Greenslopes Private Hospital Archives

Greenslopes Private Hospital Pioneers Lymphoedema Surgery in Queensland

Greenslopes Private Hospital has introduced Queensland’s first private hospital microsurgery for lymphoedema, offering new treatment options for the chronic condition.

Greenslopes Leads Lymphoedema Care Innovation

Greenslopes Private Hospital has become the first private hospital in Queensland to provide advanced microsurgery for lymphedema. This addressed the needs of patients living with this chronic and often disabling condition. The hospital recently performed Queensland’s first lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in a private setting.

Background on Lymphoedema and Surgical Progress

Lymphoedema affects an estimated 70,000 Australians. This typically follows cancer treatments involving lymph node removal. The condition results in ongoing swelling, pain, and an increased risk of infection. For many years, treatment options were limited to conservative measures such as compression therapy and massage.

Australia has played a significant role in the development of surgical options for lymphoedema. Pioneering work by Australian surgeons laid the foundation for modern techniques. This includes LVA and vascularised lymph node transfer. Greenslopes Private Hospital’s adoption of LVA marks a further step in applying these innovations locally.

Details of the Procedure

The first LVA procedure at Greenslopes was performed by specialist plastic surgeons, Dr Matthew Cheng and Dr Andrew Lewandowski, using supermicrosurgery techniques. These techniques connect lymphatic vessels to veins. This approach allows lymph fluid to bypass damaged areas, aiming to prevent or reduce swelling and associated complications.

The surgery was carried out as a preventive measure during cancer surgery to reduce the likelihood of lymphoedema developing.

lymphoedema surgery — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Comparison to Traditional Treatments

Conservative treatments, while helpful in symptom management, require lifelong adherence and do not address the underlying cause of lymphoedema. By contrast, procedures like LVA offer a surgical solution designed to enhance lymphatic drainage and potentially reduce the need for ongoing conservative therapy.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of LVA at Greenslopes Private Hospital reflects a shift towards more comprehensive care that addresses both cancer treatment and its long-term effects. This development expands access to advanced lymphoedema management within the private health sector.

Published 1-July-2025

Surgery Connect Surge: Queensland Pledges $100M for Faster Operations

Queensland has announced an additional $100 million in funding for the Surgery Connect Surge program, which aims to fast-track elective surgical procedures for patients waiting in the public system, with 10,000 extra surgeries to be delivered through private hospitals by the end of June.

Read: Greenslopes Medical Precinct Approved Despite Opposition from Private Hospital

Ramsay Health Care, which operates 20 private hospitals across Queensland, including Greenslopes Private Hospital, welcomed the state’s commitment to reducing surgical wait times.

Ramsay Health Care Australia CEO Carmel Monaghan praised the government’s proactive stance, highlighting the importance of timely access to diagnoses and treatments.

“Providing patients with timely access to diagnoses and treatments is a great outcome, and I want to congratulate the Minister and Government on their proactive and collaborative approach to tackling an issue that impacts all Queenslanders,” Ms Monaghan said.

The Surgery Connect program will cover a range of procedures, including ophthalmology, gynaecology, endoscopy, ear, nose and throat surgeries, urology, orthopaedics, and general surgery. This program will speed up the delivery of surgeries such as cataract procedures, tonsil and adenoid removal, and knee replacements.

Ms Monaghan expressed appreciation for the government’s collaboration on the initiative and said Ramsay Health Care looks forward to continuing efforts to ensure Queenslanders receive prompt medical care.

Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls, who visited Greenslopes Private Hospital to announce the news, said they will be working with more than 60 private partners to help deliver the boost to Surgery Connect across ENT, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology and Plastics.

Read: Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

He added that Queensland is working to stabilise the elective surgery waitlist, and this boost to Surgery Connect is just the beginning. The additional funding is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of elective surgeries and ease pressure on the public hospital system, benefiting thousands of patients across the state.

