30

Jun 2025

Chronic Pain: The Invisible Burden and the Power of Communication

Published in General on June 30, 2025

Chronic pain often goes unseen and misunderstood, leaving patients struggling to articulate the depth of their suffering. One individual's story vividly illustrates this experience. Misdiagnosed and dismissed early on, she was repeatedly told her condition was stress-related or even “all in her head.” Rather than being heard, she felt silenced—and that eroded trust in both herself and her healthcare providers. The Toll of Diagnostic Delay This pattern of doubt and dismissal is common—particularly among women. Diagnoses are frequently delayed, and symptoms are trivialised as psychosomatic. These experiences leave patients feeling ashamed and undermined when they advocate for their pain. The result is not only physical suffering but emotional trauma, as each visit reminds them they’re not believed. Non-Verbal Needs and Therapeutic Silence Chronic pain isn’t just about symptoms—it often brings profound psychological effects. Patients may appear calm outwardly, but inwardly, they carry immense distress. Non-verbal cues—hesitations, body language, emotional expressions—tell a deeper story that standard pain scales cannot. Therapeutic listening, including recognising these silent signals, is essential for genuine care. Researchers have explored narrative-based therapies like online journaling, showing how creative expression helps individuals articulate their pain and build community. Such methods foster supportive environments where patients feel validated and benefit from shared insights. Communication Frameworks for Clinicians Effective patient–clinician communication around chronic pain requires more than routine questions like “rate your pain 1 to 10.” Researchers emphasise tailored communication skills specific to pain conversations—especially around sensitive topics like opioid use. One study involved primary-care providers using standardised patient actors to practice empathy-driven, nuanced dialogues that go beyond quick assessments and tap into the patient's lived reality. Toward Whole-Person, Person-Centred Care Emerging care models advocate integrating mental health and physical care, recognising their interplay in chronic pain. A recent qualitative review among young people highlighted how chronic musculoskeletal pain is deeply entwined with emotional well-being. Conversely, mental distress can amplify pain, emphasising the need for integrated, age-aware services with easy access, trusted providers, and peer support. An often-overlooked component of such access is the availability of supportive hospital accommodation, particularly for patients who travel long distances for multidisciplinary pain programs or outpatient consultations. Without affordable and comfortable lodging near care facilities, continuity and participation in treatment plans—especially for those in rural or underserved regions—can suffer, undermining holistic pain management efforts. Healing Through Trust and Empathy Holistic approaches, such as therapeutic listening and compassionate presence, foster a healing environment—beyond symptom treatments to relational support that honours patients’ experiences. Trust builds when patients sense clinicians truly listen, acknowledge uncertainty, and collaborate on tailored strategies. This respectful alliance may ease the isolation inherent in chronic pain. Reframing Chronic Pain Care The way forward is clear: bridge clinical and emotional dimensions by: Training healthcare professionals in pain-specific communication—attentive listening, narrative competence, and emotional attunement. Acknowledging and addressing implicit bias, particularly around gender, which often colours pain assessment. Integrating narrative, creative, and reflective methods to help patients articulate and normalise their realities. Structuring care as a whole-person, with combined physical, emotional, peer, and mental health supports. By giving voice to invisible suffering and fostering biopsychosocial care, healthcare systems can move from dismissal and distrust to validation, empowerment, and improved outcomes.

Chronic pain often goes unseen and misunderstood, leaving patients struggling to articulate the depth of their suffering. One individual's story vividly illustrates this experience. Misdiagnosed and dismissed early on, she was repeatedly told her condition was stress-related or even “all in her head.” Rather than being heard, she felt silenced—and that eroded trust in both herself and her healthcare providers.

The Toll of Diagnostic Delay

This pattern of doubt and dismissal is common—particularly among women. Diagnoses are frequently delayed, and symptoms are trivialised as psychosomatic. These experiences leave patients feeling ashamed and undermined when they advocate for their pain. The result is not only physical suffering but emotional trauma, as each visit reminds them they’re not believed.

Non-Verbal Needs and Therapeutic Silence

Chronic pain isn’t just about symptoms—it often brings profound psychological effects. Patients may appear calm outwardly, but inwardly, they carry immense distress. Non-verbal cues—hesitations, body language, emotional expressions—tell a deeper story that standard pain scales cannot. Therapeutic listening, including recognising these silent signals, is essential for genuine care.

Researchers have explored narrative-based therapies like online journaling, showing how creative expression helps individuals articulate their pain and build community. Such methods foster supportive environments where patients feel validated and benefit from shared insights.

Communication Frameworks for Clinicians

Effective patient–clinician communication around chronic pain requires more than routine questions like “rate your pain 1 to 10.” Researchers emphasise tailored communication skills specific to pain conversations—especially around sensitive topics like opioid use. One study involved primary-care providers using standardised patient actors to practice empathy-driven, nuanced dialogues that go beyond quick assessments and tap into the patient's lived reality.

