Meet Associate Professor David Green – Robina Hospital’s Director of Emergency, who has helped manage the hospital’s growth from the ground up, as a member of the initial design team.

Associate Professor Green will be awarded a much deserved Order of Australia at the State Governor’s office in Brisbane this month (May), in recognition of his dedication to Gold Coast Health over the past 30 years, including more than a decade at Robina Hospital.

His distinguished career also includes working at the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, where he served as an examiner for more than 20 years.

InsideR sat down with Associate Professor Green to discuss his many achievements as well as his passion for looking after public health through his roles at Robina Hospital and Gold Coast Health.

 

 Please tell us about your journey with Robina Hospital?

“I moved to the Gold Coast from Gosford in central New South Wales in the mid 1980s, where I began my training in emergency medicine. I finished my training in 1987, sat the fellowship exam and became Director of Emergency Medicine at the old Gold Coast Hospital by the end of the year.

When St Vincent’s conducted a handover to Queensland Health, I was then asked to join the design team for the Emergency Department of Robina Hospital. It was the first time I had been involved in a design team, but have since gone on to assist with the design of the Gold Coast University Hospital Emergency Department.

There’s been a lot of change over the years, as Robina’s Emergency Department started out with just a few staff, and has grown exponentially. It’s now the sixth largest Emergency Department in Queensland and provides valuable support to GCUH, which is the busiest in Australia.

I’ve learnt a lot over the years and like to share my knowledge with the next generation of health professionals.”

 

What do you like about working at Robina Hospital?

“Last year, Robina Hospital celebrated its 10th birthday – it was really exciting being a part of that as I have seen it grow and develop from day one.

The layout and design of the hospital is functional and easy to use – it provides a good service for the community, whether it be patients, visitors or staff members. The hospital is obviously a vital asset to our community as it provides access to a range of services.

The hospital’s Emergency Department is a really important part of the emergency service available on the Gold Coast.”

 

You are going to be presented with an Order of Australia Medal – how do you feel about this?

“I was very surprised to learn I would receive an Order of Australia Medal at the State Governor’s office in Brisbane. It’s a great privilege and honour to receive that recognition.

I am very much looking forward to bringing my family along to the occasion, it will be a special moment to share with my three kids.”

 

What do you see for yourself in the future?

“I want to continue to educate and help the next generation of doctors, particularly when it comes to the emergency department. I have learnt a lot over the past 30 years, so I feel a responsibility to pass this knowledge on.

I’ve been with Gold Coast Health since June 1984 and hope to be involved for many years to come.”