Major Upgrade To Transform Mackay Community Health Centre

Photo left to right: Director Nursing and Operations Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (MHAODS) Mark Scanlon, Clinical Director Division MHAODS Dr Graham Pasternak, Allied Health Continuing Care Services Program Director Catherine McLaren, Chief Executive Sean Birgan, Project Director Nicholas Reitano, Project Lead Sherry Watson and Team Leader AODS and Specialist Teams Daina Winterburn. Photo supplied

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Mackay’s Community Health Centre will undergo an $18.5 million upgrade, strengthening the delivery of mental and sexual health services across the region.

The investment will support improvements to community-based care, with the project focused on creating a more private and safe environment for people accessing services.

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the upgrade would also improve the experience for consumers, staff, carers and visitors using the facility.

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“The upgraded centre emphasises community-based clinical pathways for people seeking support from mental health, alcohol and other drugs and sexual health services,” he said.

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“There will be specifically designed clinical rooms and spaces that will allow us to offer more group therapy programs and enhance the experience for people receiving care.

“This is the first upgrade the facility has undergone since opening 30 years ago. We will be incorporating the separation of public access and clinical spaces from staff-only areas to enhance patient experience, improve access and efficiency of health services.”

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The Mackay Community Health Centre on Nelson Street provides mental health, alcohol and other drugs assessment and treatment services, as well as a range of sexual health services to the Mackay community.

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Mackay Community Health uses multi-disciplinary teams to provide care and education for people experiencing a variety of issues and illnesses. Teams include medical, nursing, social work, allied health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and non-clinical professionals.

Project upgrades include an improved layout, fit-for-purpose clinical spaces, new roofing, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning infrastructure and new equipment and furniture.

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Mr Birgan said the project will deliver better care to people in the community who may have otherwise required admission to hospital, taking pressure off Mackay Base Hospital.

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“Improving the way we deliver mental health, alcohol and other drugs treatment and sexual health community services is a strong focus for Mackay HHS,” he said.

“Our free and confidential health services are critical links for people to receive the early intervention and ongoing support they need.

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“These improvements will not only benefit people seeking help but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of our communities.”

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Paynters has been awarded the project contract, with works expected to commence on site from 7^th September and be completed by the end of 2027.

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