Toward Whole-Person, Person-Centred Care

Emerging care models advocate integrating mental health and physical care, recognising their interplay in chronic pain. A recent qualitative review among young people highlighted how chronic musculoskeletal pain is deeply entwined with emotional well-being. Conversely, mental distress can amplify pain, emphasising the need for integrated, age-aware services with easy access, trusted providers, and peer support.

An often-overlooked component of such access is the availability of supportive hospital accommodation, particularly for patients who travel long distances for multidisciplinary pain programs or outpatient consultations. Without affordable and comfortable lodging near care facilities, continuity and participation in treatment plans—especially for those in rural or underserved regions—can suffer, undermining holistic pain management efforts.

Healing Through Trust and Empathy

Holistic approaches, such as therapeutic listening and compassionate presence, foster a healing environment—beyond symptom treatments to relational support that honours patients’ experiences. Trust builds when patients sense clinicians truly listen, acknowledge uncertainty, and collaborate on tailored strategies. This respectful alliance may ease the isolation inherent in chronic pain.

Reframing Chronic Pain Care

The way forward is clear: bridge clinical and emotional dimensions by:

  • Training healthcare professionals in pain-specific communication—attentive listening, narrative competence, and emotional attunement.
  • Acknowledging and addressing implicit bias, particularly around gender, which often colours pain assessment.
  • Integrating narrative, creative, and reflective methods to help patients articulate and normalise their realities.
  • Structuring care as a whole-person, with combined physical, emotional, peer, and mental health supports.

By giving voice to invisible suffering and fostering biopsychosocial care, healthcare systems can move from dismissal and distrust to validation, empowerment, and improved outcomes.

