Greenslopes Private Hospital Archives

A Decade in the Making: Greenslopes’ Cancer Wellness Program Marks Nine Years

The Cancer Wellness Program at Greenslopes Private Hospital marks its ninth year this year, and for the nearly 10,000 patients who pass through the hospital’s doors for cancer treatment each year, it remains a vital part of what the Greenslopes community offers.

Funded by Gallipoli Medical Research, the program has been running since 2017 as a free, donor-supported resource for cancer patients and their families. It does not treat the disease itself. What it treats is everything else: the fear, the isolation, the exhaustion, the sense that life has been picked up and shaken. For nine years, it has been putting people back in the room with others who actually understand what that feels like.

What the Program Actually Does

The Cancer Wellness Program is committed to equipping patients and their families with the advice, resources and support they need for a smoother pathway through treatment and beyond. When a patient feels supported, informed and empowered to focus on their wellbeing during a time of illness, the entire outlook of their cancer experience can change dramatically.

In practice, that means peer group sessions, survivorship education, expert-led workshops and hands-on creative activities that range from kokedama workshops to petting zoos and pony rides. The program operates on a simple but powerful insight: that people who have been through cancer treatment understand each other in a way that even the most caring friends and family sometimes cannot.

Jenny Chaves joined the program in 2023, after chemotherapy and surgery for cancer. Now in remission but still living with the lasting effects of treatment, she describes what the program gave her in plain terms.

Photo Credit: Gallipoli Medical Research

“Cancer changes every aspect of your life during and after treatment,” she said. “This program helped me get back on track. The peer support from people who understand my experience has been absolutely vital to my health journey.”

“People around you often expect things to go back to normal after your treatment ends. But it doesn’t work like that. In this group, everyone gets it. It’s a safe space where we are supported and can be ourselves.”

The Bit That Often Goes Unspoken

One of the things the program has understood from the beginning is that cancer treatment does not end when the last chemotherapy session does. The side effects, the anxiety, the recalibration of identity and daily life, all of that continues well into remission and beyond. The survivorship education sessions the program offers address that reality directly, giving participants the knowledge and resources to navigate what comes after the acute phase of treatment.

“When treatment starts, you’re just trying to get through each day,” Jenny said. “The survivorship session was fantastic. It gave me knowledge to navigate my health journey and resources to get back on track.”

The creative workshops serve a different but equally important function. Kokedama, craft stalls, ANZAC Day poppies, all of it pulls participants out of the hospital-and-side-effects loop that cancer can create, back into something that is just theirs for an hour.

“Cancer is all-consuming. Your world shrinks to hospitals and side effects. Doing something creative pulls you out of that space. It brings you into the present moment and helps restore some balance,” Jenny said.

“We have such a good laugh. That sense of humour, of being seen and understood, is a real tonic. It lifts your spirit.”

Where Nine Years Gets You

After nine years, the program’s reach across Greenslopes is significant. With close to 10,000 patients receiving cancer treatment at the hospital every year, the community of people who could benefit from it is large and constantly renewing. Former participants like Jenny have gone on to give back to the program, helping run stalls and workshops that both raise funds and keep the sense of purpose alive.

“It felt amazing to tell people that buying these crafts helps support someone like me,” she said. “It might seem small, but it gave us a real sense of purpose.”

A Program That Belongs to Greenslopes

Nine years is not an accident. Programs like this survive because communities sustain them, through donations, through volunteering, through local artisans who offer their time to run a workshop, and through the participants who keep showing up and bringing new people in.

For Greenslopes and the surrounding southside suburbs, having a hospital that offers not just treatment but genuine human support for the people going through cancer is something worth knowing about. Whether you or someone you love is currently in treatment, in remission or just starting to look for what comes next, the Cancer Wellness Program is worth a phone call.

To find out more or register interest, contact the program coordinator on 07 3329 4860, email cancerwellnesscoor@ramsayhealth.com.au, or click this link. To support the program through a donation, visit gallipoliresearch.com.au/donate. Local artisans interested in running a workshop for participants are also warmly welcomed to get in touch.

Published 30-March-2026.

