works can commence to make the site safe again and that it could be restored to its former glory for use again by local Brisbanites,” Mr Marles said in a post.

The Jam Pantry Reopens for Father’s Day, Entire Staff Negative for COVID-19

The popular Greenslopes cafe, The Jam Pantry, is resuming business in time for Father’s Day this September weekend after an unfortunate COVID-19 threat.

The new owner of the establishment, Victor Chan, immediately took action and made sure that the staff and customers are safe and healthy following reports that a woman positive for COVID-19 apparently dined at the eatery.

On 19 Aug 2020, The Jam Pantry owner confirmed shutting down the cafe temporarily for a full disinfectant clean and COVID-19 testing for the workers. Mr Chan also promised to work closely with the health department. Fortunately for all concerned, the entire team had negative results after testing two times.

With this good news, The Jam Pantry is ready to trade again by Friday, 4 Sept 2020.

“We are opening our doors on the 4th of September and we couldn’t be more excited,” Mr Chan wrote on Facebook. “We have just completed a deep clean of the cafe and are ready to get back in the kitchen. We know that you’ve all be eager for an update on how things are going so you’ll be pleased to hear that all of our wonderful staff have all taken a second test after being in quarantine for the last two weeks and the results are NEGATIVE. NO COVID!!!”

Regulars expressed their support for the cafe, especially after Mr Chan properly communicated the plan to temporarily close and get tested.

“Big thanks to Victor and his team for going above and beyond what is required. Their actions are keeping the community safe and although I haven’t been to the cafe for a while, I’ll definitely make a point of dropping in for a meal soon,” a customer wrote in support of the cafe.

Mr Chan took over the ownership of The Jam Pantry in the middle of the pandemic crisis. Previous owner Naomi “Nims” Zavackas sold the restaurant to concentrate on training at the South Bank culinary hub, Wandering Cooks.

Despite the wrong timing, Mr Chan is optimistic about the restaurant’s future. He brings that same positive spirit to the comforting cafe every day.

The Jam Pantry has retained most of Ms Zavackas menu. Before the chef left, she spent time training the kitchen crew to prepare the types of food the regulars love to order.

Greenslopes Librarian Says Kids Reading More During Lockdown

Nearly 100,000 books were checked out from Brisbane libraries two days before the closure announcement due to COVID-19 lockdown and Greenslopes State School librarian Wendy Pierce said that reading activities among the children saw a sharp rise during this pandemic crisis.

The Council revealed that checkouts were at 405 percent in recent months and Ms Pierce said that more and more children were willing to read “challenging books” as they were confined indoors. The kids also received parental influence and guidance in choosing what books to read.

Among the popular choices were children’s classics like “Secret Garden,” “Treasure Island” and “Peter Pan.”

Photo Credit: 2020 Premier Reading Challenge/Facebook

In line with nurturing the children’s love for books, the Premier’s Reading Challenge’s (PRC) registration is now open for young bookworms from prep to Year 9.

To join, register as a group or as individuals and then download the book list. With the help of their parents/guardians and teachers, participants must record the books they finish in the form to be submitted to the PRC.

This event is not a competition but it’s a way to help the children develop an enriching habit. Two lucky students who complete the challenge may get a chance to win a literacy workshop for their school, while eight kids could also win $500 book vouchers.

Greenslopes Private Hospital’s Expansion Gets Underway

Greenslopes Private Hospital’s $72-million expansion and redevelopment is now underway. The expansion will provide medical care and service that will cater to the increasing demand for healthcare needs.

Greenslopes Private Hospital has provided healthcare needs for numerous patients since it started operating in 1942, as the 112th Australian General Hospital during World War II years. This 78-year-old heritage-listed site has commenced with its expansion and redevelopment worth $72 million – one of the hospital’s largest redevelopments — with the project expected to be completed by December 2021.

The redevelopment involves the construction of a three-storey infill building, to be located next to the existing administration area, which will expand the existing services with more bed numbers and increasing the hospital’s capacity to cater for future growth in day surgery procedures, including some cosmetic and plastic cases, theatre cases and expanded intensive care unit.

Photo credit: Greenslopes Private Hospital / Facebook

Level one of the expansion will include three new rooms for day surgery procedures, including some plastic and cosmetic cases. There will also be a shell room for future expansion whilst the existing day surgery recovery area will be refurbished to improve the admission and discharge experience for patients.  

