The new $35.4 million Pormpuraaw Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) is taking shape with the roof and external wall structure now in place.
Work to complete the complex lining of the external walls, as well as the general internal fit-out is now under way.
The new PHCC is part of the State Government’s Building Rural and Remote Health Program, with completion of all works, including landscaping and demolition of the existing facility, expected by mid- 2027.
It is being built on the grounds of the existing health facility complex, while allowing the existing PHCC to continue serving the community until the new centre is ready.
Construction is being undertaken by Cairns-based company, WIP Constructions.
WIP Constructions also undertook the construction of the $13.3 million Mer PHCC and associated staff accommodation works that were completed in early 2024.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Michael Catt said prior to the final design of the Pormpuraaw project, community consultation and engagement was undertaken to ensure the new facility met all clinical and community needs.
The new facility will provide a comprehensive range of services, including”
- The PHCC will include a resuscitation room and treatment room, multi-purpose medical imaging room including X-ray and ultrasound, and clinical support spaces.
- The centre will also feature six dedicated outpatient mixed-use consult rooms, allowing for current and future demand, as well as the needs of visiting health partners such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- A dental suite with consultation and clinical work areas, a pathology room for specimen collection, a medical records area and a new, culturally appropriate morgue also are part of the new facility.
- Accessibility and functionality are also prioritised, with features including accessible toilets, staff offices with a meeting room, necessary storage rooms, and an enclosed ambulance bay.
Mr Catt said the new Pormpuraaw PHCC was being built to a very high standard, given its status as a vital health and government facility in an isolated area.
The health facility is being built to the Australian Importance Level 4 (IL4) standard.
“This is a structural standard in Australia designated for post-disaster recovery for structures like hospitals and emergency shelters that must remain functional immediately after a major disaster,’’ Mr Catt said.
“For instance, the lining of the external walls comprises multiple layers of high-strength materials for maximum structural integrity, unlike your normal residential house walls.
“IL4 buildings are crucial for the immediate survival and long-term recovery of a community following a disaster, as well as playing a vital role in the overall emergency response.
“These structures are subject to more stringent design requirements than other buildings to guarantee their operational integrity during and after a critical event.’’
Mr Catt said additional primary health care centre upgrades also were planned for the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area, and Cape York as part of the State Government’s ongoing health infrastructure development program.
“In the longer term, under the Building Rural and Remote Health Program, funding will be provided to develop business cases for six new, updated or expanded primary health care centres at Bamaga, and on Badu, Boigu, and Horn Islands, as well as at Laura and Lockhart River,’’ he said.
“Preliminary planning and community consultation already is under way for these projects.
“A further two primary health care centres at St Paul’s and Kubin communities on Moa Island also are planned to be upgraded under the separate Queensland Health Sustaining Capital Program, which is aimed at improving, renewing, or replacing aging assets.’’