Atherton Hospital enters final stage of redevelopment

The final stage of a major redevelopment to a Far North hospital is underway with a $12.9 million project to modernise an existing ward and update facilities for patients, visitors and staff starting soon.

Atherton Hospital while under construction in 2022. Picture: Bronwyn Farr.

The final stage of a major redevelopment to a Far North hospital is underway with a $12.9 million project to modernise an existing ward and update facilities for patients, visitors and staff starting soon.

Works on the 25-bed South Ward at Atherton Hospital will start next year including six single-bed rooms with ensuites and larger rooms for care to be included in the refurbishment.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Leena Singh said the project was an important step towards completing Atherton Hospital’s redevelopment.

“Patients and families will benefit from a more comfortable environment that supports care, while staff work in a modern and functional workplace. This will bring the standard of South Ward up to match the other new wards,” Ms Singh said.

Atherton Hospital acting South Ward Nurse Unit Manager Colin Newnham said the redevelopment would deliver lasting benefits for patients and staff.

“The new South Ward will enhance patient privacy and comfort, while supporting staff to deliver care in a purpose-built, efficient environment,” Mr Newnham said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing patients benefit from these upgrades once the ward is complete in late 2026.

“Staff, patients, loved ones and carers will be kept informed of temporary ward locations, access arrangements and service continuity during key stages of this redevelopment.”

This project follows the successful delivery of the $86.4 million Community, Allied and Mental Health Building and the Clinical Services Building in 2020.

KAP Member Shane Knuth tabled a petition to Queensland parliament in 2015 calling for major upgrades to Atherton Hospital. Picture: Liam Kidston

Member for Hill, Shane Knuth said the hospital upgrades were part of a decade-long journey for the community.

“It was great to see the other stages completed but it’s been a long and drawn out process,” Mr Knuth said.

“We had a 6,000-strong signatures petition in around 2015 to upgrade services because it was operating at a very low capacity which caused a lot of stress on Cairns hospital at the time. “We were able to secure the upgrade from there.”

Originally published as Atherton Hospital enters final stage of redevelopment