FOR the first time in her 35-year history as a cook at Proserpine Hospital, Lisa Stephens had the Minister for Health helping her peel vegies for the evening meal.

Minister Steven Miles and Mackay Hospital and Health Board chairman Tim Mulherin toured the new $1.5million kitchen last week.

Both men chipped in to peel the spuds and slice the carrots while the minister got the savoury mince cooking for dinner.

Ms Stephens was born at Proserpine Hospital and started work in the kitchen as a 15-year-old school leaver.

"It's always been a good job. I've enjoyed it,” she said.

The upgrade was funded through the Priority Capital Program.

The hospital's chief executive officer, Jo Whitehead, said the new kitchen had more bench space as well as new fittings.

"Proserpine Hospital is proud to be a fresh-cook kitchen and we have a 14-day rotating menu to ensure our longer-stay patients enjoy a variety of delicious home-styled meals,” MsWhitehead said.

The new kitchen has been a dramatic improvement for Ms Stephens, the hospital's veteran cook singling out the faster cooking ovens as a highlight.

"We've also got enough sinks, more bench space, and having the deep freezer is also really good,” she said.

The kitchen redevelopment started in October 2017 and during this time staff cooked from a temporary industrial kitchen set up in nearby staff accommodation.

The new kitchen is fitted with the latest industrial fittings, including a dishwasher, large prep benches, two ovens, stove and a sandwich/salad preparation fridge and bench.