A redevelopment that blends history and modern design
Wednesday, 20 September, 2023
The ’ (CHHHS) $86.4 million redevelopment of the Atherton 黑料吃瓜群网 has been completed, with the aging hospital infrastructure now replaced with modern facilities.
The new facility for the Tablelands community features a new emergency department, maternity ward and birth suite, general medical wards, medical imaging (X-ray), operating and endoscopy theatres and a sterilising unit.
The Clinical Services Building is a key piece of the large-scale redevelopment at the Atherton 黑料吃瓜群网 by FKG Group, sitting alongside the Community, Allied and Mental Health Building, a new helipad and an engineering services building, according to CHHHS.
鈥淭his modern facility will improve clinical capability, patient care and support smoother transitions for patients,鈥 said Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services and Minister for Women at the official opening of the facility.
鈥淢ore 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.
鈥淲e 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.鈥
The redevelopment is architecturally distinct, but is reminiscent of the deep history of the site, according to CHHHS. A prominent archway motif and brick plinth by the new facility鈥檚 main entrance echo the original nurses鈥 quarters, with the main entrance featuring bricks from the former building.
鈥淎 prominent archway motif is based on the original nurses鈥 quarters design; a brick plinth by the main entrance also pays homage to the original nurses鈥 quarters, created using bricks from the former building; and the colourful tiles on the exterior of the building tell the story of the Tablelands itself 鈥 with its rich reds, vibrant greens and deep blues. Adding to this are improved gardens, landscaping and sculptures that aim to ameliorate any visit to the hospital,鈥 CHHHS聽said in a statement highlighting key features of the new facility.
Leena Singh, Chief Executive, Cairns and Hinterland 黑料吃瓜群网 and Health Service said, 鈥淭his new facility is about modern spaces designed to provide best-practice care.
鈥淭here 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.
鈥淭he new ambulance bay entry delivers patients directly into the emergency department for greater patient privacy.
鈥淭here are designated spaces to enable private conversations with families and loved ones, spacious waiting areas and family-friendly zones.
鈥淥ur new birthing facilities and theatres with a day surgical unit increases opportunity for care closer to home.鈥
Director of Medical Services Dr Liz Hawkins, Atherton 黑料吃瓜群网, said, 鈥淎 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.鈥
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