Ipswich

Ipswich Clinical Unit is located opposite the Ipswich Hospital - the main hospital in the West Moreton Hospital & Health Service (WMHHS). Ipswich Hospital provides acute medical care to about 250,000 people in Ipswich and its rural areas of Boonah, Esk, Laidley and Gatton. It has more than 350 beds and has a wide range of specialties including emergency, surgery, intensive and coronary care, obstetrics, paediatrics and orthopaedics. 

Headed by Associate Professor Thomas Nathow, Ipswich Clinical Unit helps train around 60 students from across years two, three and four of the UQ medical program every year.  The Unit also assists with the training of interstate and international elective students, as well as students from JCU and Bond University.

Most training occurs at the Ipswich Hospital, but students are exposed to rural, private, and community practice in some disciplines.

Benefits of learning at Ipswich Clinical Unit

There are many reasons to preference a placement at Ipswich Clinical Unit. 

Exposure to clinical care on various levels:As a general hospital students have the opportunity to see a broad range of common medical issues. As a secondary referral centre a large number of complex cases are also seen. Because it is also a regional support hospital, it sees the full range of medical treatment dilemmas.
Exposure to a range of clinical settings: In some disciplines, students have the opportunity to gain experience in rural, private and community practice including Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
A rapidly growing population: Ipswich is ranked one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland and in the top 10 nationwide. The average annual growth of 3.90 per cent provides emerging opportunities in teaching, learning and research to meet the needs of patients. 
Personalised clinical experience:  The smaller student cohort and small teams at Ipswich Hospital ensure that students become part of their allocated teams, resulting in a personalised clinical experience.
Learning spaces: The Ipswich Clinical Unit has a designated student area with kitchen facilities and a relaxing lounge area, as well as computer spaces. There are also student computers and study space in the Ipswich Hospital Library to which students have 24-hour access.  
Affordable parking: Opening an account with Ipswich Hospital Foundation allows for $5 per day parking. A free shuttle bus operates from Limestone park where parking is free.

Placements offered at Ipswich Hospital

Placements at Ipswich Hospital include

General Medicine
Surgery
Medicine in Society
Mental Health
Paediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Critical Care (Emergency, Intensive Care and Anaesthesia)
Orthopaedics
Electives
Medical Specialties, including :
- Renal Medicine
- Endocrinology and Diabetes
- Geriatrics and Rehabilitation
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Oncology and Palliative care

Site information

Ipswich is Queensland's oldest provincial city situated 40 kilometers west of Brisbane and one hour drive from the Gold Coast and domestic and international airports. Voted in 2007 the most liveable mid-sized city in the World Ipswich has much to offer. The city has a rich architectural, natural and cultural heritage with more than 6,000 heritage-listed sites and more than 500 parks. 

Ipswich has a direct rail link to Brisbane and an extensive road transport network makes commuting between Ipswich and Brisbane a realistic option for those who choose to live in Brisbane and study in Ipswich. The Ipswich Clinical Unit is ten minutes walking distance from the Ipswich train station. Free parking is available on the streets a couple of blocks back and in Limestone Park from where a free shuttle bus operates to and from the hospital. Parking in the hospital carpark is available at $5 per day if you register your credit card.

Find out more about Public Transport 
Find out more about Parking 
Find out more about Living in Ipswich.

Academic Title Holders

UQ Medicine is proud to acknowledge that our provision of high quality medical education and research would not be possible without the work of our hospital and clinic-based health professionals. At Ipswich Clinical Unit, our clinical training and research is supported by more than 100 health professionals who hold an Academic Title with UQ.

Find out more about Academic Titles at UQ

Contact

Student enquiries
Email: med.westlcstudents@uq.edu.au

Head, Ipswich Clinical Unit
Associate Professor Thomas Nathow
Phone: +61 7 3381 2804
Email: t.nathow@uq.edu.au
Address: 1 Court Street, Ipswich, QLD, 4305

Clinical Unit Team Leader
Ellice Albitt
Phone: +61 7 3381 2803
Email: med.ipswichtl@uq.edu.au
Address: 1 Court Street, Ipswich, QLD, 4305

Student Coordinator
Mardelene Grobbelaar
Phone: +61 7 3381 2801

Student Coordinator
Jodie Caruana
Phone: +61 7 3381 2802