Published 21-March-2025

Greenslopes Medical Precinct Approved Despite Opposition from Private Hospital

Photo Credit: Greenslopes Medical Precinct

A new medical precinct planned for Greenslopes has been granted approval, despite legal opposition from the operator of Greenslopes Private Hospital. The development, located at 68-72 Hunter Street, will introduce a multi-storey healthcare facility with extensive medical and community care services.

The proposal by Ron Build Pty Ltd sought approval for a material change of use to establish a community care centre and healthcare service on land opposite Greenslopes Private Hospital. The BCC approved the development, but the decision faced an appeal from Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited, the operator of the private hospital.

Ramsay Health Care argued that the new precinct duplicated existing medical services and was not complementary to the hospital’s operations. However, the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland dismissed these concerns, ruling that the development complied with the Coorparoo and Districts Neighbourhood Plan Code.

Judge Amanda McDonnell determined that competition does not negate complementarity, reinforcing that the precinct would serve the local community’s growing healthcare needs.

Project Details: New Medical Infrastructure for Greenslopes

The approved Greenslopes Medical Precinct (DA A006236443) will replace three residential dwellings and a cafe, transforming the site into a modern, multi-level healthcare facility designed by Gray Puksand. The key features include:

Three-storey building with a gross floor area of 4,783 sqm
Three basement levels accommodating 123 car parking spaces and 18 bicycle spaces
Two-hour free parking for patients and secured parking for medical specialists
An on-site ambulance bay for rapid emergency responses
Tenancy spaces for various health services, including community care, allied health, and general practitioners

The building’s facade will feature landscaping, minimising visual bulk and enhancing integration with the existing streetscape.

Community and Economic Need for the Project

The ruling highlighted the growing demand for healthcare services in Greenslopes, with many medical practitioners already residing in the area. The decision was influenced by:

Population growth and the increasing ageing demographic in the local catchment
The proximity to Greenslopes Private Hospital, creating a cluster of health services
The importance of accessibility, with the site providing walkable healthcare options

The court noted that co-locating medical services benefits the community, ensuring a wider range of options while supporting competition and patient choice.

*Photo Credit: Greenslopes Medical Precinct*

Ramsay Health Care’s Opposition and Legal Challenge

Ramsay Health Care opposed the development on the grounds that it constituted an overdevelopment of the site and would compete with existing hospital services. However, expert evidence presented in court determined that:

The building height, bulk, and scale aligned with the local planning framework
The Greenslopes Private Hospital would remain the dominant medical facility in the area
The new precinct would not delay hospital expansion plans or impact existing operations

The court ultimately ruled in favour of the development, allowing it to proceed subject to conditions.

Next Steps: Construction Timeline and Future Developments

With legal obstacles removed, construction of the Greenslopes Medical Precinct is expected to begin next year. The project represents a major expansion of medical infrastructure in the area, reinforcing Greenslopes as a key healthcare hub in Brisbane.

Despite initial opposition, the development is set to enhance healthcare accessibility, providing a range of medical services to meet growing community needs.

Published 28-Feb-2025

Plans for Greenslopes Medical Precinct Greenlit Despite Neighbouring Hospital’s Legal Opposition

A proposed medical center near Greenslopes Private Hospital, known as the “Greenslopes Medical Precinct,” has been granted approval to proceed, despite facing a legal challenge from the neighbouring hospital.

Read: Community Staple Press and Brew Closes Down, Makes Way For Planned Community Health Care Centre

Plans

The Council-approved development at 68-72 Hunter Street in Greenslopes will transform the current site, which currently housed a cafe and three residential dwellings. The existing dwellings are currently being torn down to make way for the new medical facility.

The new medical precinct promises significant infrastructure improvements, including:

– Parking capacity for approximately 123 vehicles

– Two-hour free patient parking

– Secured parking for medical specialists

– An on-site ambulance bay to facilitate rapid emergency responses

The building, designed by architecture firm Gray Puksand, features a comprehensive and thoughtful layout across multiple levels. The ground floor will include a welcoming lobby, various tenancy spaces, practical store rooms, essential amenities, and a dedicated loading bay to facilitate service deliveries.

