New ED for Tully Hospital

New ED for Tully Hospital

COMMUNITY health leaders have received a first look at Tully Hospital’s new Emergency Department following a $4.6 million upgrade.

The Cassowary Coast Community Consultation Committee had a tour of the major redesign and refurbishment of the hospital’s ED last week.

Tully Hospital’s newly appointed Medical Superintendent, Dr Alfred Song, said the project, which was completed earlier this year, would significantly improve services for patients and staff.

“Our new Emergency Department has been completely redesigned with new resuscitation, triage, outpatients, emergency and ambulance access areas,” he said.

“The ED area has also been extended, there is an upgrade of the GP consult rooms, and our medical imaging area has received a small upgrade.

“We also have a new access ramp into the hospital.

“This will make it easier

for people to access the ED and improve our ability to care for the community.”

The Cassowary Coast CCC is one of four community committees covering all regions within the Far North.

The committees are managed by the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, and they provide advice to the Health Board about local health care services, from a consumer and community perspective. Each committee is comprised of four community members, one Health Service local staff member, and a representative from the local council.

Committee representatives are well known members of their regional communities and advocate for local needs and priorities to inform health services.

Cassowary Coast CCC chairperson Maria Vasicek, whose committee had input into Tully Hospital’s new ED, said the hospital’s facilities had been revitalised.

“There is now advanced infrastructure, improved

services and greater interaction with the community as a whole, which will in turn provide better services to the community,” she said.

“The hospital has been refreshed with all the works that have been completed and everyone looks forward to the future benefits of the much-needed upgrade.”

CCCs across Far North have also recently had input into the Cairns South Health Facility, and Atherton and Mareeba Hospital redevelopments.

Committee members are required to attend at least four meetings per year and are appointed on a two-year term.

Anyone wishing to express an interest on how to become involved in the Health Service can contact the Consumer and Community Engagement Coordinator via email at chhhs-engagement@health.qld.gov. au or phone: 4226 3243.

Checking out the new Emergency Department at Tully Hospital are Salli Graham, Jean Vallianos, Trudy Tschui, Nadine Pinto, Maria Vasicek (Chair), Vicki Bright A/DON, Cr Teresa Millwood, Lauren Kanowski, and Dr Alfred Song.