NEWS
PINDARA PRACTITIONERS PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE
AT Gc2018
In the lead up and throughout the recent Gold Coast 2018
Commonwealth Games many of our Pindara staff members
volunteered their time and medical expertise to help make the games
one of the best (and healthiest) games ever!
Denise Harris, Assistant Director of Clinical Services at Pindara
acted as the Venue Medical Manager at the Carrara Sports and Leisure
Centre throughout the games. Denise along with the venue’s medical
team were responsible for the care of all athletes and extended ‘games
family’ at the venue. Days would start at 5am and sometimes finish as
late as 11.30pm, but Denise and the team took it all in their stride.
Pindara Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager Leigh
Hutchinson acted as Carrara Precinct Duty Venue Medical Manager
– in charge of spectator care. Leigh led a team of specialised doctors,
nurses and paramedics who were responsible for the provision of
first aid and advanced medical care for all spectators who attended
the precinct and the three fields of play – including the 35,000 seat
stadium. Leigh also coordinated the care for spectators attending the
opening and closing ceremonies.
Dr Barry Rigby, Pindara Intensive Care Specialist and Gold Coast
Suns Chief Medical Officer filled the role of Senior Medical Volunteer
at the Games. His eagerness to offer his expertise came from his
experience of volunteering at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in
Brisbane – he was a junior doctor at the time and the experience
inspired him to go into sports medicine.
“It was such an exciting and fantastic experience and the atmosphere
was indescribable. Not only that, the experience reinvigorated my
interest in sports and I went on to find my niche in sports medicine,”
Barry said.
Dr Rigby also sees the games as an opportunity to meet and work
with colleagues and athletes from around the globe.
“This opportunity to work with athletes on the world stage is far too
valuable to miss,” he said.
Numerous other staff from right across the hospital also volunteered
their time during the games and we would like to thank them
wholeheartedly for generously giving of their time to make GC2018
the amazing event it was.
pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine | 9