Featured Image Credit: Greenslopes Private Hospital/Facebook

Works Set to Begin on Greenslopes Medical Precinct After Court Win

Construction is expected to begin in January 2026 on the Greenslopes Medical Precinct, after a Supreme Court decision ended Ramsay Health Care’s attempt to block the development across from Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Read: Greenslopes Medical Precinct Approved Despite Opposition from Private Hospital

The new centre is located on Hunter Street, directly opposite the private hospital. The development has been highly contested, but with the court’s ruling in favour of the developer, the project is clear to proceed.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A006236443

At the centre of Ramsay’s objections was a planning requirement that new facilities in that area be “complementary” to the existing hospital. Ramsay argued that the medical centre would duplicate hospital services rather than complement them. But the court rejected this narrow view.

After losing its appeal in the Planning and Environment Court, Ramsay escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. A bench comprising Chief Justice Helen Bowskill and Justices Sue Brown and Thomas Bradley ruled against Ramsay, concluding the previous decision contained no legal error.

Photo credit: greenslopesmedicalprecinct.com.au

The judges considered the meaning of “complementary” in this context. Rather than the narrow interpretation Ramsay advanced — that complementary means something that “completes or perfects” — the court accepted a broader planning meaning: uses that support or sit well alongside each other. The court also referred to ordinary dictionary definitions, noting that complementary can mean “to enhance” or “go well with,” which aligned with the broader planning interpretation.

Crucially, the Planning and Environment Court had already found that the proposed development (A006236443) met even Ramsay’s stricter standard — a factual finding that the Supreme Court determined could not be overturned.

With legal obstacles now removed, Ron Build Pty Ltd, owned by developer Ronnie Tarabay, is preparing for construction. The project site cleared of three former residences and the Press & Brew Espresso café, making way for the development.

The new medical centre will include 15 consulting suites and is projected to open around mid-2027. While details of which specialists will occupy the suites have not been finalised publicly, the scale of the project indicates a substantial increase in local outpatient capacity.

Situated opposite Greenslopes Private Hospital, the centre will sit adjacent to a major private health provider. Its addition is expected to boost the number of available consulting rooms for the community.

Read: Greenslopes Hospital Shelters History with World War II Bunker Museum

After more than a year of legal dispute, the decision provides clarity for the future of the site. With construction set to begin in January, the medical centre promises to expand healthcare options for residents in Greenslopes.

Published 18-November-2025

Pioneering Lymphoedema Surgery Now Performed at Greenslopes Private Hospital

Greenslopes Private Hospital has become the first private hospital in Queensland to offer advanced microsurgery for lymphoedema, marking a significant step forward in the management and prevention of the condition.

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Pioneers Lymphoedema Surgery in Queensland

Specialist plastic surgeons Dr Matthew Cheng and Dr Andrew Lewandowski recently completed Queensland’s first private hospital-based lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), a complex supermicrosurgical procedure that connects tiny lymphatic vessels directly to veins. The surgery was performed on a patient with aggressive skin cancer to help prevent the onset of lymphoedema following lymph node removal.

“With LVA, we’re offering patients a surgical solution that can ease symptoms or even prevent lymphoedema altogether,” said Dr Cheng. “Historically, people with lymphoedema have had very limited options, often relying on compression, massage or simply learning to live with the condition.”

Dr Lewandowski said the procedure helps address a long-standing gap in post-cancer care. “While we excel at treating cancers and saving lives, we have fallen short on managing the long-term consequences of invasive surgery,” he said. “Lymphoedema can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and put them at greater risk of skin infections such as cellulitis. Being able to prevent or treat this condition is a huge step forward.”

Understanding lymphoedema

Photo credit: Ramsay Health Care/Facebook

Lymphoedema is the accumulation of excessive fluid that leads to swelling in certain parts of the body, most commonly the arms and legs, but it can affect other areas too. It often occurs after cancer treatments involving lymph node removal, and affects an estimated 70,000 Australians. The condition can cause chronic pain, swelling, recurrent infections, and significantly reduce quality of life.

At Greenslopes Private Hospital, patients now have access not only to surgical options like LVA but also to non-surgical therapies through Ramsay Health Plus. These include Level 1 and 2 accredited lymphoedema therapists offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage, prescription and review of specialised compression garments (both off-the-shelf and custom made), and compression bandaging.

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

This comprehensive approach positions Greenslopes Private as a leader in lymphoedema care, giving patients a better chance at living comfortably post-treatment.

Published 5-August-2025

Greenslopes Private Hospital Pioneers Lymphoedema Surgery in Queensland

Photo Credit: Ramsay Health Care

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