Aramac residents got a sneak peak of their new $4.1 million primary health care centre at an open day this week, in preparation for the facility being open for clients and patients from April 30.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister, Steven Miles, said the new Aramac Primary Health Care Centre replaced a facility that was more than 100 years old, which had a number of structural issues.
“The new heath centre has been built behind the existing facility and alongside the local ambulance station, thereby creating a modern health precinct that will service the local community well into the future,’’ he said.
“The new primary health care centre includes three consultation rooms, a treatment room and a resuscitation bay, as well as storage and office space.
“It also has the latest modern data connections that will allow the full use of telehealth facilities and reduce the need for patients to travel away from Aramac to attend some of their specialist consultations and routine reviews.”
Mr Miles described it as “a 21st century facility replacing a 19th century one”.
Central West Hospital and Health Board chairwoman, Jane Williams, said the new Aramac PHCC would be a huge boost for the local community.
“We had some delays getting to this completion stage due to the unforeseen discovery of some asbestos fragments on the development site,’’ she said.
“This required some asbestos remediation works by an expert contractor under established safety protocols before construction could begin.
“I’d like to thank the Aramac community for their patience while this work was undertaken successfully.
“Their reward is this beautiful new facility that is now up and ready to start serving the community.
The new Aramac PHCC was built by Hutchinson Builders, which is also undertaking the $8.5 million upgrading of Longreach Hospital currently underway.
Mr Miles said the Longreach and Aramac projects combined supported about 50 direct and indirect jobs.
He said Hutchinson Builders also had built the landmark $17.5 million Alpha Multipurpose Health Service and collocated emergency services facility that was completed in June 2016 and officially opened in November of that year.
Mr Miles said the Palaszczuk government was determined to ensure health infrastructure kept pace with the needs of expanding and evolving communities throughout Queensland.
“The new Aramac PHCC is part of a total package of more than $56 million worth of health infrastructure works in the central west over the past two years that have either been completed or are currently underway,’’ he said.
“This includes the new $17.9 million Blackall Hospital announced last year, planning for which is currently under way by the Central West Hospital and Health Service.
"We’re committed to improving services to ensure all Queensland have access to quality and safe healthcare no matter where they live.
“The Palaszczuk government’s continuing investment in the central west will ensure health staff have the highest quality facilities from which to deliver their vital services.’’