News
New sleep service for Central Queenslanders
Jul 11, 2022
Driven by personalised, prompt service and a heart for regional Queensland, a north Queensland sleep medicine physician is committing to a new sleep service at Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital.
Dr Daniel Judge has worked with Hillcrest Rockhampton Private to establish a new sleep laboratory, helping with problems including sleep apnoea, insomnia, abnormal movements in sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances.
“The population in Rockhampton and surrounds is traditionally underserviced in this type of care compared to metropolitan areas.
“Up to 8 per cent of Australians have obstructive sleep apnoea so it’s a widespread issue needing attention. Risks can include being male and overweight, having a family history and other genetic factors,” he said.
Dr Judge said sleep studies are becoming more of a feature of employment medical requirements, particularly if people demonstrate risk factors for sleep apnoea and are responsible for roles like long haul driving or mine operations.
Dr Judge said he wants to grow more and more regular face-to-face clinics at Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital and will also be available via telehealth.
“I think I offer a fresh, patient-focused service. I do everything from start to finish so pride myself on really prompt, professional service.”
Based in Cairns and having worked for several years in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory, Dr Judge has extensive experience in Indigenous health and the delivery of specialty service in rural and remote settings.
Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital is part of Australia’s largest private hospital operator, Ramsay Health Care, which also operates Cairns Private Hospital, where Dr Judge has been working for years.
Hillcrest Rockhampton Private CEO Fiona Hebbard said it was wonderful to see the growth in services from other Ramsay locations into Central Queensland, giving locals greater options for health care, and the small size of Hillcrest supports genuinely personalised care.
To access the new sleep medicine services at Hillcrest, talk to your GP or visit breathersm.com.au to learn more.
