The entrance to the Emergency Department (ED) at Thursday Island Hospital will be temporarily relocated from 27 November to allow for essential maintenance works.
Clear signage will be in place to guide patients and visitors to the new ED entrance, which is close to the current entryway.
During the maintenance period, the four-bed fast track bay, triage and waiting area in the ED will be moved to a section of the hospital’s main ward.
The resuscitation bay will remain in place and all patient services will not be affected. The Emergency Department will continue to operate 24/7.
These works are expected to take between 8 and 12 weeks, weather permitting.
They are part of a broader program we are undertaking to address previously identified issues with the ageing heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the facility, as well as some electrical systems.
While the major $55.8 million redevelopment completed in July 2024 delivered significant improvements, we recognise that further upgrades are needed to ensure the facility remains safe and fit for purpose.
We are actively addressing these issues in partnership with Queensland Health.
Hospital staff have been proactive in raising their concerns with humidity and condensation in parts of the facility, and we acknowledge their ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
This includes addressing the appearance of mould in some sections of the hospital, including the use of dehumidifiers as required, which we have been doing as it has been reported,
We are committed to keeping staff and community informed throughout this process. Regular staff information sessions are being held to ensure our teams are updated and supported throughout the process.
We thank staff for their dedication and professionalism during this time.
Read more about the hospital's ED maintenance update.