Pathway For An Upgraded Ingham Hospital Emergency Department

I believe all Queenslanders should have access to quality health services and medical professionals should have the equipment and facilities that support them to do so.

That’s why I recently asked a Question on Notice to the Minister for Health, the Hon. Timothy Nicholls, what steps the Government has taken to progress the proposed upgrades at the Ingham Hospital Emergency Department
(ED), and what the current status of the project is.

I am pleased to advise that the Minister has stated the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) has identified the need to upgrade Ingham Hospital’s ED as a local infrastructure priority. The first step will be for the THHS to develop a clinical service plan for Ingham Hospital, which is expected to be completed this year. This will then drive the development of a revised infrastructure master plan to set a roadmap for expansion.

Currently, Ingham Hospital’s ED is a small, confined space that does not allow for proper patient triaging. The absence of a designated waiting area and private consultation spaces means patients are often treated in an open space area which is sometimes in close contact with others.

The current open space design offers no segregation and very little protection for our healthcare workers, which can be particularly dangerous in situations involving an aggravated or violent patient.

Additionally, in the event of a cardiac arrest, for example, healthcare workers are required to perform medical care in an open area, with only curtains providing separation from others. This situation can be distressing not only for the patient’s family but also for others in the vicinity.

Ingham Hospital’s ED is in urgent need of upgrades to ensure it can deliver a high standard of care for patients and provide a safe, comfortable and productive working environment for staff.

While we are talking about upgrades for the Ingham Hospital, the Minister also advised that work is continuing to deliver the CT Scanner at the Ingham Hospital, and this is on track to be delivered in 2026.

I look forward to seeing the clinical service plan developed by THHS and will continue to keep the community updated as this important project progresses.

Contributed by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook.

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Nick Dametto MP at Ingham Hospital. Photo supplied.

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