Revamp revealed

A SHINY new $10m emergency department upgrade at the Mossman Hospital has been unveiled, with the hospital’s nursing director lauding its timing.

The Far North emergency team’s daily presentations have quadrupled from when the facility was first built two decades ago.

Director of nursing Peter Le Griffon said the new design had improved his staff’s capacity and ability to triage and treat emergency patients.

“Our old ED was designed 20 years ago when we had an average of five to 10 presentations to a day,” he said.

“We now are averaging 38 presentations a day, so we were excited to see this work completed.

“It gives our staff a lot more room to work and a well-designed workspace.

“Our patients have commented that it’s terrific to see the hospital modernising and moving with the times while still retaining its historic charm.”

The rural hospital is the only facility in the state designed with Spanish Missionstyle exteriors popularised in Australia in the late 1920s.

The iconic main entrance at the 91-year-old hospital has been reopened as part of the work.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath officially opened the wing in Mossman on Friday.

A new triage area, main administration area, patient waiting room, four stretcher bays, an additional four fast track treatment chairs, two new consultation rooms, two resuscitation bays, a dedicated plaster room, a dedicated eye exam room and a new patient shower were part of the multimillion-dollar revamp.

“This work provides a more comfortable experience for patients and a smoother flow from the Emergency Department to the rest of the hospital,” Ms D’Ath said.