There was a special kind of excitement in the air as Hervey Bay Hospital officially opened its brand-new ward and welcomed its very first patient through the doors.

Long-time Fraser Coast resident Cheryl Allsopp was the first patient to be transferred into the new space, following treatment for a heart condition.

Cheryl, who has lived in Urangan for 26 years, shared that while she’s experienced a few hospital stays in recent months, this one came with a unique twist.

“When the nurses told me I was going to be the first patient in the new ward, I felt great,” she said.

“When they brought me in, I even pressed the call button—just to be the first person to use it!”

Cheryl first presented to hospital after experiencing chest pain and a racing heartbeat, symptoms she knew all too well after previously suffering both a major and a minor heart attack.

While she’s been in and out of hospital and even airlifted to Brisbane on one occasion, she says the care she’s received in Hervey Bay has always been excellent.

“The transfer into the new ward was really smooth. Everyone was great about it,” she said.

Cheryl has since been discharged home safely and was hoping to get back into painting.

The team at Hervey Bay Hospital would like to thank Cheryl for her good humour and warm spirit as our first patient in the new ward.