Project boosts hospital outlook

A STRONG signal has been sent out about the future of Mareeba Hospital with the announcement of a $1.5 million staff accommodation building.

The project will be located on the grounds of Mareeba Hospital as part of the Rural and Remote Workforce Strategy for Queensland.

The need for staff accommodation was identified as one of the critical aspects in the recruitment and retention of workforce in rural and remote areas such as Mareeba.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the accommodation project was further evidence of the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to the future of Mareeba Hospital.

“This accommodation project will meet the needs of Mareeba Hospital staff and the growing Mareeba community, now and into the future,” he said. “Mareeba residents can be assured that the Palaszczuk government has no plans to close or downgrade state health services at Mareeba Hospital, now or in the future, and there are no plans to downgrade the emergency department.”

Mr Dick said he was very disappointed that the Turnbull government had not restored the $2.1 million funding that it ripped out of the Mareeba Hospital’s budget.

“This cut to funding is yet another kick in the teeth for regional Queenslanders and another example of the Turnbull government walking away from its responsibility to fund GP services,” he said.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Clare Douglas said the announcement of $1.5m was wonderful news for the region.

“This will assist us in recruiting high quality staff for Mareeba Hospital and the wider Tablelands,” she said.

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