Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service officially opened

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Four women stand ready to cut a long blue ribbon between two gold-coloured bollards outside the front entrance of the hospital with the words Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service on a dark brown gable.
Cutting the ribbon to officially open the Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service (from left) Project Director from Health Infrastructure Queensland Natasha Lyon, Central Highlands Mayor Cr Janice Moriarty, Ghungalu Traditional Owner Aunty Patricia Leisha, Blackwater Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Jaime Row Row, and Chief Executive Lisa Blackler.

Summary

Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service was officially opened on Friday, January 31.

The new facility promises a new era of combined, quality healthcare and aged-care services for the community.

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Blackler says the new facility has been a game-changer for healthcare in Blackwater.

“Our staff have reported that the new hospital is a wonderful improvement, enabling them to continue to provide great care to the community from a contemporary facility with the latest equipment,” she said. “The old hospital served the community well for 50 years, but this new facility is a whole new level.

“This official opening is a wonderful occasion to say a big thanks to all those who contributed to this construction project, from the designers and builders, through to our Blackwater staff for their on-the-ground support.”

The new building has been in use since October. It has a 24/7 Emergency Department with six treatment spaces, four more than the old hospital.

It also has an inpatient ward, access to six residential aged-care beds, medical imaging, outpatient services, dental services, and extra consultation rooms.

The project was part of the Queensland Government’s Building Rural and Remote Health Program to improve local health facilities and the quality of care in regional Queensland.

It was constructed in modules by Hutchinson Builders at its Yatala construction yard and delivered on-site on multiple trucks.