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Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Timothy (Tim) Nicholls MP, alongside Wade Chiesa MP, visited the Ingham Hospital to announce the accommodation fast-tracking. Photo credit: Wade Chiesa’s Offices
Plans to deliver new staff accommodation at Ingham Hospital have been accelerated, in a move expected to strengthen healthcare services across the Hinchinbrook region.
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the fast-tracking of 12 new accommodation units marks a significant step forward, following strong community advocacy and ongoing concerns around workforce shortages.
“During the by-election, I heard firsthand how important it is to have suitable accommodation for our health staff,” Mr Chiesa said. “With this in mind, I raised the issue with the Health Minister and am pleased to see that the delivery of 12 additional accommodation units at Ingham Hospital is being fast-tracked.”
The announcement builds on earlier concerns raised in March, when a lack of housing was identified as a major barrier to attracting and retaining healthcare workers in the region.
“Health services cannot grow without secure, appropriate accommodation for staff,” Mr Chiesa said at the time. “Right now, there are just 17 onsite beds available and that’s simply not enough to support the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers our region relies on every day.”
In regional communities like Hinchinbrook, access to housing can determine whether healthcare professionals choose to come, stay or leave.
“It’s simple: no accommodation means no workforce, and no workforce means no healthcare,” he said.
The fast-tracked delivery of the new units will replace outdated housing and make better use of the existing hospital site, while also helping to attract more health workers to the region sooner.
Mr Chiesa said the outcome reflects the strength of local voices pushing for change.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t about buildings, it’s about ensuring our community has access to the healthcare it deserves.”
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