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As artificial intelligence advances, deepfake media—video, audio, images—are now so realistic they can mimic real individuals with alarming accuracy. While often discussed in politics or entertainment, the rise of AI-generated falsified content is increasingly targeting the healthcare sector, putting patient safety, diagnosis integrity, and public trust at serious risk. What Are Deepfakes—and Why Is Healthcare Especially Vulnerable? Deepfakes are AI-generated synthetic media, created using machine learning tools like generative adversarial networks (GANs) and variational autoencoders (VAEs). They blur the boundary between reality and fabrication, enabling realistic cloning of someone's face or voice. Healthcare is uniquely exposed for several reasons: Trust-based interactions: Patients and staff often rely on verbal and visual cues that we assume are genuine. Telemedicine’s rise: Virtual consultations are now standard, but deepfakes can mimic both doctors and patients in these environments. High-value data: Patient records, scans, and personal data are premium targets for fraud or identity theft. 1. Impersonating Medical Professionals and Patients One of the most concerning weaponisations of deepfake tech involves credible audio or video impersonations of healthcare workers. Attackers could create a doctor’s voice directing staff to share patient histories, alter medical records, or divulge credentials. They could also impersonate patients to gain unauthorized access to systems or request controlled substances. Researchers describe this use—social engineering via deepfake—as an emerging and highly dangerous threat in healthcare environments. 2. Tampering with Medical Imaging & Diagnostics Deepfake technology can manipulate medical test results. A notable study simulated fake CT scans by adding or removing tumours. Radiologists misdiagnosed merged models in nearly 60–99% of cases—even when told to expect manipulated images. The implications are dire: inaccurate imaging can mislead therapeutic decision-making, prompting unnecessary surgeries or treatments, or cause insurers to be defrauded. 3. Facilitating Disinformation & Health Misinformation Deepfakes have proliferated in spreading harmful or misleading medical advice. Australian organisations like Diabetes Victoria and the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute were impersonated in fake video endorsements for unproven supplements. The Australian Medical Association is now calling on the federal government for tougher regulation to curb such fraudulent campaigns. Globally, respected doctors—including figures like Michael Mosley—have had their likeness and voice used in deepfake ads promoting scams for diabetes, weight loss, and hypertension cures. 4. Disrupting Telemedicine & Facilitating Fraud As telehealth continues to expand, deepfakes pose a risk to both sides of the consultation. A fake patient could obtain prescriptions or sick notes; a fake doctor could misdiagnose or advise dangerous regimens. This endangers patient safety, invites insurance fraud, and undermines telehealth credibility. 5. Eroding Trust and Damaging Reputations Once people see a fake video of a trusted health official endorsing harmful advice or products, scepticism toward real communications and institutions intensifies. Trust—notoriously hard to build—can unravel quickly. What Can Healthcare Organisations Do? Human & System-Based Defences Educate staff about the risks of deepfake attacks and phishing tactics, including scrutinising unexpected calls or video messages—even if they seem to come from senior personnel. Limit public exposure of staff identities or personal videos, which can be used to train deepfake models. Introduce identity checks in telehealth consultations, such as asking patients to show physical ID or perform confirmation gestures in real time. Technological Safeguards Deploy AI-based detection tools that spot subtle anomalies in facial movements, lighting, or voice cadence indicative of deepfakes. Use digital watermarking and blockchain-based provenance systems to verify media authenticity and trace its source. Implement voice authentication systems, such as biometric voice signature tools, that add strong verification before sensitive transactions. Enforce robust cybersecurity practices: multifactor authentication, encryption of stored and transmitted data, and updated systems on medical devices to prevent manipulation. Encourage Critical Engagement Promote media literacy campaigns so both staff and patients can question content—even from trusted sources—and spot potential fakes. Broader Context: Regulation and Awareness Australia has already faced deepfake-related scandals—like non-consensual creation of explicit images targeting public servants—prompting calls for unified legal frameworks across states. Meta Platforms has begun rolling out deepfake mitigation—such as algorithmically downgrading content and labelling AI‑generated media—especially around sensitive areas like elections. Similar measures may be needed for health-related content. Final Thoughts: A New Cyber‑Health Frontier The rise of deepfakes presents a complex challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Mere trust in voices or images is no longer enough. Deepfakes can be weaponised—from fraud and misinformation to medical misdiagnosis and reputational harm.  But there are proactive steps institutions can take: combining human awareness, technological defences, legal safeguards, and ongoing training. With multi-layered protections, healthcare providers can shield patient safety, protect data integrity, and preserve public trust in a digital era.
Health at Risk: Deepfakes Are Targeting the Medical World
As colder months roll in, so does the heightened risk of illness. Whether it's COVID-19, the flu, or common cold viruses, our homes can easily become hotspots for transmission, especially when family members live closely together and spend more time indoors. Fortunately, there are practical and evidence-based steps you can take to reduce the spread of these illnesses at home. 1. Wear Masks Indoors if Someone is Sick One of the simplest yet most effective ways to limit transmission is wearing a mask, especially when someone in the household is showing symptoms. According to Professor Catherine Bennett, an epidemiologist at Deakin University, wearing a well-fitted mask indoors can significantly reduce the chances of the virus being passed on through respiratory droplets. While mask-wearing may not be second nature to everyone anymore, it’s a small act that can make a big difference—particularly if you live in an apartment, have limited space, or share common areas like the kitchen and bathroom. 2. Increase Ventilation and Fresh Air Circulation In the colder seasons, homes are often tightly sealed to keep the warmth in. However, this creates a perfect environment for viruses to linger in the air. Improving airflow can reduce the concentration of virus particles indoors. Open windows and doors regularly—if only for a few minutes—to let fresh air in and stale, potentially contaminated air out. Using fans to direct air toward open windows or turning on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can also enhance ventilation. