North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is pleased to announce the construction of Dajarra and Camooweal staff accommodation has officially commenced on Friday 19 July 2024.

Mr Sean Birgan, Health Service Chief Executive, said it’s a momentous time for public healthcare across the North West region.

“These rural healthcare staff amenities are the heart of the health facilities, with locals relying on our extremely capable teams to provide high-quality care through every stage of life,” said Mr Birgan.

“While we care for our patients today, we must continue to plan for the future and that means supporting our current and future generations of staff in all areas across the North West.”

The construction of Mount Isa, Dajarra and Camooweal staff accommodation comes under the $115 million staff accommodation investment within the $1 billion Building Rural and Remote Healthcare Program and is designed for both permanent nursing staff, as well as rotational student nursing placements.

The modules were built in Brisbane by QBUILD and James Energy, with Quadric serving as the successful civil contractor.

Mr Scott Lithgow, Director of Facilities Management, said all three facilities are due for completion by end of November 2024.

“The existing facilities have served the staff well, but to continue to grow and recruit our workforce especially in remote locations, it’s time for an upgrade,” said Mr Lithgow.

Once complete, the facilities will improve functionality, and quality of living for staff both permanent and on rotation.”

With several generational public healthcare projects including Mount Isa Hospital staff accommodation, Camooweal Health Centre, Doomadgee Hospital, and Normanton Hospital, Mr Birgan said the upgrades to facilities and services will support the broader region for decades to come.

“I’m pleased that we’re investing in rural and remote healthcare and rebuilding and improving some of these facilities for the benefit of the communities,” said Mr Birgan.