North Queensland Day Surgery Centre (NQDSC) has officially turned 30, marking three decades of delivering exceptional ophthalmic care to communities in and around Townsville. From its modest beginnings in a refurbished house to becoming a trusted name in ophthalmic day surgery, the Centre’s story is one of innovation, resilience and heart.
In July 1995, Ms Judy Mackay was asked to set up NQDSC by ophthalmologist Dr Lee Lenton.
‘His directive was to obtain the best staff, equipment and surgeons, so we could deliver the best patient care,’ says Ms Mackay, who led the Centre as Director of Nursing for nearly three decades before stepping back earlier this year.
‘Achieving accreditation was an enormous undertaking – there was no one to tap into for support, so I had to do everything from scratch. And we only started with a handful of staff and 4 surgeons, including one flying in and out on a monthly basis. But we had a big vision,’ she says.
Since then, over 40,000 patients have come through the doors, many travelling from Cairns, Mackay and Mt Isa.
‘Our catchment area is huge,’ Ms Mackay explains. ‘We’ve even had patients come from further afield.’
Leading the way in ophthalmic surgery
NQDSC was the first stand-alone day surgery in Townsville and has remained a leader in ophthalmic innovation. It was the first site in the region where a conscious sedation with peribulbar block for a retinal vitrectomy was performed, which remains an achievement the team is proud of.
‘Of course, there’s been significant change in ophthalmology since we first started,’ says Ms Mackay. She cites updates to computer technology as leaving some of the biggest marks – diagnostic equipment, instrumentation, phacoemulsification machines and intraocular lenses to name a few.
‘We’ve always embraced change, embraced new technology and been able to adapt our processes to match the needs of the community and our patients.’ – Judy Mackay.
But Ms Mackay says the real key to NQDSC’s longevity is much simpler.
‘It’s about prioritising patient care and ensuring the workplace culture reflects this. Our entire team goes above and beyond for patients every single day.’
More than just a workplace
What makes NQDSC truly special is its team, says Ms Mackay. ‘There is a lot of fun and laughter, because we genuinely care for each other. It doesn’t matter if you’re a cleaner, a nurse or a doctor, everyone is appreciated just the same for the contribution they make.’
The team’s contribution has also extended beyond ophthalmology, including Ms Mackay’s once-in-a-lifetime walk from Townsville to Mt Isa (some 900 km), which raised $131,000 for youth mental health charity Headspace. NQDSC surgeon Graeme Kelly and Ms Mackay (pictured in the third image of the gallery below) also shaved their heads to raise $11,500 for the Leukaemia Foundation. Vision Hospital Group contributed financially to both fundraising initiatives.
Scrub nurse Michelle McGeary, who’s been part of the team for over 20 years, agrees with Ms Mackay. She says the bond among staff is unlike anything she’s experienced.
‘When you work with the same people every day and then hang out with them outside of work too, you get to know each other so well. In theatre, we can communicate just with a glance or a hand gesture so as not to disturb the surgeon or patient,’ Ms McGeary says.
Looking ahead
As NQDSC enters its fourth decade, its legacy of excellence and compassion continues. Alisa Robertson, another long-serving employee, has taken over the reins as Director of Nursing.
‘It’s a privilege to continue the NQDSC legacy in giving people back their sight and their independence. It’s something you never get tired of,’ says Ms Robertson.
With a strong team, visionary leadership and a deep connection to the community, the future looks bright for this Townsville institution.
At the anniversary celebration, Vision Hospital Group National Director of Nursing Kylie Bennett, paid tribute to Ms Mackay’s leadership:
‘Thirty years in any organisation is a wonderful achievement. But thirty years at the helm of a start-up day surgery in regional Queensland that quickly established itself as a leading facility for ophthalmic procedures is incredible. You have also steered NQDSC through challenges like cyclones, floods and Covid-19 and come out stronger every time.’
