Collinsville's Multi-Purpose Health Service Unveils Upgraded Facilities

A revamp of aged care facilities at Collinsville’s Multi-Purpose Health Service has been warmly welcomed by residents who have now had a month to settle back into their own rooms with the added benefit of individual ensuites.

Allan Smyth, a jack-of-all-trades bushman - drover, stockman, camp-drafter and yard builder - is one who appreciates the new facilities.

“I didn’t complain about sharing, but it’s much better to have your own bathroom,” he said.

89-year-old Allan, who was previously living at Gleneva Station 150km southwest of Collinsville, took up residence about 12 months ago.

“I’ve seen Queensland from the back of a horse, but now I’ve had half a lung taken out and got a leg full of iron (from a bad fall on tiles)’, Allan said.

“I used to live out bush, but they (family) didn’t want me back out there.”

Another resident who welcomes the change is Joan Sellings.

“It’s been marvellous having our own bathroom,” Joan said.

“It’s really lovely.”

Joan is a born-and-bred Collinsville resident who has been at the facility for a few years.

Collinsville’s Director of Nursing Ben Lawrence said the facility’s six current residents were all happy to be back in familiar surroundings after the four-month renovation phase.

“This is a much better arrangement for our residents; it’s less disruptive,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Individual ensuites not only offer our residents greater dignity, but it also means we don’t have to move residents if there’s a need for isolation because of infection concerns.

“Overall, it’s a great improvement for the Collinsville MPHS and the community we care for.”

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Allan Smyth