Talitha

The city’s first Paediatrician, Dr Bob McGregor may have officially retired from the Ipswich Hospital Foundation board after many dedicated years of service, but his legacy will continue.

Bob hung up his scrubs for the last time after 47 years in February but remained on the board.

For 21 years, Bob was a major driving force on the board, raising funds for facilities, equipment and research seeking to specifically support paediatric services throughout the city.

But now, he felt it was the right time to step down from his position.

“I was a founding member of the board and I just felt it was the right time to give someone else a go,” said Mr McGregor.

On Wednesday, October 27, the board held a farewell luncheon for their long-serving member and in recognition of his efforts, the foundation presented him with ‘The Dr Bob McGregor Paediatric Health Research Fund.’

The new fund was officially launched on Monday 25 October and has since received an overwhelming response.

“I was so surprised and over the moon when I was presented with the fund,” said Mr McGregor.

“I couldn’t speak, I didn’t expect that at all. And I cannot believe the fund already has gained a substantial amount of funds. I am absolutely chuffed, I mean, I am so happy that I have a bit of drawing power,” he laughed.

Ipswich Hospital Foundation CEO, James Sturges said the new fund will support locally relevant projects aligning with Mr McGregor’s passion for Paediatric Research.

“We are delighted to launch the Bob McGregor Paediatric Research Fund,” Mr Sturges said.

“The fund will aim to support projects which demonstrate high-quality research and innovation techniques that align with Bob’s enthusiasm and approach to the health priorities in the West Moreton region.

“The fund will also aim to recognise and respond to the diverse and growing needs of the West Moreton community.”

Chair of the board, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the new fund will aim to recognise and respond to the diverse and growing needs of the West Moreton community.

“Our community encompasses the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service area servicing the City of Ipswich and the Regional Councils of Somerset, Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley,” said Ms Mackenzie.

“We are grateful to have had Bob on the board servicing these regions for more than 20 years and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”

For the past five months, Mr McGregor has been collaborating with the University of Queensland to research the health of children growing up in the 21^st century.

“I’m hoping that the funds will go into meaningful research into the rising mental and physical health problems we see now in children and young adolescents,” said Mr McGregor.

“I’m hoping to develop a very strong evidence base to link to the fact that 25 per cent of young people are affected now by mental health.

“This was something I never saw in private practice 47 years ago, and there’s a lot of research to be done.”

Mr McGregor said he will use his spare time to continue his research, spend time with his wife and family, travel in his caravan and pick up his guitar once again.

To donate to The Dr Bob McGregor Paediatric Health Research Fund, visit https://www.ihfoundation.org.au/give/.

Hands-on cooking & nutrition classes for kids

You’ve got books, pencils, pens and are busily covering school books but have you considered registering your children for the popular IHF Kid’s Kitchen?

Running throughout the school term (15 October – 10 December) Kid’s Kitchen offers children aged 7 – 10 years with a hands-on cooking class and theory base about a healthy lifestyle and how to make healthy choices for only $5 per week.

Program Coordinator Kayley Taaffe said Kid’s Kitchen covers food tasting, cooking skills and nutrition education.

“Our Kid’s Kitchen is in good hands with Nutritionist Deidree Taylor who I work with each week to present new, exciting recipes.

“Children go home each week armed with the healthy food they’ve prepared and a newsletter with recipe ideas and healthy tips for the family.”

Help your children gain these critical skills with the help of a qualified nutritionist!

Book now: https://www.ihfoundation.org.au/servi…/kids-kitchen-project/

Details of the program: when: 15 October – 10 December 2019

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Cost: $5 per week

Location: TAFE Southwest Bundamba Campus

Protein Balls

For all of the below recipes, simply add all the ingredients into an electric mixer. Mix on high until all ingredients are combined, then roll into balls with the palms of your hands. You can then roll the protein balls in desiccated coconut or crushed up nuts before placing them in the fridge overnight to harden.

Peanut Butter and Vanilla

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

½ cup oats

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 tablespoon honey

1/3 cup chia seeds

Cashew Cookie

½ cup oats

1 cup cashew nuts

1/3 cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon peanut butter

Choc Almond

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 cup almonds

¾ cup dates

¼ cup cocoa

1/3 desiccated coconut

Add water until desired texture is reached

Volunteers Care

Support is on hand when you need it

You’ve received a call back to BreastScreen Ipswich Service and you are fearing the worst. Wondering what chemotherapy is like and how long you might have to endure it for and all of a sudden you’ve talked your way into a diagnosis. You are spiralling understandably and look up from your magazine for some support. You’ve got it in the Ipswich Hospital Foundation Volunteers. The support team is at the Ipswich Service every Thursday to lend a caring ear for patients who have been called back for second appointments.

Glenda and Lorraine of the IHF Volunteer team have been working with the service for over a year now.

“We love being here to support the women and the service, listening to their stories and help them through a moment in their life that sometimes isn’t so pleasant,” they said.

“Volunteering really is so satisfying and varied and it is a privilege to be with the women during this process – we’ve made a lot of friends!

BreastScreen Queensland – Ipswich Service Nurse Unit Manager Nicola Godfrey said Glenda and Lorraine were a wonderful addition to the BreastScreen team.

“Glenda and Lorraine provide invaluable support and assistance to the West Moreton women who attend an assessment clinic, from welcoming women, making cups of tea or coffee and chatting with anxious clients to pushing babies around in strollers.

“They are ambassadors for our BreastScreen service, promoting our service to friends, family, other volunteers and the wider West Moreton community. They also prepare health promotion materials for distribution to the community which is of huge assistance to our team.”

BreastScreen Queensland – Ipswich Service operates both a fixed Ipswich service site at the Community Health Plaza, Bell St and mobile van services to make appointments accessible to West Moreton women, including those living in rural and regional areas.

Ms Godfrey encouraged women to prioritise their health in 2019.

“Looking after your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones,” Ms Godfrey said.

“I encourage women over 40, particularly those aged 50 to 74 who are considered most at risk, to prioritise their health and have their routine, free screening mammogram every two years. No referral is required.

“A breast screen takes only 30 minutes.”

The mobile van will be at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre, 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway Fernvale, from 31 January to 26 February.

Appointment availability ranges from 6.45am – 5pm (Monday to Friday) and some Saturdays. To book phone 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au

Ride to Work Day

Date: Wednesday 27^th March

 Location: Darcy Doyle Place Ipswich

Cost: Free

Ride to Work Day encourages the community to ditch their cars and ride to work!  Ride to work via Darcy Doyle Place and enjoy a post ride celebration breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee with fellow cyclists.

Ipswich BMX Friday Fun Night

Date: Friday 29^th March

Location: Willey Park, Ipswich

5^th Friday of the month means Ipswich BMX Fun Night!  Open to all licensed riders.

Recruitment 24/7 Ipswich100

Date: Sunday 31^st March

Location: USQ Ipswich

Cost: $5 – $100

The Recruitment 24/7 Ipswich100 Bike Ride on Sunday 31^st March 2019 offers 100 miles, 100km, 50km, 25km and 5km courses, for experienced riders (100 miles) to families with children (Kids Caper).  This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the ride run by the Moggill Mt Crosby Lions Club which has raised more than $1 million funding supporting local charity and community needs.