Women’s Health Advancements and the Hospital of the Future

In May 2021 2 we were honoured to host Queensland members of Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (WCEI) at Herston Biofabrication Institute to pay tribute to ‘Women’s Health Advancements and the Hospital of the Future’.

Established as the leading philanthropic funding partner of RBWH, the Foundation’s role is to bring together Government, philanthropic partners and community in support of cutting edge medical and clinician-led research, latest equipment and technologies, and evidence-based patient care programs.

RBWH has fostered incredible medical minds throughout its 153-year history and WCEI heard from a panel of speakers who continue to help shape Australia’s healthcare future. These incredible healthcare professionals working to ensure the hospital is the “Best, Brightest and Kindest’  included:

• Sherry Holzapfel, Director of Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team
• Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary, MNHHS Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer and RBWH Foundation Board member
• Associate Professor Karin Lust, Director of RBWH Women’s and Newborn Services  
• Professor Leonie Callaway, Director of Research, RBWH Women’s and Newborn Services.

The RBWH tradition of clinician-led research which has improved outcomes for mothers, babies and families was a major focus for speakers, particularly improvements in mortality rates.

A highlight of the event was a tour of Herston Biofabrication Institute, an Australian-first centre of excellence for 3D printing, scanning and modelling of medical devices, bone, cartilage and tissue.

The partnership between 3D medical engineers and RBWH could see one day see biofabrication specialists stationed in operating theatres – a fascinating insight into the hospitals of the future.

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