On the first and second levels, the design incorporates additional tenancy spaces and medical amenities, aiming to provide flexible and functional areas for healthcare professionals and patients.

“The proposal maintains a health focused precinct along Headfort Street which will serve the local community and is complementary to the Greenslopes Private Hospital. The proposed Community care centre and Health care service uses are consistent with the expectations of the zoning and the surrounding locality,” planners stated in the approved plans.

Local Opposition

The project faced opposition from Ramsay Health Care, which operates Greenslopes Private Hospital. However, it appears that the legal challenge by Ramsay Health Care was ultimately unsuccessful.

The company took its concerns to the Planning and Environment Court, arguing that the new development might not be complementary to the existing hospital.

However, Judge Amanda McDonnell rejected Ramsay’s claims, finding that complementary development does not necessarily mean avoiding competition or duplication of medical services.

Read: Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

Construction is expected to commence sometime next year, marking a significant expansion of medical infrastructure in the Greenslopes area.

Published 27-November-2024

Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

Prof. Judith Goh AO and Prof. Hannah Krause AO, two Greenslopes urogynaecologists, recently returned from Uganda, where they performed over 140 procedures for women suffering from serious gynaecological issues in remote areas.

The trip, which took place in early September 2024, saw the pair working at Kagando Hospital in western Uganda. In just a short span, they treated more than 200 women, many of whom were experiencing childbirth-related injuries such as vaginal fistulas and untreated 4th-degree tears, conditions that are often left unaddressed in resource-limited areas.

“We treated mostly women with childbirth-related injuries – including vaginal fistulas and unrepaired 4th-degree tears. We also treated women with pelvic organ prolapse,” said Prof. Goh, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in Uganda. “It’s wonderful to be able to use our skills to help these women.”

Almost 30 Years of Volunteer Work

Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been volunteering in Asia and Africa since 1995. For nearly three decades, they have dedicated their time and expertise to providing critical healthcare in areas where it is most needed.

Greenslopes doctors — *Photo Credit: File Photo/Greenslopes Private Hospital*

Remarkably, the two doctors cover their own travel costs for each trip, while Greenslopes Private Hospital supports the mission by donating medical equipment.

Their work in Uganda is part of an ongoing commitment to improving women’s health in regions where access to specialised medical care is scarce. The duo’s next mission is scheduled for South Sudan in October 2024, where they plan to continue providing essential gynaecological care.

Recognition and Support

In recognition of their extraordinary humanitarian contributions, both Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia, a prestigious honour celebrating their selfless work over the years.

Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO, Justin Greenwell, praised the two doctors for their dedication: “I commend Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause on their humanitarian efforts – the world needs more people like them both. Greenslopes Private Hospital is proud to support their work and to donate to such a great cause again this year.”

As the doctors prepare for their next mission in South Sudan, their ongoing work continues to highlight the important role that Australian medical professionals play in improving global healthcare, particularly for women in underserved communities.

Greenslopes Private Hospital Celebrates 500th Life-Changing Heart Procedure

Photo Credit: Greenslopes Private Hospital

A 91-year-old Stradbroke Island resident has made history as the 500th person to undergo a minimally invasive heart procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Sydney Owens, who had been grappling with severe aortic stenosis, underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) led by Dr. Peter Hadjipetrou.

TAVI, a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, involves replacing a narrowed aortic valve with an artificial one through a catheter inserted in the groyne. This approach significantly reduces recovery time and surgical trauma for patients.

Dr. Hadjipetrou expressed his pride in participating in this milestone procedure, emphasising its significance in the hospital’s commitment to advanced cardiac care. He highlighted that reaching 500 TAVI cases signifies a shift towards less invasive options, offering patients a better quality of life and a faster recovery.

The success of the TAVI programme is attributed to the collaborative effort of the cardiac team and the state-of-the-art facilities at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Dr. Hadjipetrou commended the team’s expertise and dedication, acknowledging their instrumental role in providing exceptional care to patients with heart conditions.

The hospital boasts a custom-built hybrid operating theatre for cardiac and vascular cases. This unique facility enables a seamless transition from

Additionally, the hospital’s comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive emergency care, procedures, and post-operative rehabilitation all under one roof.

