Wujal Wujal Primary Health Care awarded Queensland Health Award for Excellence

Wujal Wujal hospital staff have been recognised after treating patients on the roof of a clinic as a torrent of water rapidly rose around them from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Watch the video.

Wujal Wujal hospital staff have been recognised after treating patients on the roof of a clinic as a torrent of water rapidly rose around them from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The 300-strong community was evacuated in December last year due to unprecedented flooding.

Jasper crossed the Far North Queensland coast with little structural damage but became the wettest cyclone in Australia’s history, dumping 2000mm in some parts of the region.

The Wujal Wujal Primary Health Care Centre’s team has been recognised with a Queensland Health Award for Excellence for treating a young boy and his mother on the roof and despite the conditions.

The team, which work under the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, were named winners of the Director-General’s Award for Excellence at the prestigious annual awards which were held in Brisbane on Wednesday night.

Wujal Wujal Director of Nursing Vince Connellan with Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Rex O’Rourke in Brisbane for the awards.

Wujal Wujal PHCC Director of Nursing Vincent Connellan said he was incredibly proud of his staff for their dedication to the community, during the disaster, in the immediate aftermath as they helped lead the community evacuation, and for their ongoing support of the displaced

community members.

“It has been an incredibly difficult time for all of our staff and our community,” Mr Connellan said.

Staff from the PHCC were forced to spend a night trapped on the clinic roof as floodwaters rose, while caring for a young patient and his mother.

“We were very lucky that night in that our patient remained stable and safe and myself and my colleagues weren’t harmed, but the community of Wujal Wujal has not been so lucky,” he said.

Australian Army soldiers from the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, conduct reconnaissance of Daintree Village and access roads into Wujal Wujal on 19 December 2023. Photo: Supplied

“This award is not just a recognition of our team’s hard work; it is a celebration of the values that define us as healthcare professionals and our dedication to both clinical and cultural safety.”

The team were one of two Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service entries which were

named finalists at the awards.

TCHHS chief executive Rex O’Rourke said it was a just reward for staff who had faced

significant adversity since the event.

“Your dedication has not only made a difference in the lives of those you cared for but has also set a standard of excellence that inspires us all,” Mr O’Rourke said.

Originally published as Wujal Wujal Primary Health Care awarded Queensland Health Award for Excellence