A MAJOR addition to the Fulham Road medical precinct has been marked with the official opening of consulting rooms developed by a Townsville surgeon.
Levi Morse of Morse Orthopaedics has developed the premises at 52 Fulham Rd both as a medical centre for his practice and an allied health firm Sportsmed NQ.
A single-storey building designed and constructed by Townsville builder Proview Homes provides each of the practices with consulting rooms, waiting room and reception and amenities.
A former residential property was demolished for the project. Dr Morse said the development had provided modern purpose-built medical facilities for the practices in what he expected would be a continuing trend for the area.
Last week Mater Hospital launched its $52 million first stage expansion to provide four new operating theatres, a day surgery unit and expanded X-ray facilities.
Dr Morse said he and his staff enjoyed working in the new building and their patients often remarked about the attractive premises. “We’re really proud of the space and feel it adds a real presence along the Fulham Rd Medical Precinct,” Dr Morse said.
“Patients appreciate having an attractive building and it helps us in our working space.” Dr Morse said having Sportsmed NQ sublease one of the suites was an advantage. “We work closely together to treat orthopaedic patients.
It’s a one-stop shop for them,” Dr Morse said. “What I see occurring is more and more development like this along the Fulham Rd precinct.” The medical precinct and the Mater site have been earmarked for further development as Townsville’s specialised centre for private acute medical services since the City Plan was reviewed and adopted in 2014.
Also, early last year Townsville City Council provided preliminary approval for the Mater’s master plan for development looking ahead for 30 years.
Dr Morse is a proud North Queenslander. He completed his secondary schooling in Townsville and undertook training in Adelaide and Bristol in the United Kingdom before returning with his young family to live in Townsville.
“For us, Townsville is a fantastic place to bring up kids. “There are a number of advantages to working here rather than in a capital city,” Dr Morse said.
Dr Morse is also a co-director of the Orthopaedic Research Institute of Queensland.
It is a non-profit organisation that conducts scientific and clinical research in orthopaedic surgery.
TONY RAGGATT
Business Editor