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are another helpful tool, especially in households with vulnerable individuals. 3. Clean Shared Surfaces Frequently Viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. Shared areas—such as the bathroom, kitchen, or remote controls—should be cleaned regularly, particularly if someone in the home is unwell. Focus on disinfecting high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, handles, and faucets. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Encourage others at home to do the same, especially before eating or touching their face. 4. Avoid Sharing Personal Items Another easy step to prevent transmission is avoiding the sharing of cups, utensils, towels, or bedding. Even if symptoms are mild, infected individuals can still shed virus particles and unknowingly pass them on. Assign separate items for the sick person whenever possible. If space allows, designate a specific bathroom for the sick individual. If that’s not possible, be extra diligent in cleaning shared facilities after each use. 5. Stay on Top of Vaccinations Being up-to-date with vaccines—especially for influenza and COVID-19—provides crucial protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. It also helps reduce the viral load, meaning if someone does get infected, they’re less likely to pass it on to others in the household. Dr. Bruce Foggo, a GP and medical adviser to the Australian government, reminds everyone that vaccinations remain one of the strongest tools in our public health arsenal. It's especially important for those with underlying health conditions, older adults, and those who care for vulnerable people. 6. Isolate and Rest if You're Sick If you develop symptoms of any respiratory illness, staying home and isolating is still highly recommended—even if it’s “just a cold.” Avoiding contact with others until your symptoms improve (especially fever, coughing, or sneezing) is key to preventing transmission. Where possible, the sick person should stay in a separate room and use a different bathroom. Meals should be delivered to their room, and interaction kept to a minimum. It's a kindness not only to those you live with but to the broader community. 7. Use Antivirals If Eligible In some cases, especially for those who are at higher risk of complications, antivirals may be prescribed to help shorten the duration or reduce the severity of illness. Early consultation with a healthcare provider is essential, as most antivirals work best when taken within a day or two of symptom onset. This can be particularly helpful in protecting elderly household members, people with compromised immune systems, or those with chronic medical conditions. 8. Have a Household Health Plan Finally, preparation goes a long way. Stock your home with essentials like masks, hand sanitiser, cleaning supplies, pain relievers, tissues, and a thermometer. Know your local testing locations or telehealth services, and stay informed on current health advice through reliable sources like your state health department or trusted news outlets. Final Thoughts Preventing the spread of viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple steps—like mask-wearing, improved airflow, regular cleaning, and up-to-date vaccinations—can make a significant difference in protecting your household. As we spend more time indoors this winter, these small efforts are essential acts of care for ourselves and our loved ones.
How to Reduce Viral Transmission at Home
The Need for Modernisation Constructed in 1978, Westmead’s existing labs process roughly 10,000 pathology tests daily, ranging from routine blood screenings to complex molecular diagnostics. However, decades without substantial updates have left the facility outdated and strained. According to NSW Health Pathology CEO Vanessa Janissen, the current setup is “no longer fit for purpose,” necessitating a complete overhaul. What the New Hub Will Deliver New Statewide Hub & ICPMR Expansion The funding will support both the creation of a centralised pathology hub and the extension of the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR) on-site. Enhanced Biocontainment Capability The upgrade includes expansion of the PC4 biocontainment laboratory—the only one in NSW capable of safely handling high-risk pathogens, including Ebola, measles, influenza, and SARS‑CoV‑2. Automation for Faster Results Incorporating automation and robotic systems will streamline workflows, ensuring clinicians receive 10,000 daily results quickly and with higher accuracy. According to Professor David Brown, this will guarantee that patients receive the “right test, at the right time, with the right result” Cutting-Edge Genomics and Precision Medicine The hub will support advanced genomic sequencing and precision diagnostics, fostering personalised treatment strategies and bolstering clinical trial support alongside research partnerships with universities and Local Health Districts. Impact on Clinical Care and Public Health This centralised hub won't just serve Westmead—but will function as the core of NSW’s networked pathology service, offering: Rapid diagnostic support for Western Sydney’s growing population. Improved statewide pandemic readiness with modern containment infrastructure and rapid pathogen detection. Strengthened public health surveillance, crucial for monitoring disease outbreaks and emerging health threats. Strategic Benefits and Future Outlook Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park view this as the single-largest infrastructure investment ever for pathology in NSW. It marks a decisive shift toward modern, centralised diagnostic services that leverage emerging technologies. Janissen emphasises this is a "turning point" for pathology service delivery, promising a future-ready foundation for evolving medical needs and technological advances. Regional Growth & Job Creation This hub complements the Westmead precinct’s expansion, which already includes a new Integrated Health Care Complex (A$540 million). Together, these projects reinforce the area’s position as a major health, research, and innovation precinct within Western Sydney. Wrapping Up Westmead Hospital’s new pathology hub is more than a facility upgrade—it’s a strategic leap into the future of diagnostics, research, and outbreak response. By integrating advanced automation, biocontainment, and precision medicine under one roof, it aims to deliver faster, more reliable results and strengthen public health infrastructure statewide. The transformation underscores NSW’s commitment to supporting one of Australia’s largest population catchments—and building a resilient, tech-driven health system prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
Westmead Hospital to Host NSW’s Largest Statewide Pathology Hub
