Community & Business
14 September, 2024
Lui petitions State on hospital
IN a surprise move, the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has launched a petition to her own government calling for action to upgrade the Mareeba Hospital Emergency Department.
Ms Lui is calling on Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman to fund a major uplift to the Emergency Department to keep pace with a growing population and ensure the community has access to the latest models of care.
“We need to deliver a world-class facility that matches the excellent service provided by the hardworking health workers at Mareeba Hospital,” she said.
“On my recent visits to the hospital, staff have highlighted upgrades, changes and innovative ideas that would improve the patient experience, care, and their working environment.
“One particular area I continue to hear about is the Emergency Department and I’m determined to listen to these staff and act.”
The hospital, which has been serving the Mareeba community for 80 years, was recently accused of having a lack of pressure mattresses for elderly patients, as well as other issues over supply and conditions for staff. The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) rejected the claims.
But the rumour mill surrounding the hospital has gathered speed in the countdown to the State election, with claims of a major business case in the hands of the government.
It is understood $100 million may be earmarked for a new Emergency Department, Pathology Unit, and Dialysis Unit, among other improvements. The CHHHS had not responded to inquiries from The Express.
Ms Lui also did not confirm a business case existed but understands a Joint Regional Needs Assessment is underway between CHHHS and the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network.
LNP candidate David Kempton said if a business case was being circulated, it should be “brought to the table” for open discussion.
“The LNP is committed to first-class health services in Queensland and would be interested to respond to such a document,” he said.
Ms Lui said approximately 2,000 emergency department presentations were managed at the hospital each month, and a raft of medical and community health services were delivered from the building.
Since 2020, the government has invested more than $6.2 million in the Mareeba Hospital, including the $2.9 million medical imaging department extension, a $950,000 refurbishment of the operating theatre, and the recently completed $425,000 upgrade to the palliative care area.
It was now time to “uplift to the Emergency Department to meet the needs of the growing community”, Ms Lui said.
“I am fighting for Mareeba and talking to the Minister to highlight the community’s needs and concerns.”
This is the second petition Ms Lui has created this year on behalf of the community, the first calling on a better freight subsidy for FNQ. The move is designed to provide a collective voice on issues the community feels strongly about.
“I have put together this petition to allow residents to amplify the message to Minister Fentiman, sharing their stories and their experiences to highlight the need for further investment in Mareeba Hospital.”
To sign the petition, go to https://form.123formbuilder.com/6726845/mareeba-hospital-upgrade-petition
