General Practitioner

Dr. Richard Bensa

Dr Richard Bensa has been a GP for 18 years working in Cornwall and also worked as a palliative care facilitator for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Richard trained in Scotland and Cornwall in the UK with a specialized rotation in General Medicine with jobs in Acute Medicine, Gastroenterology and Rheumatology and Care of elderly becoming Member of Royal College of Physicians.

Having also spent 2 years as an Anaesthetist and worked in Intensive care for 6 months before training in General Practice again in Cornwall.

Richard emigrated with his family to Bundaberg in August 2018.

Richard’s main interests are in general medicine chronic pain but really all aspects of general practice.

General Practitioner

Dr Huddy Fuller

A native Queenslander, Dr Huddy Fuller graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2012, and spent his hospital years in Launceston then Hervey Bay. He then went on to complete GP Fellowship in NSW, believing that General Practice is the most important medical specialty for the betterment of people’s lives.

Huddy has a background as an exercise physiologist and enjoys bringing this knowledge to General Practice. He is experienced in skin cancer screening and management, musculoskeletal medicine, and chronic disease management especially type 2 diabetes.

Huddy is heavily involved in the team sport Ultimate Frisbee

Dr Els Joossens

Dr. Els Joossens has been a GP for 20 years.

Els studied Medicine in Belgium and graduated as MD at the University of Antwerp in 1996.

She did part of her internship in Australia, at Saint Vincent Hospital in Sydney under Prof Mundy and ….

Els did further training in acute medicine and surgical assist for one year and then spent a year in research and vaccine study at the department of epidemiology at the University of Antwerp.

In 1998 Els decided to go into GP training, which she finished 2 years later. She also obtained the Special Certificate in Acute Medicine.

Next to being a GP, Els remained working part-time in hospital as well, first as Emergency Physician, later as Hospital Doctor for a main Antwerp Orthopaedic Centre.

Since her internship in Australia, Els had a desire to come back to this beautiful country and by coincidence, or is it faith, the opportunity arose.

After a few campervan travels through Australia the family agreed and they emigrated in 2014.

Els started to work in a Boyne Island medical practice and became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in ….

She joined Branyan Clinic in May 2020.

Next to General Medicine Els’ special interests are Skin Cancer Care, Orthopaedic Medicine, Paediatric Medicine, Women’s Health, Obesity treatment and Vaccination and Travel Medicine.

She is licensed to do skin cancer screening and performs all skin cancer and minor surgery.

Dr Caressa Ligadu

Program Director / Physiotherapist

Simon Halloran

• BPhty 1997 – The University of Queensland
• Responsible for operation of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in Bundaberg since 2006.
• Member of Australian Physiotherapy Association (APAM)
• Co-author for the Australia and New Zealand Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guidelines 2017.
• Contributing author and reviewer of the ‘Better Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – A Patient Guide’.
• Current representative on the Lung Foundation Australia Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network

Physiotherapist

Jennifer Vass

Jenni graduated from CQU with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). Prior to studying Physiotherapy she had 10 years’ experience in the Fitness industry where she worked at a local gym as a qualified gym and group fitness instructor. She also owned and managed her own personal training business and worked for a local physiotherapy practice as their personal trainer. She is a current member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association & Fitness Australia.

 Since graduating from CQU she has worked in private practice were she has developed her skills in treating various musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain, neck pain and headaches, osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, ankle, wrist and spine. She has a keen interest in treating shoulder pain. Other services which are available through Branyan Clinic Physiotherapy include pre and post-surgery rehabilitation, orthopaedic rehabilitation, sporting injuries, exercises advice and instruction. She also assists with group gym programs for both LungSmart and Heartstart patients as well as designing programs specifically for the needs of physiotherapy clients. Jenni is qualified in dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions.

Jenni has a keen interest in special needs and disability as she has 2 children with special needs. She is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) physiotherapist and provides goal orientated physiotherapy services for children, adolescents and adults with disabilities.

Program Director / Exercise Science

Jessica Heaslip

• BHMSc 2008 – Central Queensland University
• Exercise Professional expertise in areas of strength and conditioning, sports specific and older adults exercise prescription.
• Responsible for coordination of HeartStart programs in Bundaberg since 2013.
• Member of Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) and executive committee member and Queensland Representative on national executive committee 2015-2016.

