- Atherton Hospital’s new Clinical Services Building is now fully operational.
- The Clinical Services Building was designed to replace ageing infrastructure with modern, state-of-the-art health facilities.
- The new facility includes an emergency department, medical imaging (X-ray), general medical ward, maternity ward and birth suites.
Atherton Hospital’s new Clinical Services Building was officially opened today, welcoming patients to the $86.4 million facility.
Patients are now able to be cared for in the new emergency department, maternity ward and birth suites. The new Clinical Services Building also includes general medical wards, medical imaging (X-ray), operating and endoscopy theatres and a sterilising unit.
The state-of-the-art facility was designed to replace ageing infrastructure for the Tablelands community, providing additional services and improving patient care.
The Clinical Services Building is a key piece of the large-scale redevelopment at the Atherton Hospital by FKG Group, sitting alongside the Community, Allied and Mental Health Building, a new helipad, and an engineering services building.
Quotes attributable to Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services and Minister for Women:
“Atherton Hospital provides vital services for the Tablelands community, and the new Clinical Services Building is a welcome addition for this growing community to ensure residents here have access to the care they need.
“This modern facility will improve clinical capability, patient care and support smoother transitions for patients.
“The maternity ward will provide expecting mothers with access to a brand-new birthing pool, ensuring women have a with a choice.”
“More than 80 jobs have been created in developing this large-scale project, while close to 20 full-time nurses, pharmacists, administration and operational staff have come on board to work at the new facility.
“We are now in the planning stages to finalise this project, with the refurbishment of inpatient wards in the existing hospital building, creating further capacity for Tablelands residents.”
Quotes attributable to Leena Singh, Chief Executive, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service:
“This new facility is about modern spaces designed to provide best-practice care.
“There are now designated patient pick-up and drop-off zones outside the new emergency department and the main entrance to the hospital via Louise St.
“The new ambulance bay entry delivers patients directly into the emergency department for greater patient privacy.
“There are designated spaces to enable private conversations with families and loved ones, spacious waiting areas and family-friendly zones.
“Our new birthing facilities and theatres with a day surgical unit increases opportunity for care closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Director of Medical Services Dr Liz Hawkins
“We are excited to showcase our facility designed to meet the needs of our community and feel that the new hospital building will provide improved physical surroundings allowing for more streamlined delivery of contemporary care.
“The new emergency department is purpose built for current needs, making it easier to provide efficient and timely care to patients.
“A greater number of single rooms with ensuite bathrooms will be helpful in meeting the needs of people such as paediatric patients, those requiring isolation, and patients receiving care at the end of life.
“We provide care to friends, family and neighbours in our community, and this is a privilege as well as a responsibility.
“We are excited about the opportunities to improve the care we provide with the redevelopment of the Atherton Hospital. This is about the whole community.”
