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General News

3 September, 2020

Stage 1 of new Atherton Hospital complete

THE Atherton Hospital is well underway with their redevelopment project after stage one was finalised last Friday.

By Rhys Thomas

Stage 1 of new Atherton Hospital complete - feature photo

THE Atherton Hospital is well underway with their redevelopment project after stage one was finalised last Friday.

Stage One saw the construction of a new Community, Allied and Mental Health building, a new helipad, new internal roadways and parking for staff.

Nearly all of the construction done on the redevelopment was done by local contractors and suppliers within a 125km radius of the hospital.

More than $30 million in work has been given to the local contractors since the construction began last year.

Cairns and Hinterlands Hospital and Health Service Chairman Clive Skarott said that Stage One offered training opportunities for local apprentices.

“It has been a welcome source of revenue for the community but it has also provided opportunities for training,” he said.

“Over 1700 hours have been completed by new apprentices on the project.

“More than 800 hours of work provided to indigenous workers so far.”

Stage Two of the project will be commencing soon including the construction of a new fourstorey purpose-built Clinical Services Building, Engineering Services Building and improved link ways between hospital buildings.

Atherton Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Dr Ann Aitken said staff are excited about moving into the new Community Allied and Mental Health Building.

“The new building features dedicated video conferencing rooms to enable telehealth appointments and has a contemporary environment for allied health services with a rehabilitation gym,” she said.

“It has been purpose built to meet the needs of community health, allied health and mental health staff and clients with contemporary consulting spaces for local and visiting clinicians.

“About 50 staff will transition into the building from the Primary Health Centre in early September with services to begin operations on September 7.”

The overall redevelopment of the Atherton Hospital is expected to be completed by late 2022.

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