As part of the $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital, commissioned works by four Australian artists—Richard Briggs, Dan Elborne, Jody Rallah, and Hannah Quinlivan—are being integrated into the design under the theme “Healing Country, Healing People.” Drawing from the natural ecosystems and Indigenous heritage of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, their creations aim to foster calm, cultural connection, and wellbeing in the new healthcare environment. Artists & Their Artistic Visions Richard Briggs will craft Flourishing Forest, a sweeping line drawing that captures the kelp forests of Port Phillip Bay—vital underwater ecosystems that support marine life. His work reflects both ecological restoration and community resilience. Dan Elborne is designing The Pillar, a 3.6‑metre sculpture positioned at the hospital entrance. Made with community‑shaped ceramic tiles and local materials—such as sand from Carrum—this piece symbolises connection to the Boonwurrung/Bunurong land and marks the threshold between community and care. Jody Rallah (Yuggera‑Yugggerabul/Biri‑Bindal) will create The Yarning Circle, a metallic inlay embedded in the paving of the Arrivals Garden. Inspired by the life cycle and migration of short‑finned eels in Kananook Creek, it expresses themes of resilience and transformation at a space designated for First Nations smoking ceremonies. Hannah Quinlivan’s Whispers of the Wetland combines a mural and sculptural elements reflecting the waterways of the Carrum Carrum wetlands. Located in the reception area, it aims to greet visitors with a visual invitation to consider the connection between Health and Country. Art Meets Architecture These pieces will be among the first elements experienced by visitors, arriving alongside Frankston’s new entrance and clinical tower, and are scheduled for unveiling as the redevelopment nears completion by the end of 2025. The expanded hospital will include a 12‑storey clinical tower, 130 new beds, fifteen operating theatres, upgraded emergency, maternity, oncology, and paediatric units. Community Participation & Cultural Significance Briggs and Elborne are hosting community clay‑shaping workshops, inviting local residents to contribute to The Pillar’s mosaic tiles and share stories reflecting on local landscapes, particularly kelp forest restoration efforts. These initiatives underscore the project’s ethos: healing Country, and by extension, healing the community. Integration & Purpose The artworks serve not only as visual enhancements but also as cultural anchors—bridging traditional ecological knowledge with spaces of clinical care. This approach helps foster a sense of place, belonging, and emotional comfort from the moment someone enters the hospital grounds. For patients and families who travel from regional areas, this welcoming environment—combined with access to appropriate hospital accommodation—can make a significant difference in how care is experienced and sustained across longer stays. Broader Context: A Transformative Redevelopment Backed by the Victorian Health Building Authority and delivered via a public–private partnership led by Exemplar Health, the hospital transformation spans design, construction, and 25-year operations. The project promises to treat up to 35,000 additional patients annually, help reduce waiting times, and generate new jobs and local economic activity. Importantly, investments in patient-centric amenities—including comfortable hospital stay facilities for long-distance and vulnerable patients—form part of a broader strategy to support not just clinical outcomes, but holistic wellbeing throughout the care journey.
Healing Country, Healing People: Artworks for Frankston Hospital’s Transformation
Health authorities in New South Wales are urging residents to steer clear of wild mushrooms following the discovery of the highly toxic Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, across several regions—including Sydney, the Southern Highlands, and southern NSW. Where Did They Appear? Over the past two years, NSW Health and local councils have conducted regular monitoring of wild fungi. Recent surveys indicate a notable uptick in the mushroom’s presence, likely fueled by a season of heavy rainfall and flourishing oak tree habitats—ideal conditions for these mushrooms. Why They’re Deadly Death cap mushrooms are responsible for over 90% of mushroom-related fatalities worldwide and are notoriously difficult to tell apart from edible varieties. Their amatoxin content attacks vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. Even well-cooked, they remain lethal. Alarming Case Numbers Last year, the NSW Poisons Information Centre recorded 363 calls related to wild mushroom exposure, resulting in 23 hospitalisations—including two children under five. So far this year (to May 31), there have been 190 exposures reported. This reflects a troubling 26% increase in inquiries compared to 2023. Expert Warnings Professor Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, has warned that distinguishing safe mushrooms from deadly ones is nearly impossible. He emphasised that foraging carries substantial risk and advised against consuming anything other than grocery-bought mushrooms. Genevieve Adamo, a senior specialist at the Poisons Information Centre, highlighted the often-delayed nature of poisoning symptoms. While initial signs like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may appear within 24 hours, organ failure can follow swiftly. Early medical intervention is crucial to survival. Adults and Children at Risk Adamo warned that young children are especially vulnerable due to their propensity to put things in their mouths. She advised parents to remove any mushrooms growing in gardens or parks to protect toddlers who might inadvertently ingest them. What You Should Do NSW Health recommends: Avoid foraging for wild mushrooms. Only consume mushrooms bought from trusted suppliers. Remove mushrooms from outdoor play areas to reduce accidental ingestion by children. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect mushroom poisoning. Early treatment can be lifesaving—don’t wait for symptoms to emerge. The NSW Poisons Information Centre is available 24/7 at 13 11 26, and in emergencies call 000. If possible, bring a sample or photo of the ingested mushroom to help with diagnosis. Why It Matters The recent proliferation of death cap mushrooms and other toxic fungi—particularly after periods of wet weather—poses a serious public health risk in both suburban and urban environments. Just a small amount of a toxic mushroom can cause severe liver and kidney damage, or even be fatal. A recent rise in hospital admissions and calls to the Poisons Information Centre highlights how easily wild mushrooms can be misidentified and how rapidly poisoning symptoms can escalate. Children and those unfamiliar with native fungi are especially vulnerable. In severe cases, treatment may require extended hospital stays, including intensive care, organ support, or even emergency transplant procedures. For families travelling from rural or remote areas, access to nearby hospital accommodation can be critical in supporting both the patient and their loved ones through prolonged treatment and recovery. This month’s health alert is a crucial reminder: When it comes to wild mushrooms, don’t take the risk. If in doubt, throw it out.
NSW Health Sounds Alarm as Deadly ‘Death Cap’ Mushrooms Spread