Dr. Hadjipetrou thanked Sydney Owens and all patients, their families, and the healthcare team for their support and collaboration in achieving this remarkable feat.

This milestone showcases the hospital’s commitment to innovation and reaffirms its position as a leader in cardiac care.

Published Date 30-July-2024

Pioneering Prostate Cancer Treatment Hits 20-Year Milestone at Greenslopes Private Hospital

Did you know that this year marks the 20th anniversary of a pioneering, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer treatment at Greenslopes Private Hospital?

Read: Queensland Health Unveils $8 Billion Hospital Expansion Plan, Including Princess Alexandra Hospital

The low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy program was pioneered in 2003 by a dedicated team of specialists – Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor Kumar Gogna, Consultant Urologist Dr Glen Wood, and Medical Physicist Mr Adrian Gibbs.

Two decades later, this clinical trio still practises together at Greenslopes, having treated hundreds of prostate cancer patients over the years. Their collaboration and shared goal of supporting patient choice and offering evidence-based treatments continues to this day.

prostate cancer treatment — Photo credit: Tara Winstead/Pexels

As Mr Gibbs reflects, they were united 20 years ago under the common goal of providing another option for prostate cancer patients. Since then, they have worked together to treat many men with LDR brachytherapy.

What is LDR brachytherapy?

LDR brachytherapy involves inserting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate to target cancer cells with radiation whilst minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. At the time, it expanded the minimally invasive treatment possibilities for prostate cancer patients at Greenslopes and in Queensland.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with over 24,000 new cases annually.

Dr Wood emphasises that offering a full spectrum of care for patients living with prostate cancer remains a top priority for them at Greenslopes.

A/Prof Gogna adds that their team is proud to keep supporting Queenslanders in need, sharing knowledge about this important treatment, and mentoring other clinicians locally and abroad to establish their own LDR brachytherapy programs. Their expertise has been shared with colleagues in Townsville, Singapore, and Wollongong.

Read: Vaxxas: Pioneering Needle-Free Skin Patch Vaccine Technology

The pioneering brachytherapy team reflects on the past 20 years of collaboration and innovation in minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment. Their patient-focused approach continues to make a positive impact at Greenslopes and beyond.

Published 25-July-2023

Community Staple Press and Brew Closes Down, Makes Way For Planned Community Health Care Centre

After operating in the area for more than four years, Press and Brew has closed for good, marking the end of this popular cafe across the road from Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon Trains Future Shoulder Surgeons From Around the World

The closure of Press and Brew leaves a void on Hunter Street that many will feel, missing the cafe’s friendly service and signature coffee and breakfast burgers.

This comes as a developer submitted plans for 68-72 Hunter St, the site where the cafe and three more residential dwellings are located. The existing buildings on the subject site will be demolished if the development application is given the green light.

Plans

The development application was submitted to Brisbane City Council in March 2023 by Ron Build Pty Ltd, who aims to construct a three-storey commercial building with parking for around 123 vehicles.

Designed by architecture firm Gray Puksand, the building will feature tenancy, including amenities and services on Levels 1-2; lobby, tenancy, store, amenities, refuse, loading bay for services on the ground floor; and car parking, person with disabilities parking, and bicycle parking on the basement.

Locals’ Reactions

Subject site (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Whilst some locals welcome new healthcare options in the neighbourhood, others have raised concerns about the building’s size and its potential impacts on traffic and access to the nearby Greenslopes Private Hospital emergency department.

In response to these concerns, the applicant provided a traffic study showing the centre would only add 1-2 trips per minute during peak times – a “negligible impact” on surrounding roads. They stated this will not hinder emergency vehicle access to the hospital.

Read: 3-Hour Street Parking Limit, Resident Parking Permits Could be Adopted in Greenslopes

Additionally, the applicant noted the new building was designed to connect to the Greenslopes Medical Centre and blend with the scale of existing structures along Newdegate Street.

