The roof of the new Pormpuraaw PHCC is now on. Photo: Supplied.
The new $35.4 million Pormpuraaw Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) is taking shape with the roof and external wall structure now in place.
Work to complete the complex lining of the external walls, as well as the general internal fitout is now under way.
Part of the State Government’s Building Rural and Remote Health Program, completion of all works, including landscaping and demolition of the existing facility, is expected by mid-2027.
The centre is being built on the grounds of the existing health facility complex, while allowing the existing PHCC to continue serving the community until the new facility is ready.
Construction is being undertaken by Cairns-based company, WIP Constructions.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service acting chief executive Michael Catt said community consultation and engagement prior to the final design of the Pormpuraaw project ensured the new centre met all clinical and community needs.
The new facility will provide a comprehensive range of services, including:
- A resuscitation room and treatment room, multi-purpose medical imaging room including X-ray and ultrasound, and clinical support spaces.
- Six dedicated outpatient mixed-use consult rooms, allowing for current and future demand, as well as the needs of visiting health partners such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- A dental suite with consultation and clinical work areas, a pathology room for specimen collection, a medical records area and a new, culturally appropriate morgue.
- Accessible toilets, staff offices with a meeting room, necessary storage rooms, and an enclosed ambulance bay.
Mr Catt said given its status as a vital health and government facility in an isolated area, the new Pormpuraaw PHCC was being built to the Australian Importance Level 4 (IL4) standard.
“This is a structural standard in Australia designated for post-disaster recovery for structures like hospitals and emergency shelters that must remain functional immediately after a major disaster,’’ Mr Catt said.
“For instance, the lining of the external walls comprises multiple layers of high-strength materials for maximum structural integrity, unlike your normal residential house walls.
“IL4 buildings are crucial for the immediate survival and long-term recovery of a community following a disaster, as well as playing a vital role in the overall emergency response.
“These structures are subject to more stringent design requirements than other buildings to guarantee their operational integrity during and after a critical event.’’
He said additional primary health care centre upgrades were also planned for the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cape York as part of the State Government’s ongoing health infrastructure development program.
“In the longer term, under the Building Rural and Remote Health Program, funding will be provided to develop business cases for six new, updated or expanded primary health care centres at Bamaga, and on Badu, Boigu and Horn islands, as well as at Laura and Lockhart River,’’ he said.
“Preliminary planning and community consultation already is under way for these projects.
“A further two primary health care centres at St Paul’s and Kubin communities on Moa Island are also planned to be upgraded under the separate Queensland Health Sustaining Capital Program, aimed at improving, renewing or replacing ageing assets.”
