General News
9 April, 2025
Chief medical officer flies in to visit the North West
Catherine McDougall dropped into Mount Isa and Cloncurry during her visit to the region.
Queensland’s chief medical officer, Catherine McDougall, visited Mount Isa and Cloncurry last week, engaging with key stakeholders and healthcare professionals to discuss local priorities and challenges.
During her visit, Dr McDougall met with the executive leadership team of the North West Hospital and Health Service and members of the NWHHS Board, where discussions focused on healthcare service delivery and regional medical support.
Dr McDougall attended the clinical directors meeting, held one-on-one conversations with medical staff and engaged with medical postgraduates, where she provided insights and support for early-career doctors working in regional Queensland.
In Cloncurry, Dr McDougall met with the medical superintendent at Cloncurry Hospital as well as the mayor Greg Campbell and Cloncurry Shire councillors.
The visit also included meetings with key local representatives, including Member for Traeger Robbie Katter, and health services such as Gidgee Healing, to discuss First Nations and community health initiatives.
Dr McDougall said a highlight of the trip was attending Dr Nariyoshi Miyata’s presentation on The Importance of Rural and Remote Orthopaedic Care, underscoring the need for specialised medical services in remote areas.
NWHHS chief executive Sean Birgan said he was honoured to have Dr McDougall visit the region and to have taken the time to meet with and chat with many of the staff.