Once rare architectural experiments, hospitals rising beyond 140 metres are now gaining traction as cities become denser and more vertical. As global urban centres grapple with limits on land and a need for consolidated health services, vertical hospital towers offer a strategic solution that blends efficiency, care, and community connection. Why Build Up Instead of Out? Urban land is expensive, scarce and costly to expand horizontally. Vertical hospitals consolidate multiple care functions—clinical, research, education, and outpatient clinics—into one high-rise footprint, maximising space while minimising travel distances between services. This consolidation streamlines patient flow, reduces staff movement, and creates operational economies of scale. Designing Patient‑Centred and Staff‑Friendly Spaces Healing-focused design is a core advantage of tall hospitals. Patient rooms perched above the ground floor enjoy abundant natural light and sweeping views, contributing to wellbeing and recovery. Green terraces, rooftop gardens, and balconies create restful environments for both patients and staff—key elements in biophilic design correlated with reduced stress and shorter hospital stays. Stacked “villages” help separate functions like pediatrics, maternity, ambulatory care, critical units, and imaging. Each level feels distinct yet cohesive, making wayfinding intuitive and reducing disorientation for visitors and caregivers. Overcoming Structural & Operational Challenges Vertical hospitals present unique engineering demands. HVAC systems must ensure air purity, infection control, and manage vertical airflow changes—a complex task in tall buildings. Fire safety, vibration control, and ways to deliver heavy medical equipment across floors also require specialised planning. Advances in vertical transport and logistics improve efficiency. Elevator systems powered by IoT and destination dispatch group passengers by destination floor, reducing wait times. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) transport supplies between floors, removing the need for staff to ride elevators and reducing operational delays. Infrastructure planning is another key. Mechanicals like chillers and fire pumps are often located mid‑building or rooftop, and shared MEP and interstitial layers optimise space use and simplify future expansions. Benefits That Reach Beyond Healthcare Vertical hospitals also integrate into urban life. Ground floors, often open to retail, cafés, conference areas, or community spaces, can enliven neighbourhoods and turn hospitals into wellness hubs rather than purely clinical sites. Staff and visitors gain easy access to amenities, while communities benefit from greater engagement and accessibility. Financially, vertical hospitals offer ancillary revenue streams—retail leases or rented event space—that suburban campuses lack. These paths can help subsidise clinical services and lower operational reliance on patient volume alone. Learning from Global Precedents High-rise hospitals trace their roots to early twentieth-century facilities like London’s Guy’s Hospital tower, once the tallest of its kind. More recent examples in Houston and Hong Kong have demonstrated successful integrations of inpatient wards, clinical services, and medical education in vertical formats. Countries like Singapore, the UK, the US, Malaysia and Dubai have embraced vertical hospital strategies. Emerging frameworks—such as India’s NATHEALTH model—stress regulatory alignment, fire and safety norms, and coordinated urban planning to guide future high-rise healthcare. Realising the Future of Healthcare Design Vertical hospitals represent more than just tall buildings; they signal a strategic evolution toward space-efficient, community-embedded, and multiservice healthcare delivery—especially critical in densely populated urban environments. While technical, logistical, and regulatory hurdles remain, continued progress in construction technologies, infrastructure planning, and human-centred design is turning these high-rise facilities into practical and increasingly necessary solutions. Beyond addressing spatial constraints, vertical hospitals offer opportunities to enhance patient and staff experience, streamline care pathways, and improve access to essential services. Integrated designs often include on-site accommodation for patients and families, especially those undergoing extended treatment or travelling from rural areas—helping bridge gaps in equity and continuity of care. From patient flow and clinical efficiency to environmental sustainability and operational scalability, the vertical hospital model is emerging as a compelling blueprint for the future of healthcare infrastructure—designed not only to treat, but to support the full spectrum of healing and care.
Soaring Wellness: How Vertical Hospitals Are Redefining Healthcare Delivery
Chronic pain often goes unseen and misunderstood, leaving patients struggling to articulate the depth of their suffering. One individual's story vividly illustrates this experience. Misdiagnosed and dismissed early on, she was repeatedly told her condition was stress-related or even “all in her head.” Rather than being heard, she felt silenced—and that eroded trust in both herself and her healthcare providers. The Toll of Diagnostic Delay This pattern of doubt and dismissal is common—particularly among women. Diagnoses are frequently delayed, and symptoms are trivialised as psychosomatic. These experiences leave patients feeling ashamed and undermined when they advocate for their pain. The result is not only physical suffering but emotional trauma, as each visit reminds them they’re not believed. Non-Verbal Needs and Therapeutic Silence Chronic pain isn’t just about symptoms—it often brings profound psychological effects. Patients may appear calm outwardly, but inwardly, they carry immense distress. Non-verbal cues—hesitations, body language, emotional expressions—tell a deeper story that standard pain scales cannot. Therapeutic listening, including recognising these silent signals, is essential for genuine care. Researchers have explored narrative-based therapies like online journaling, showing how creative expression helps individuals articulate their pain and build community. Such methods foster supportive environments where patients feel validated and benefit from shared insights. Communication Frameworks for Clinicians Effective patient–clinician communication around chronic pain requires more than routine questions like “rate your pain 1 to 10.” Researchers emphasise tailored communication skills specific to pain conversations—especially around sensitive topics like opioid use. One study involved primary-care providers using standardised patient actors to practice empathy-driven, nuanced dialogues that go beyond quick assessments and tap into the patient's lived reality. Toward Whole-Person, Person-Centred Care Emerging care models advocate integrating mental health and physical care, recognising their interplay in chronic pain. A recent qualitative review among young people highlighted how chronic musculoskeletal pain is deeply entwined with emotional well-being. Conversely, mental distress