Pictured above: The current MIHS building in Sooning St.
Debbie Denison
At last Saturday’s MIRRA meeting a unanimous motion was passed in support of a new purpose built clinic to be located in Kelly Street Nelly Bay.
The community will be seeking commitments from all the candidates for the Seat of Townsville at the State Election to be held in October 2024, to seek funding for this much needed facility and associated timelines.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Magnetic Island Health Service Strategy 2023 -2033 published on 27th July 2023 - the strategy 3 years in the making was welcomed by some of the community. However it is ambiguous - lacking any timeframes, costings and the list goes on.
In the document under Health Service priorities Future Planning & Integration - Longer term it states ‘ Relocate the MIHS to an alternative space’
Well how long is Longer Term, and, what alternative space?
The community of the island has been lobbying for over 15 years to have have a new facility built.
The late former Director Of Nursing Ms. Frances Quane was passionate about the island having a new clinic, the MCN interviewed Ms. Quane on numerous occasions . Sadly Ms. Quane passed away and it would be a fitting memorial to her dedication to the health care of of our island community for Magnetic Island to finally have a new clinic.
The current building will by 50 years old next year, was opened on 8th June 1974 after the clinic on the Esplanade was severely damaged by Cyclone Althea in 1971.
The building is located in Sooning Street in a tidal storm zone area and does not meet the hospital standards of today.
Both MIRRA and the community of Magnetic Island will continue in our efforts to have a new Clinic facility built ASAP.
