Pioneer of breast screening in north Queensland farewells health service after 23 years

Townsville’s BreastScreen Queensland’s dedicated team has farewelled Breast Imaging Director Elizabeth Phillips, whose 23-year legacy has helped shape breast cancer screening locally and across the country.

Celebrated by her colleagues on her final day, Elizabeth was recognised as a driving force behind Townsville’s long-standing record of achieving some of the highest breast screening participation rates in Australia, including among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Reflecting on her career, Elizabeth said she was humbled by the opportunities and experiences she’d had across the journey.

“I just feel in awe that I’ve managed to work with such great people over the last 23 years,” she said.

“We’ve always worked as a team, and that spirit has kept me going and inspired us to keep trying new initiatives.”

Since she started working with the local BreastScreen team, the service has grown from humble beginnings to provide lifesaving care to women across North Queensland, including rural and remote communities.

“The service has expanded and evolved over my time here, but at the end of the day it’s all about our ladies and making sure they’re happy and getting the best possible care,” she said.

Among her many achievements, Elizabeth played a central role in developing outreach and promotion strategies that brought screening services closer to women in regional and remote areas.

“We all contribute to health promotion by being visible and approachable, whether it’s chatting to people in the store at Mount Isa or stopping to talk with the ladies on Palm Island; just being seen and making those connections is important.”

BreastScreen Service Manager Greg Shephard said Elizabeth’s career had left an indelible mark on breast cancer screening in the region.

“Over 23 years, Elizabeth has left a massive legacy for BreastScreen; we are extremely grateful, and she will always be remembered here,” he said.

“From 2008 to 2010, during Queensland Health’s review of health practitioner roles, Liz was the voice of BreastScreen on the committee; that work ultimately reshaped the profession statewide.

“In 2013, when we faced workforce shortages in radiology, Elizabeth, along with colleagues, was instrumental in setting up remote radiology as a trial for Townsville; that model went on to become a national strategy.

“Elizabeth is nationally recognised, on state committees, quality management and accreditation bodies, and internationally through conference presentations; Townsville is on the world stage in no small part because of her.”

Elizabeth may be stepping back from full-time work, but she said retirement isn’t on the cards just yet.

“I’m stepping back for a while; I’ve got some travel planned, and I’ve been contacted by other services in Australia and New Zealand to come and assist.

“But for now, I just need a bit of a break; I just want the freedom to do things when I want to do them. 

“Finally, I’d just like to thank the women of North Queensland for accepting me and letting me help them over the last 23 years.”