Summary
New staff accommodation for Gatton Hospital
Visiting medical professionals and university students on placements will soon have the option to stay in new, modern accommodation suites at Gatton Hospital.
A smoking ceremony, led by the Yagara Dancers, was held at the site of the future building to offer protection, healing and positive energy.
Smoke has long held cultural significance in connecting with and cleansing the land that has been disturbed before the start of construction.
Terry Kowald, Director of Nursing at Gatton Hospital said that having welcoming and comfortable accommodation at rural hospitals is a big part of attracting, keeping and growing the workforce.
“For visiting doctors or other medical professionals, they may only be here for a night or two, but this is our chance to encourage them to stay longer – or even consider relocating here,” Mr Kowald said.
“We also regularly have nursing students from local universities on placements that last six to eight weeks, so having accommodation on site is often the only way they can complete their placement in a rural area.”
With the region growing and health services expanding, Gatton Hospital is also in need of more staff across a variety of roles, from medical professionals to administration and operations.
“The first step for many staff who move to Gatton to work is experiencing the lifestyle and region for themselves,” he said.
The new accommodation units, set to open early next year, will feature six air-conditioned suites with ensuites, including an accessible room. There will also be a communal kitchen, lounge, and laundry area, plus a separate conference room for studying or meetings.
For convenience, there will be six sheltered parking bays, two electric vehicle charging stations, and a disability-accessibility parking bay for those staying at the facility.