can amplify pain, emphasising the need for integrated, age-aware services with easy access, trusted providers, and peer support. An often-overlooked component of such access is the availability of supportive hospital accommodation, particularly for patients who travel long distances for multidisciplinary pain programs or outpatient consultations. Without affordable and comfortable lodging near care facilities, continuity and participation in treatment plans—especially for those in rural or underserved regions—can suffer, undermining holistic pain management efforts. Healing Through Trust and Empathy Holistic approaches, such as therapeutic listening and compassionate presence, foster a healing environment—beyond symptom treatments to relational support that honours patients’ experiences. Trust builds when patients sense clinicians truly listen, acknowledge uncertainty, and collaborate on tailored strategies. This respectful alliance may ease the isolation inherent in chronic pain. Reframing Chronic Pain Care The way forward is clear: bridge clinical and emotional dimensions by: Training healthcare professionals in pain-specific communication—attentive listening, narrative competence, and emotional attunement. Acknowledging and addressing implicit bias, particularly around gender, which often colours pain assessment. Integrating narrative, creative, and reflective methods to help patients articulate and normalise their realities. Structuring care as a whole-person, with combined physical, emotional, peer, and mental health supports. By giving voice to invisible suffering and fostering biopsychosocial care, healthcare systems can move from dismissal and distrust to validation, empowerment, and improved outcomes.
Chronic Pain: The Invisible Burden and the Power of Communication
A major overhaul of private maternity services in southern Tasmania is underway following the upcoming closure of childbirth facilities at Hobart Private Hospital. Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital is rapidly boosting capacity to fill the impending service gap by mid‑August 2025. From 350 to Nearly 900 Births Per Year Currently, Calvary handles around 350 babies annually. After Healthscope confirmed it will terminate maternity operations at Hobart Private in August—responsible for approximately 500 births each year—Calvary launched a transition project in June to raise its delivery capacity to nearly 900 births per year. This plan details upgrades to infrastructure, staff growth, and equipment procurement to support the expansion. Tackling Workforce Shortages One of Tasmania’s biggest challenges has been a shortage of midwives. Calvary reports having successfully recruited about 80% of the midwives displaced by Hobart Private Hospital’s closure, including four new clinicians starting on June 1, two visiting obstetricians beginning in mid‑June, and additional midwives joining the team. Calvary’s clinical leadership confirms staffing levels will meet demand and has exceeded expectations in the recruitment campaign. Infrastructure Upgrades Underway To support its larger capacity, Calvary has refurbished one of its delivery suites, reconfigured its maternity ward, and commissioned a new special‑care nursery. Additional birthing beds and monitoring equipment are being installed, with much of the work completed without disrupting existing operations. Financial Backing for a Smooth Transition In late February 2025, the federal government pledged AUS $6 million to bolster Hobart’s maternity services across both public and private sectors. The funding will support facility enhancements at Calvary Lenah Valley, Royal Hobart Hospital (expanding bed capacity from 29 to up to 34), and the establishment of a Mother & Baby Unit at St John’s Park in New Town. Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma emphasised the joint effort between state and federal governments to ensure mothers have a choice in maternity care settings. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler echoed concerns about private sector sustainability and urged private insurers and private hospitals to cooperate to ensure long‑term viability . Societal and Sector Reactions The Australian Medical Association has praised Calvary’s proactive steps but stressed the need for immediate reforms and proper funding to ensure the sustainability of private maternity care in Tasmania. The AMA called this case a broader warning sign about pricing and insurer practices that may threaten service availability elsewhere. Catholic Health Australia also welcomed federal funding, warning that private hospitals often abandon essential services like maternity when they don’t yield sufficient profits. CHA urged policymakers to design structural reforms—including national pricing models—to prevent such disruptions. Leading obstetricians have similarly voiced concern, urging more financial and policy support to enable Calvary to handle the demand spike without compromising clinical standards. They underscore the need for collaboration between government bodies, insurers, and hospitals to avoid overburdening public systems. A key logistical issue raised by providers and patient advocates is the availability of hospital-affiliated accommodation for expectant mothers, particularly those travelling from regional areas or requiring pre- or post-natal observation. Without access to affordable and appropriate hospital stays, patients may face delays or be forced to shift to already stretched public services, undermining the continuity of private maternity care. Looking Ahead The transition is scheduled to conclude by August 20, with Calvary becoming southern Tasmania’s sole private maternity provider by August 28. If successful, the move will ensure continuity of private obstetric care and avoid overloading public hospitals. However, experts caution that the success of this shift depends on sustained workforce stability, insurer support, and continual investment in facilities. The Tasmanian experience is being watched closely, as it may signal necessary reforms for private maternity care sustainability across Australia.
Calvary Expands Maternity Team as Healthscope Exits Hobart Private Services
