Health Minister Yvette D'Ath today inspected the nearly completed $10.1 million Mossman Hospital upgrade which will deliver a modernised Emergency Department and significantly improved health facilities for the local community.
Minister D'Ath said the project would also protect the heritage of the historic hospital which was built in 1930 and has been the centre of medical care in Mossman for 91 years.
"Mossman Hospital is the only Queensland public hospital designed with Spanish Mission style exteriors, a design that was popularised in Australia in the late 1920s," the Minister said. "The iconic main entrance has been reopened as part of the work. "This work will substantially enhance conditions for patients and staff and provide a more comfortable experience for patients and a smoother flow from the Emergency Department to the rest of the hospital." The refurbishment sees key improvements to the Emergency Department including:
- a new triage area,
- a new main administration area,
- a new patient waiting room,
- four stretcher bays,
- an additional four fast track treatment chairs,
- two new consultation rooms,
- two resuscitation bays,
- a dedicated plaster room,
- a dedicated eye exam room,
- a new patient shower and toilet and
- a purpose fit room for medical records.
There are also significant improvements to the hospital's air conditioning and water supply systems.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the new Emergency Department design will improve Mossman Hospital's ability to triage and treat emergency presentations.
"Our Emergency Department was designed around twenty years ago when it had an average of 5 to 10 presentations to the Emergency Department a day - but now we are averaging 38 presentations per day," Ms Lui.
"So, we are excited to see this work nearing completion. It will give the staff and patients in the Emergency Department a lot more room.
"There is also an improved patient drop off and pick up area and a new covered ambulance bay with direct access to the Emergency Department which will enhance patient transfer in all weather conditions."
Ms Lui said the upgrade, built by Cairns based contractor WIP Construction, employed 12 local apprentices during its construction period.
"Several local businesses have supplied architectural and engineering services, as well as trades people to support construction activities."
"Eighty out of the 86 tradespeople and suppliers engaged on the project came from the local Cairns region," she said.
