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Built in the 1930’s, McCarthy House, located at Warwick Hospital has been used as Nursing Quarters and office space.
Following an independent engineering report which deemed McCarthy House no longer safe for occupancy, Darling Downs Health made the tough decision to remove the building.
Health Service Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM said it was determined that it wasn’t viable for the Health Service to repair McCarthy House, and that demolition of the building was the best course of action.
“Although the Warwick Hospital campus is classified as a local heritage place, McCarthy House isn’t heritage listed.”
As part of the demolition works, key elements of the building will be recovered and displayed at Warwick Hospital.
“McCarthy House holds a lot of history for the health service as it’s served many purposes over the years. It’s fantastic that the works contractor will salvage some of the internal timbers and reusable items ensuring the history of McCarthy House will live on for decades to come.
Health Service Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM
“Additionally, the McCarthy House sign and other plaques have been recovered and given to the Warwick Hospital Director of Nursing for display in the hospital,” Ms Scott said.
Board Chair, Dr Dennis Campbell said whilst the demolition of McCarthy House is unfortunate, ensuring access to safe and contemporary staff accommodation is paramount.
“Providing contemporary staff accommodation options at Darling Downs Health’s rural sites is a top priority for the organisation as it continues to explore additional ways to attract skilled and experienced healthcare workers.
“We have a combination of onsite options as well as leased facilities in Warwick. Staff who are on-call for medical emergencies need access to accommodation that is near the hospital as not all our staff live in town.
“The Board will continue to work alongside the Executive Team to decide how to best utilise the site moving forward,” Dr Campbell said.