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Lucy Ashby

Lucy graduated with her Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2013. She pursued her studies in Physiotherapy; however, found her true passion was in lifestyle modification, education and prevention of chronic diseases by using exercise as ‘medicine.’ Lucy was awarded her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Distinction) in 2016. Lucy carries a diverse range of knowledge and understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to individual healthcare.

Lucy has had experience in private practices and multidisciplinary clinics such as the Branyan clinic. She relocated to Bundaberg in September 2017 to begin her journey at the Branyan clinic in both cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease management. Her approach is very much individualised and she aims to create an environment that is supportive and promotes physical and emotional growth for her clients. Lucy understands that individuals are at different stages in their chronic disease journey and adjusts her approach to suit.

Lucy is the program coordinator of our newest program, Lift for Life. One of her many passions lies within diabetes management. Lucy values the importance of education (self-management) and lifelong exercise management for chronic diseases.  She believes strongly in evidence-based practice.

Lucy certainly practices what she preaches. If she is not in the clinic, she is outside enjoying an active lifestyle and exploring Bundaberg. Some of her hobbies include: dragon boat paddling, walking her dog or attending the gym.

Lucy is currently an Exercise Science and Sports Science Australia member.

Registered Nurse

Ruth Grills

I joined the Heart Start team in 2020 as the Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, following 19 years of hospital-based nursing.

I have a strong interest in Health Promotion which led me to become qualified as a personal trainer 8 years ago.

Now with Heart Start I am able to combine my love for physical fitness with my life long career of nursing.

Outside of work I am an avid netballer, as both player and coach and I also enjoy yoga, CrossFit, hiking and trail runs.

Mary Cook

Mary Cook has been working from Branyan Clinic since July 2017. She completed her Hons degree in psychology degree at Griffith University in Brisbane in 1996. After a few years of living overseas and travelling, she completed her registration as a psychologist in Sydney in 2007. Mary lived and worked in Sydney servicing clients with various disabilities and mental health conditions in a variety of contexts.

Mary moved to Bundaberg in 2009 and has worked in private practice since then. She works with adult and adolescent clients who struggle with; depression, anxiety, PND, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, anger management, stress management, self-harm/suicide, complex trauma, communication skills deficits, and parenting skills deficits. Mary uses ACT, CBT, EMDR, Humanistic, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and Solution Focused/Brief Therapy to assist clients move forward with their lives and reach their therapeutic goals.

Mary is Medicare and APHRA registered. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Mary sees clients who have been referred by their GPs, their employers, WorkCover, or as part of an EAP program. She will also see clients who have private health insurance, or clients who wish to self-refer (have no referrals).

Psychologist

Donna Jordan

I have a career which spans clinical research, and clinical work within both government and non-government organisations.  My journey in research entailed Post Traumatic Stress, Dementia, stress management in the workplace and step-parenting.

During the past twenty years, I have spent over ten years working in Queensland health and ten years in NGO’S providing clinics to clients of all ages.  While in Qld health I predominantly worked in child and youth mental health, however, I also did locums, in the Bundaberg child development unit and in allied health.  The latter focused on treating people with medical conditions and assisting them to cope with their illness and transition back to well being.  While in the CDU I provided cognitive assessments for children under 8 years of age who presented with multiple vulnerabilities.

While working in NGO’S I provided clinics to clients of all ages and I also provided workshops.  I worked with high schools for several years providing 4 session workshops on being resourceful and resilient.  With adults, I provided workshops on depression, stress management, anger and also parenting.

I treat a range of disorders such as anxiety, including OCD, mood disorders such as and bipolar and depression, post-natal depression and trauma.  My areas of particular interest are PTSD and chronic trauma, and depression co-morbid to chronic illness.

Given my background in child and youth mental health, I have a keen interest in developmental issues particularly assessment.  As such as I pursued training in autism, sensory processing and language difficulties.  I am a trained facilitator In parenting programmes such as positive Discipline in Parenting and 123 Magic.

My particular areas of interest are ADHD and learning disabilities.

I am registered through APHRA and have Medicare eligibility.  I also provide therapy for clients under work cover, EAP and NDIS.

