Surgery in a container at Mount Isa Hospital

Four large container-shaped buildings were lifted onto a very compact parking lot at the back of Mount Isa Hospital last week.

The four buildings were slotted into shape with great skill by crane operators, making up two surgical theatres.

The North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) Executive Director of Corporate Services, Barbara Davis, said the mobile theatres would be in use for six weeks.

“We have engaged Aspen Medical to supply these fully equipped mobile theatres, to enable us to carry on with our surgical lists with minimal disruption to patients and staff.”

“We had a very small site available and I am pleased we’ve been able to fit both theatres in,” Ms Davis said.

Ms Davis said each of the four units was 12 metres long and fully equipped with medical gases, air conditioning, theatre lights, pre-op and post op patient areas, a surgical scrub area and fluid and blanket warmers.

The chief executive officer of Aspen Medical, Bruce Armstrong said the trip to Mount Isa was the furthest the company had transported their mobile theatres.

“Mount Isa has been our most remote location to date when deploying our mobile health and surgical units, and it is also the first time we have deployed two units at the same time.

“We’re delighted to be helping Mount Isa Hospital to continue providing surgical procedures to the region without having to transport patients elsewhere.

“In addition to the cost-saving benefits, patients can be close to their loved ones and this helps with a quicker recovery time,” Mr Armstrong said.

Deputy Mayor Phil Barwick and State MP Robbie Katter attended a walk-through of the mobile operating theatres on Friday March 31 with Ms Davis and NWHHS chief executive Lisa Davies-Jones.

The units have been in use since their installment.