Families in Taveuni could save on travel costs for specialist medical treatment in the future, as upgrades to Taveuni Hospital improve patient care and create opportunities for more services to be provided closer to home.
Senior Divisional Medical Officer at Taveuni Hospital, Dr Sapeta Taito, says the improvements are providing patients with a cleaner, safer and more comfortable environment while receiving treatment and recovering from illness.
Dr Taito says the renovated wards now have better lighting, working fans and cleaner washrooms, making a difference to patients staying at the hospital.
She says while these may seem like small improvements, they are important for patients' comfort and recovery.
Dr Taito says the upgrades have also improved working conditions for doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus more on patient care with fewer disruptions caused by ageing facilities.
She says some Taveuni residents currently have to travel to other areas for specialist medical services, placing an additional financial burden on families.
However, she hopes the improved facilities will attract more visiting specialist medical teams, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home and could reducing travel expenses.
The redevelopment includes a new cyclone-resistant roof, improvements to the operating theatre, maternity and emergency departments, and upgrades to water, electricity and safety systems.
The work is being carried out in stages to ensure patients continue to receive essential medical services while improvements are underway.
The hospital upgrade is being supported by the Australian Government in partnership with Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services through the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.