In June 2025, a sobering report cast serious doubt on the quality of care provided by Queensland Health after a young man with suicidal ideation was discharged from a Gold Coast hospital—despite his mother repeatedly urging clinicians to keep him under supervision. The independent review found that the young patient had shown clear suicide warning signs before being sent home, raising pressing concerns about clinical decision-making and systemic lapses. The patient returned shortly thereafter and later died, prompting investigators to critique the discharge as premature and ill‑informed. A whistle‑blower, clinical nurse and patient safety officer Tanya Silkin, alleged she was dismissed after calling attention to interference with a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) into the patient’s death. She said her independent RCA—which is meant to be carried out by objective experts in protected settings—was replaced with a less rigorous internal review that limited staff from speaking openly, especially in front of their managers. Silkin argued these "comprehensive reviews" lack the legal safeguards and thoroughness of official RCA protocols. Silkin described being sidelined after returning from medical leave, during which her draft RCA was altered into what appeared to resemble a template-based review. Soon after, she was placed under disciplinary action—ostensibly for taking too much leave—and accused of breaching privacy by accessing emails at home. She ultimately lost her job and chose not to pursue full legal action due to cost constraints. The patient’s family, meanwhile, were told the internal assessment found the discharge decision appropriate, noting that capacity assessments had been completed and that least‑restrictive care protocols were followed. However, the parents remain deeply upset that they were denied access to the RCA report, which, under the law, they were entitled to obtain. They say the review dismissed the gravity of their son’s condition, minimised his suffering, and diminished his memory. Advocacy groups and mental health professionals say the case highlights broader structural failures in Queensland’s public mental health system. Ongoing staff shortages, ageing psychiatric wards described as "no longer fit for purpose," and a lack of sufficient bed capacity across the state have all been flagged by recent inquiries. Between December 2022 and April 2024, three patients died by suicide in a locked mental health unit at Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital, prompting a state-commissioned review that found the facilities unsafe and under-resourced. It delivered 22 recommendations, focused on improving infrastructure, staffing, and therapeutic programming. Despite these findings, professional groups estimate the system remains short by approximately 3,000 mental health staff and 370 beds across Queensland. In addition, Queensland faces one of Australia’s highest suicide mortality rates—14.1 per 100,000 people in 2023—and intentional self-harm hospitalisation rates nearly 45% above national averages, particularly among teenagers and residents in remote or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Calls are mounting for greater government transparency, reinforcement of independent RCA protocols, and stronger protections for whistle-blowers. Employee advocacy bodies also warn of a culture that discourages staff from raising safety concerns, citing fear of reprisals or burnout as key deterrents to open reporting. Looking forward, policymakers face a difficult task: how to rebuild trust in Queensland Health’s mental health services, ensure accountability in adverse outcomes, and deliver on much-needed investments in personnel, infrastructure, and crisis care capacity. This includes addressing the often-overlooked need for accessible, short-term hospital accommodation—especially for regional patients and families who must travel long distances for psychiatric care. Without reliable places to stay during or after treatment, continuity and equity in care may suffer. The community, advocates, and affected families await meaningful action as the report’s implications reverberate across the state’s testing mental health system.
Queensland Health Under Fire Over Handling of Suicidal Patient on Gold Coast
An administrator’s report has sparked concern over a controversial transaction involving the director of Toowong Private Hospital, a Brisbane-based psychiatric facility serving roughly 3,000 patients annually. The voluntary administrators uncovered that in June 2024, the hospital paid $300,000 for a painting sold by its own director, raising questions about improper conduct and corporate governance. At the time of the purchase, the hospital—operated by N.A. Kratzmann & Sons Pty Ltd—was already experiencing serious financial strain. According to the report, the transaction brought no apparent benefit to the hospital, and intriguingly, the artwork remained in the director’s possession even after the payment was made. A Debt Settlement Disguised as a Sale? The administrators detailed that the artwork had been professionally valued prior to the sale. The hospital initially paid the full valuation amount to the director, after which those funds were used to reduce a $1.4 million loan the director had advanced to the company. This suggests the sale may have mainly functioned as a financial mechanism—a method to settle director debts rather than to acquire a valuable asset. Investigators Call for Scrutiny The report categorises the transaction as a potentially unreasonable director-related deal and insists on further forensic investigation. The key issue centres on whether the sale was executed “at arm’s length”—meaning under fair and independent conditions. If investigators determine that it wasn’t, the artwork or equivalent compensation may be recoverable on behalf of creditors. Trouble Signals and Growing Financial Strain Highlighting systemic issues in private psychiatric care funding, the report also flags the hospital’s recurrent operating losses spanning fiscal years 2022 to 2024. Mounting pressures from rising staff expenses, pandemic-related costs, and insurer payment delays have squeezed margins, decreasing financial cushion amid growing demand for mental healthcare. Closure Browns Out the Doors of Toowong Health authorities are set to close the 58-bed hospital—established nearly 50 years ago—this week following the appointment of voluntary administrators in May. With no buyers stepping forward, the winding-down process will end staff employment, and patient-care transitions are currently being arranged. Sector-Wide Implications Observers warn the Toowong case highlights structural vulnerabilities across private psychiatric hospitals. Underpayment by private insurers, workforce shortages—especially psychiatrists unwilling to work in inpatient settings—and rising operational costs are seen as mounting threats to private hospital viability. What Comes Next? Legally, if further probes determine the sale was unfair, assets may be clawed back from the director to help repay hospital creditors. Clinically, the closure leaves a critical gap in mental health infrastructure. Patients and their advocates are calling on the Queensland government to either acquire the facility, contract some of its beds, or otherwise collaborate to ensure continuity of acute psychiatric care. In addition, the availability of nearby hospital accommodation will play a vital role in managing future psychiatric care transitions—especially for regional patients or those requiring extended observation. Without adequate stay options, continuity of care may be disrupted, putting further pressure on already strained public mental health services. In summary, the questioned $300,000 artwork purchase by a director from his own ailing hospital exemplifies deeper governance and financial troubles. As forensic investigations unfold, the fate of the artwork—and more importantly, the hospital’s remaining goodwill and its patients—will depend on legal scrutiny, sector reforms, and possible government intervention.
Toowong Hospital’s Internal Art Transaction Draws Administrator Concern