General News
18 March, 2023
New aged care unit opens up
A NEW 45-bed sub-acute purpose-built facility to care for medically fragile patients who require special services, especially those with dementia, has opened at Manoora.
The expansion of the Cairns Hospital’s Older Persons SubAcute and Rehabilitation (OPSAR) Unit is at Infinite Care’s Edge Hill Orchards Lodge on Oregon Street.
The project is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $250 million for the Cairns Hospital Expansion project in last year’s Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan.
The Cairns Hospital expansion project will deliver 96 additional beds by the first half of 2026 through a new state-of-the-art surgical centre with 32 beds, and a major refurbishment of the hospital that will provide 64 additional beds.
Health and Ambulance Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new beds “would help tackle the ever-growing demand for health services throughout the region”.
“We announced this 45-bed sub-acute expansion project in last year’s Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan and said it would be operational by the second half of 2023, and I’m delighted that it has now already opened.
“This new facility is nestled in a convenient and tranquil location, only 4.5km from Cairns Hospital.
“It is in a great location for patients and staff, in a beautiful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital, but still close enough if patients require any emergency care.”
OPSAR Unit Clinical Director Dr Edward Strivens said the unit was “perfect for providing care to older persons and those requiring rehabilitation”.
“It is an enabling environment for both rehabilitation and the care of people living with dementia,” he said.
“It has the full support of an interprofessional team of nurses, allied health professionals and specialist doctors on site covering the facility 24/7.”
Infinite Care’s joint managing directors Chris Stride and Tony Partridge said Infinite was enhancing “our relationship with the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service by providing additional facilities at Infinite Care Edge Hill”.
“The operation of the lodge has created additional employment opportunities for those in the local community,” they said.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the unit was “just one of many exciting health projects we’re delivering in Cairns, which also include our $250m Cairns Hospital Expansion that will deliver 96 additional beds.
“We also have work underway on the $70m mental health unit and the $26.4m Emergency Department expansion.
“As well as expanding local health services, these projects will also provide a boost for local businesses and jobs, together creating around 900 jobs during construction.”
