Mount Isa

Mount Isa Hospital

The city was established in 1923 following the discovery of one of the world’s richest deposits of copper, silver, lead and zinc ore. Today Mount Isa is a progressive industrial, commercial and tourist centre with an active mining industry. Approximately 18,340 people live in Mount Isa and the surrounding areas. The Traditional Custodians of the area are the Kalkadoon people, also known as the Kalatungu, Kalkatunga or Kalkadungu people. In total, over 16 per cent of the local population identify as Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mount Isa Hospital is the main referral centre within the North West Hospital and Health Service.

Patients from other facilities across the north west region who require specialist treatment and care are referred to either the Mount Isa Hospital or to other major hospitals within Queensland, including Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane. We have now transitioned from Townsville Hospital and Health Service renal services in Mount Isa. The renal dialysis service consists of a ten-chair renal unit based at the Mount Isa Hospital.

Specialist outreach patient services are managed from the hospital, which is the major hub for Telehealth services across the entire north-west service area, with five primary health care clinics and six hospital sites having access to 24/7 medical and nursing and midwifery support for the advice and management of lower risk emergency department presentations and other outpatient care.

Originally initiated in 2008, the phased redevelopment of the Mount Isa Hospital is close to completion and will further enhance health service access, provide an environment that supports contemporary models of care, and improve patient facilities and staff amenities.

The Mount Isa Hospital provides ambulatory, sub-ambulatory and inpatient services predominantly in the areas of:

• accident and emergency
• specialist medical and nurse and midwifery-led services – outpatients
• general medical, including chronic disease such as diabetes and respiratory care
• cardiac, including cardiac investigations
• general surgical including day surgical procedures (endoscopy, colonoscopy)
• gynaecology
• ophthalmology
• obstetrics and midwifery – regional birthing facility for low and medium risk birthing (from 34 weeks’ gestation). Outlying remote facilities do not have the service provision or equipment to birth except in the circumstances of emergency / unplanned births
• critical care
• neonatal and special care nursery
• paediatrics
• telehealth (inpatient, in-reach and outpatient)
• sub-acute care (palliative, geriatric evaluation and management)
• mental health, alcohol, and other drugs service
• oncology – chemotherapy support by Townsville cancer care service
• breast care service – funded through the McGrath Foundation.
• renal dialysis
• allied health – including dietetics, occupational therapy, podiatry, social work, physiotherapy, clinical measurements and speech and hearing
• pharmacy
• oral health service.

The Mount Isa Hospital radiology diagnostic service is provided by iMED Radiology through a private outsourcing agreement. The radiology department is co-located within the Mount Isa Hospital providing:

• general computerised radiography
• magnetic resonance imaging
• echo-cardiograms
• ultrasound fluoroscopy, and mobile trauma services through a digitalised picture communication system supporting outlying facilities.

Subacute services include community rehabilitation in partnership with the Centre for Rural and Remote Health and North West Remote Health

Common episodes of care include:

• maternity services
• chemotherapy
• chest pain
• colonoscopy
• cellulitis
• dental extractions and restorations
• eye clinic
• injuries
• gastroscopy
• respiratory infections, and other health care and prevention services.

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Mount Isa City Council

Situated in the heart of the Carpentaria Mineral Province, the city harnesses one of the world’s richest mineral resources and is set amongst the brilliance of the Selwyn ranges.

But Mount Isa is not just about mining.  It is a family friendly city, rich with community pride.  Mount Isa is a land of opportunity with regard to career, education, and lifestyle.  From the Lake Moondarra Barramundi Fishing Classic, to the annual Isa Street Festival, Hard Times Mine, and Outback at Isa, along with ample retail and shopping facilities, there is a wide variety of attractions that make visiting, living, and working in the city such an attraction.

Located 1,829km from Brisbane, and 883km inland from Townsville, the closest major city, Mount Isa is the administrative, commercial and industrial centre for Queensland’s North West. The City shares a boundary with the Northern Territory to the West and includes the township of Camooweal, located 191 kilometres to the North West. This makes Mount Isa the second largest city in Australia.

With a population of 22,000, Mount Isa is the major service centre of the region and well equipped to meet the needs of residents and tourists alike with all the services and amenities you would find in a modern city. Shaped as it is by its rich mineral bounty and mining heritage, the Isa is a city unlike any other.

With no shortage of wide open spaces, red soil desertscapes, distinctive wildlife and things to explore and experience, the Isa is a must-visit on every traveller’s agenda. Whether you are visitor to our shores or a born and bred Australian, once you’ve been to Mount Isa you’ve experienced the true heart of our amazing nation.

A top ten producer of some of the world’s most in-demand minerals, the city also boasts a number of hallmark and unique annual events including one of the biggest on the outback calendar, the Mount Isa Rodeo. Largest and best of its type in the southern hemisphere, the Isa Rodeo is held over three days during which the city opens it arms to visitors from all corners of the globe. With a packed program of rodeo events including bull riding and steer wrestling plus live entertainment, races and rides, the Isa Rodeo is a must-see event.

Mount Isa is a vibrant, multicultural place, which attracts people from all corners of the globe, who have made this beautiful outback city their home. 

Mount Isa City Council Website: www.mountisa.qld.gov.au

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