Mackay community celebrates opening of its new hospital

Premature babies, renal, cardiac and oncology patients and people needing emergency and mental health care are among those benefitting from the $408 million Mackay Base Hospital redevelopment.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said he was delighted his first Ministerial visit to Mackay yesterday was to officially open the new hospital, and he thanked the community and the staff for their patience during the construction period.

“The redevelopment has delivered a state-of-the-art facility that provides a high level of care for patients and a comfortable working environment for staff,” he said.

“It was a very exciting day for the Mackay region as we celebrated a project that began in 2007 when Anna Bligh was Premier and Tim Mulherin was a strong advocate for the redevelopment. What was promised has been delivered,” he said.

“Mackay has changed a lot in the past decade, and this redevelopment sets up the hospital for future growth expected in the area.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the redevelopment had been a long term project started under the Bligh Government and officially opened under the Palaszczuk Government.

“This redevelopment means that more Mackay people will be able to stay here in their home town where they have all their support networks around them, rather than having to go to Brisbane or Townsville,” she said.

The new hospital has allowed the expansion of existing services and the start of new ones such as a Cardiac Catheter Laboratory, a MRI scanner and a stand-alone Cardiac Care Unit.

Since the Cath Lab opened in May 2014 more than 900 life-saving diagnostic and interventional procedures have been performed.

“Previously every one of these patients would have had to travel to Brisbane or Townsville for their care,” Mr Dick said.

“The new hospital means more Mackay region residents can have their treatment close to home with family, friends and other support close by,” he said.

ENDS

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