Roof tiles salvaged from the demolition of the old nurses’ quarters at Biggenden Multipurpose Health Service (MPHS) have been donated to St Peters Catholic Church, who will use them to repair their leaking roof.
Following last year’s opening of 10 new self-contained staff accommodation units at Biggenden MPHS, the old nurse’s quarters were set for demolition.
The building, which had served the local healthcare workforce well for more than 75 years, had deteriorated and was no longer fit for purpose.
Wide Bay HHS Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said, “We were approached by members of our Community Reference Group who identified this great opportunity to help out the local community and keep a piece of our history alive.
“It was a bit emotional to see the demolition of a building which had housed so many nurses over so many decades, so we’re delighted to be able to repurpose some of the tiles and support a local community group at the same time.
“This project really demonstrates the value of our community partnerships, and we’re always keen for people across the region who would like to get involved.”
Fr Jack Ho, Parish Priest of St Peter’s Catholic Church in Biggenden is grateful for this donation from Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
“For many years, these tiles provided a roof for healthcare workers here in Biggenden. Now, with this donation, we know that they will continue to provide shelter for people who care for the community, albeit in a different way.
“I thank Queensland Health, the community here in Biggenden, and our supporters who have made this possible, so these roof tiles can now find a new home and continue to serve their purpose in providing shelter for those who are contributing to our wider community.”
“Pope Francis has always talked about the church being a hospital for the people who are in need, spiritually and in other ways, so it’s wonderful that these tiles will continue to do that on a different roof on a hospital of a different kind.”
Kevin Edwards, Chair of the Biggenden Consumer Reference Group (CRG) highlighted the importance of community partnerships.
“Members of the CRG are out in the community all the time, so we’re finding out what the community needs, and communicating it back to the executive of the health service.
“I’m proud to have been involved in this partnership that has achieved this great result.”
Looking ahead, plans for the site include the development of a car park with two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.