Level two will see an expansion of the intensive care (ICU) unit, adding two new beds along with space to cater for five new ICU beds in the future. Level three will have the total number of operating theatres (OT) increased to 22 with the addition of three new theatres. Also, a room will be allocated for a fourth OT feature to be constructed in the future.

Moreover, one of the existing OTs will be converted into a hybrid theatre; a surgical theatre equipped with medical imaging equipment, enabling both open and minimally invasive procedures. 

“This work will take Greenslopes Private Hospital into the future with the ability to grow and maintain an environment which will provide a positive experience for all in our community,” Hospital CEO, Chris Went said.

“There is currently a high demand for inpatient beds, and with both the expansion of the emergency department and the additional operating theatres, the new beds will allow us to service this increased capacity.”  

Also included in the expansion is the second building comprising 64 private en suite rooms over two levels that will be constructed on the southern side of the Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The emergency department of the hospital will also undergo refurbishment – adding seven new bays providing patients more access to the healthcare workers. The expansion in the emergency department also offers additional rooms for medical imaging services.

About Greenslopes Private Hospital

Greenslopes Private Hospital is the largest private teaching hospital in Australia, operated by Ramsay Health Care and is renowned as a world-class tertiary medical facility.

Greenslopes Private Hospital has one of Brisbane’s largest private emergency centres with expertise in handling cardiac cases, stroke patients and people with sporting injuries. Greenslopes Private Hospital was awarded as Australia’s Best Private Hospital in 1999 and the Australian Private Hospital Association’s Hospital Quality of Excellence Award in 2004.

Popular Greenslopes Cafe To Close After 5 Years

The Jam Pantry, one of Greenslopes’ busiest cafe, is closing shop after five years of serving the locals. Owner and chef Naomi Zavackas confirmed the news in a video post on social media.

Naomi said that The Jam Pantry will be serving its last meals on Sunday, the 29th of March 2020. The decision to close has been bittersweet but she also revealed the exciting reason why she had to do it.

“I’ve accepted a position as Chef in Residence Wandering Cooks,” Naomi said. It’s an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up and so we decided to go for it.”

Naomi will be mentoring foodie entrepreneurs at Angela Hirst’s multi-kitchen space, some six kilometres away from her old restaurant. She and Hirst also have big plans to turn the venue into a large restaurant with a single curated menu from the different chefs.

Still, Naomi revealed there is sadness over the coming changes despite the excitement.

“We have the incredible support of our Family and our exceptional team in this and together, are determined to create the BEST exit, for all of us and you, together. We’ll be trading 7 days a week from Wednesday the 26th right through to our last service on the 29th of March.”

The chef and her husband Gideon are actually selling The Jam Pantry so that someone else may take over. The cafe will remain close if there are no buyers once she starts work in South Brisbane.

Meanwhile, to celebrate The Jam’s Pantry’s final days, Naomi will be whipping up old favourites from the last five years. The cafe is also operating seven days a week until it’s closing date.

Sonic Masala Fest: Local Musicians Band For A Remarkable Cause

In the last seven years, Greenslopes’ coolest musical festival, the Sonic Masala Fest, has run during the second half of the year. For 2020, the party is happening earlier as local bands have come together for a worthy cause after the recent bushfire disasters.

If you’re in for a tripping good time with lots of live music and booze and you support a fundraising effort to help the victims of the bushfire, be at Club Greenslopes on Saturday, the 7th of March 2020, for the Sonic Masala Fest: Bushfires, Rack Off!

As before, the music festival will feature different genres of Brisbane talents to get you dancing and rocking to the tunes. Confirmed to perform in random sets from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. are:

These bands are donating their fees to the fundraiser but the audience is welcome to buy them a beer or purchase their merchandise (vinyl, CD, tapes, shirts). Drinks will be provided by Young Henrys.

*Photo Credit: Sonic Masala Fest/Facebook*

To add to the excitement, one lucky guest may win a new turntable, which will be raffled off courtesy of Sonic Sherpa.

A significant portion of the ticket sales will be donated to WIRES, Neil Morris’s Fire Relief for First Nations Communities and the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal Disaster Relief Fund.

The Sonic Masala Fest is a family-friendly music event. You can bring your kids and furkids.