How can you help a newly diagnosed cancer patient?

Hearing a friend or family member has been dealt a cancer diagnosis can mean you are struggling with your own emotional response, as well as wondering how you can effectively communicate and help that person.  Both emotional and practical support can be a huge help for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer but sometimes it’s hard …

Murdoch’s Junior Medical Officers learning on the job

With a state-of-the-art medical training facility and a focus on wellbeing and professional development, Murdoch Hospital is a workplace of choice for upcoming doctors. Murdoch offers junior medical doctors, otherwise known as JMO’s, a place to start and expand their careers across a range of fields. Deputy Director of Medical Services Dr Emily Kuzich said …

Your endometriosis questions answered

Gynaecological specialist Dr Simon Clarke from Cove Medical answers our questions about endometriosis. What is endometriosis and why does it cause pain?Endometriosis is a progressive, chronic, oestrogen-dependent condition, in which cells similar to those that line the inner cavity [endometrium] of the uterus grow in locations outside the uterus. Most commonly this occurs in the …

Colonoscopies: are they really that bad?

Colonoscopy. It’s the dreaded procedure that most over 50’s should be having on a regular basis but it can be uncomfortable to talk about and even worse to schedule into your diary. It’s important to remember that the team at Murdoch’s endoscopy suite undertake many colonoscopies every day and are here to make you feel …

Room Service meals arrive at Murdoch

Room Service is now a normal part of being an inpatient at St John of God Murdoch. Each patient can now order from a wide menu over the phone anytime between 6.30am and 8pm. Best of all, all meals, snacks and drinks are included in your hospital fee! Food and beverage is an integral part …

Surgical anxiety: putting your mind at ease before surgery

It's incredibly normal to feel anxiety or jitters before a surgery. Day Procedure Unit Nurse Manager Summa Lewington walks you through how we help patients.

Improving waiting times in the Emergency Department

The team at St John of God Murdoch Hospital have been working hard this year to reduce the time you are waiting to see a triage nurse.

When is it heartburn or when is it more?

Most of the population of Australia will, at some time in their life, experience heartburn; yet we don’t think about its effects until it is happening to us. Dr Alan Thomas from Upper GI West answers our questions on this common condition.

What to expect in the Emergency Department

We know that when there is a family emergency, finding your way to an Emergency Department (ED) and knowing what to expect when you arrive can be stressful! Let’s go behind-the-scenes at St John of God Murdoch Hospital to help you know what your ED visit will entail.

The role of the Breast Care Nurse

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be very frightening and many will have concerns about body image, self-esteem, sexuality and the impact on relationships. There can be significant financial impacts on the woman and her family and uncertainty over the future. Many women who have breast cancer, feel helpless and powerless. The psychological impact of …

Shining the spotlight on breast cancer

In 2020, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that a total of 19,998 Australian women and 170 Australian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s roughly 55 Australians who will receive a new diagnosis each day. The positive news is that most people survive breast cancer and go on to live long, …

Can gardens help patients heal faster?

According to several studies, patients who have access to a scenic view are likely to require less medication, lower stress levels and may heal faster. Studies conducted in the United States and Sweden over the past three decades have evaluated healing gardens in rehabilitation and children’s hospitals, with positive results for patients. A 1995 study …