Community & Business
11 July, 2023
Palliative boost for hospital
A NEW palliative care space will be created at Mareeba Hospital to give patients and their families much improved facilities.
A NEW palliative care space will be created at Mareeba Hospital to give patients and their families much improved facilities.
On Monday, as part of the State Government’s Far North Queensland Regional Community Forum, Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman announced $425,0000 in funding to create the new space at the hospital.
The project involves moving the hospital’s palliative care room to a quieter, fit for purpose space, with garden views, a dedicated ensuite, kitchen and lounge, and room to accommodate large families who want to be with their loved one.
The detailed design is nearly complete, with the project expected to be completed early next year.
“Palliative care is an important health service for patients and their families,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The new space will provide a more peaceful setting for those entering the end stages of life, while allowing clinicians to continue to offer quality care.
“The project is now in the detailed design phase, with tenders expected to be announced from August, and construction due to be completed early next year.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the new space would provide more comfort and privacy for people, and the larger space would mean that more family members could visit.
Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jennifer Fitzsimons welcomed the initiative.
“By moving this space to a quieter part of the hospital, patients will have direct access to an outdoor setting,” she said.
“From the new room, there will be more windows and access to an outdoor space that includes a rotunda. We also plan to carry out some landscaping.
“There will be recliner chairs as part of a new carer zone, so people can stay over.
“It is so important that patients, families, and friends will be able to access a self- contained space for privacy and that includes the small kitchen for their comfort.
“We are always thanked by local families for the family orientated service we provide. This will be a really positive service for the community.”
The community forum in Mareeba discussed economic diversification through tourism and agriculture, housing accessibility and affordability, and reconciliation and the Path to Treaty.
There was also a regional-specific update on the Queensland Vocational Education and Training Strategy, and a session dedicated to the “Voice of Youth”.
The forum also had an agritourism and agribusiness focus, with the event held at Skybury Farms