Diabetes Educator

Patricia A’Bell

Audiologist

Dylan Deinert

Dylan Deinert is a highly educated, experienced and well-travelled hearing specialist. He has over a decade of experience in clinical audiology and is a member of Independent Audiologists Australia & The Audiological Society of Australia and holds his certificate of Clinical Practice, which acknowledges his dedication to continuing education.

Dylan has worked across both private and public sectors. During these tenures, he had been promoted to highly respected and responsible positions such as National Clinical Liaison Officer. Dylan has also supported ENT Specialists with advanced diagnostic testing. A highlight of his career was assisting an ENT with the provision of hearing services in the Indigenous community of Aurukun.

Dylan is passionate about advancements in hearing technology and how this can benefit his clients. He has a particular interest in invisible hearing aid technology, tinnitus management, and testing children including Auditory Processing testing.

Dylan is assisted in reception by the long-term Bundaberg locals Cheryl Coster & Desley O’Rourke who can attend to many of your hearing aid needs at the front counter.

Orthopaedic Appliances Pty Ltd

OAPL

Registered Nurse, Cervical Screening Provider, My Health for Life Facilitator

Kaye Robinson

I have a strong interest in the prevention and management of chronic disease. I commenced employment at Branyan Clinic in 2015. I enjoy encouraging and supporting people to make positive lifestyle changes.

I like cooking, reading, keeping fit and spending time with my family.

Registered Nurse

Julia Trippier

Julia joined our Branyan Clinic nursing and Heartstart team as a Heart Failure Patient Coordinator in July 2018. She has a personal interest in cardiology, women’s health and a strong interest in the prevention and management of chronic disease. Julia’s interests in running and yoga enable her to assist patients with choosing positive lifestyle changes.

Registered Nurse

Julie Pearson

Hi my name is Julie Pearson and I am a registered nurse at Branyan Clinic. I have been fortunate enough to become a team member of Branyan Clinic just over 12 months ago after completing my degree in Bachelor of Nursing.

I have an interest in chronic disease management, preventative health measures and wound management. It gives me great satisfaction being able to make a difference in our patient’s lives through regularly monitoring them and offering assistance wherever necessary. My interests out of work are water-skiing, golf and spending time with my family.

Practice Manager

Gaye Cook

Gaye commenced working with Branyan Clinic in February 2012 as Practice Manager.

She has over 14 years’ experience in Medical Administration with most of this time in management.

Gaye has a Diploma in Practice Management and was a finalist in the AAPM Practice Manager of the Year for 2017.

Assistant Practice Manager

Morgan Engstrom

Morgan is employed as a Senior Receptionist at the Branyan Clinic. Morgan holds the leadership role on our reception team. She commenced work at the Clinic in late 2015. Previously, Morgan worked in the Mining Industry as a Maintenance Receptionist. Morgan works in all areas of admin within the clinic. These multi-discipline admin areas include Lungsmart Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Heartstart Cardiac Rehabilitation, General Practice, Branyan Physiotherapy, Psychology, Diabetes Education and Exercise Physiology. Morgan is studying her Certificate IV in Medical Assisting.

Receptionist

Bonnie Coolee

Bonnie commenced working at Branyan Clinic in 2014 as a Receptionist. Bonnie has over 13 years’ combined working experience within the health sector from both a clinical and community-based perspective. Bonnie prides herself on making patients first interaction with the clinic a positive, professional, friendly and pleasant experience.

Receptionist

Kim Tysoe

Kim joined the Reception team at Branyan Clinic in October 2018. Kim has gained valuable experience in Administrative roles for 10 years in a couple of various industries.

Although She has just recently joined our team in 2018, Kim is enjoying working in medical and is looking forward to furthering her knowledge and increasing her skills to deliver a high quality of care to our patients.

Receptionist

Renee Lester

Resceptionist

Jasmine Gannon

Jasmine joined the reception team in October 2019. Jasmine has been involved in administration  roles over the past two years and is eager to gain experience and knowledge in the medical and allied health field.

Jasmine enjoys working with our patients and staff to ensure the best outcome possible for all patients and the Clinic.

Receptionist

Maddi Lawler