Published 17-July-2023

Greenslopes’ Prof Ashish Gupta Takes Part in Shoulder Live Surgeries

Did you know that Professor Ashish Gupta from the Greenslopes Private Hospital recently took part in a 36-hour non-stop event which saw leading surgeons from 19 countries perform up to 35 shoulder surgeries streamed live online?

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Celebrates 80th Anniversary With $72-M Expansion

Professor Gupta co-chaired ‘East Meets West,’ consisting of 36 hours of nonstop surgery by leading surgeons from 19 countries. Up to 35 shoulder surgeries were performed for this event, co-chaired by Prof Gupta representing the ‘East’ with Dr. Jean Kany from a Ramsay Health Care hospital in Toulouse representing the West.

The orthopaedic surgeon at Greenslopes Private Hospital performed the surgery on 14 October 2022, and it’s being streamed live online around the world, with more than 1,200 organisations worldwide watching.

For his surgery, Professor Gupta performed a humeral allograft and latarjet for bipolar bone loss for chronic shoulder instability using mixed reality planning by medtech company Akunah.

Other surgeries included advances in total shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, superior capsular reconstruction, robotic tendon transfers, and instability procedures.

Dr Ashish Gupta (Photo credit: QLD Ortho Clinic)

“I am proud to be involved in this event. It is a great opportunity to share my technique on a complex shoulder instability case and to show how mixed reality can significantly assist surgeons to become more accurate with their surgeries,” Professor Gupta said.

Professor Gupta was interested to see how surgeons are innovating and pushing the boundaries in other countries, and how they strive to provide better outcomes for the patients.

It was not the first time that Professor Gupta has shared his skills with others for the benefit of surgeons around the world. In the past, he has already supervised many international surgeons awarded fellowships from the Australian Shoulder Research Institute (ASRI).

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon Trains Future Shoulder Surgeons From Around the World

Professor Gupta mentored surgeons from Nepal, Lebanon, the Netherlands, and Mexico who travelled all the way to Australia to learn from him to learn advanced skills in arthroscopic techniques along with gaining exposure to shoulder arthroplasty, especially revision shoulder arthroplasty.

Greenslopes Stormwater Drainage Undergoes Upgrade

Photo credit: MabelAmber / Pixabay

The Greenslopes stormwater drainage system is set to get an upgrade. The project encompasses streets around the Greenslopes Private Hospital including Denman Street, Hunter Street and Newdegate Street.

Council is undertaking an upgrade of the Greenslopes stormwater drainage which will involve replacing the existing stormwater pipes that run along the centre of Denman, Hunter and Newdegate Streets. The project will also see the upgrading of the gully that connects the stormwater in Hunter Street as well as providing connections to the existing stormwater pipes and drainage.

Sections of the road will be closed to traffic to make way for the construction which is expected to be completed by mid-April 2023.

Details of the construction works which will be conducted Monday to Friday between 7 am and 5 pm are as follows:

Denman Street, between Henry Street and Newdegate Street

This first location will have works starting on Monday 17 October and will require a full road closure. Completion of this part of the project is expected to be by end of November (weather permitting).
Residents will be able to access their property from Henry Street via traffic control during work hours.

Denman Street, between Thomas Street and Newdegate Street

Works on this section will commence in late October and are expected to be completed by early December (weather permitting).
Residents will be able to access their property from Thomas Street via traffic control during work hours.

Newdegate Street, between Denman Street and Hunter Street

Work will begin in this stage in early December 2022 and be completed by late January 2023. Work, however, will pause during the Christmas shutdown period.
This project will require single-lane closures with traffic controllers on site.

Hunter Street, between Newdegate Street and Nicholson Street

This project will start in early February 2023 and be completed by mid-April (weather permitting).
This street will be closed to traffic throughout construction. Residents will be able to access their properties via traffic control.

The Greenslopes stormwater drainage upgrade project is among the Flood Resilience Projects currently being undertaken by Brisbane City Council which has so far completed stormwater drainage upgrades on Ann Street and James Street in Fortitude Valley; Chermside and Helen Streets in Teneriffe; and Ipswich Road in Woolloongabba.