Tens of thousands of people undergo back surgery in Australia each year, but according to a Gold Coast Private surgeon 'tools, technology and technique' are only part of the equation if you want a good outcome. Assistant Professor Mario Zotti believes patient engagement, accurate diagnosis, health optimisation and careful surgical planning must combine to ensure patients get the best result.

Endometriosis is a difficult condition to manage at the best of times, so with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it's natural to feel a little more anxious. Dr Donald Angstetra spoke to us about how women with this condition should manage their pain and symptoms during this time.

There has been a significant increase in referrals for colposcopy procedures following the new cervical cancer screening program that introduced human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in December 2018. Head of The Cervical Center, gynaecologist Graeme Walker said the clinic had been met with an influx of patients requiring a colposcopy following a positive HPV test.

Specialised physiotherapy for children and adolescents is now available at Gold Coast Private, helping some of our smallest patients with everything from post surgical care to developmental issues. Rehabilitation manager and head of the paediatric physiotherapy team, Anna Arden said children had distinct and individual needs and services needed to be tailored accordingly.

Buckets of food scraps, empty water bottles and used batteries have become prized items at Gold Coast Private Hospital thanks to a robust recycling program that is raising money for charities while helping the environment. The hospital started a 'Green Group' which looks for ways to reduce, reuse and repurpose everything from oxygen masks and ventilator tubes; to printer cartridges and wooden pallets.

What's been happening at Gold Coast Private Hospital.

Does your hand hurt after use? Do you suffer cramping of the thumb or tingling in the fingers? It is easy to dismiss such pain as a symptom of ageing or blame it on arthritis but carpal tunnel syndrome can cause vague aches and tiredness in the hands, especially for people older than 50. Fortunately, it can also be resolved with surgery in most cases.

Ovarian Cancer is a malignant tumour that arises from the ovary/ovaries. Tumours that arise from the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen and pelvis) behave in the same way as ovarian cancer and are treated similarly. While Ovarian Cancer can occur at any age, it’s more common in women over the age of 50.

Working from home can be a great opportunity. Life suddenly seems easier when your child is sick, the odd housework needs to be done, or when you have hours that need catching up. But when the lines between your personal and work life are becoming drastically blurred, how do you ensure boundaries are kept?

With so much focus on the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s timely to remind people of the importance of another vaccine that plays a vital role in combatting illness – vaccination against influenza. The flu is a highly contagious viral infection that takes a heavy toll each year and while increased hand washing and social distancing may have lessened its impact in 2020, the flu shot remains the best defence against the virus.