Construction of the new and expanded $31.5 million Sarina Hospital and staff accommodation has taken a step forward with tenders now being sought for the project.
Mackay Hospital and Health Board chair Darryl Camilleri said the new hospital on Brewers Rd would provide the Sarina with a first class healthcare facility.
“We’re excited to be building a new, purpose-built hospital on a flat site which will be easy for everyone to access,” Mr Camilleri said.
“The land has been acquired from Mackay Regional Council and we have been through the town planning approval process, so the project is well underway.”
Construction is expected to be complete in February 2023 with the first patients welcomed in April 2023.
The new hospital will have 19 beds in total – an increase from 16 beds – and the capacity to care for more people including seven single rooms each with their own ensuite.
“It will be a modern and advanced facility with increased capacity to care for more people closer to home,” Mr Camilleri said.
“There will be a larger and improved gym space and purpose-built outdoor areas for rehabilitation as well as a dedicated room for day procedures such as blood transfusions.”
There will also be increased information communication technology capacity for telehealth consultations.
All current healthcare services provided at the Sarina Hospital will remain and continue to be provided at the new hospital.
Mr Camilleri said the Board was delighted to contribute $10 million to the project which was future-proofed to meet the ongoing health needs of the community.
“The planning and design of the new hospital means it can be easily expanded and the health service can continue to serve the people of Sarina and surrounds,” he said.
Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones thanked staff and the community for being part of the design process.
Ms Davies Jones said while clinical services were the focus it was also important patients, carers, families and visitors felt comfortable and welcome.
“There will be pathways, landscaped areas and courtyards to provide outdoor space and green areas for family visits and meetings, or for those times when a patient just wants some fresh air.
“There will also be a dedicated area to support patients to carrying out activities of daily living in a home-like environment,” she said.
Ms Davies Jones said the hospital entry would also be a welcoming space with a reception desk to greet people when they arrived.
The Mackay HHS is investigating options for the future of the old hospital which include selling ‘as is’ or demolishing.
