General News
14 May, 2025
Health service CEO throws support behind new hospitals
Sean Birgan says the North West HHS still wants to see new hospitals in Cloncurry and Mount Isa.
North West Hospital and Health Service CEO Sean Birgan has leapt to the defence of his organisation after criticism from some regional mayors in regards to local health infrastructure.
Cloncurry Shire Council’s Greg Campbell voiced his concern that his local hospital was not included in the state government’s Hospital Rescue Plan when Health Minister Tim Nicholls released the report late last month.
Mr Birgan said his record measured up since taking on the job two years ago and that the Cloncurry Hospital was still a top priority for the North West HHS.
“We’ve actually done pretty well over the last few years with infrastructure builds in the North West,” Mr Birgan said after addressing the North West Regional Organisation of Councils meeting with board chair Cheryl Vardon.
“However, we’ve still got some significant needs here in the North West and the two facilities that are in desperate need of replacement – because they’re over 60 years old – are the Mount Isa Hospital and the Cloncurry Hospital.
“I understand and appreciate the concerns that those mayors have made in relation to the report.
“But it’s important to note that we continue to work very closely with the Department of Health.
“I personally have had meetings with Sam Sangster, the author of the infrastructure review for Queensland Health, and we will continue to meet with Sam and the department moving forward to ensure that the community here in North West gets the infrastructure that they need, so that myself and my team, and our board, can deliver the safe care to the community that they deserve.”
Cr Campbell said he made no apologies for the strong advocacy for his community’s hospital.
“I think it’s my job to make sure that the people who are responsible feel responsible,” he said.
“At times when it’s broader than the North West – and we did hear that from the chair and the CEO – it’s up to all of us collectively to make sure that the North West isn’t invisible to Brisbane.”
Mr Birgan said while the process to get new hospitals in Mount Isa and Cloncurry could take time, there was good news around the corner for the North West.
Julia Creek is expected to get a new GP, while the new hospital at Normanton isn’t far from being complete.
“Normanton is progressing really well,” the former nurse said.
“The build is about 90 per cent complete now. We are looking at a commissioning date ... it’s yet to be determined but it’s likely July.
“I hope (North West Weekly) will be there for the opening when the community celebrate this fantastic piece of infrastructure and I know (mayor Jack Bawden) is very excited about that.
“We’re excited because every piece of new infrastructure that we build assists me in attracting and retaining staff to North West.”