Construction workers are putting the final touches on a new main building for the first stage of the $92.5 million Kingaroy Hospital redevelopment.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new hospital was on schedule to deliver increased capacity and services for the South Burnett – as well as delivering local jobs.
“Despite the challenges this year has presented, the project is on schedule and has created about 72 full time equivalent jobs during construction, with the main contractor Broad Construction Services operating from a local satellite office and using local sub-contractors wherever possible,” D’Ath said.
“Services began moving to the new building this week as workers complete painting and fit out.
“This includes an expanded emergency department, a tele-chemo unit, a new day surgery unit with state-of-the-art operating theatres, modern birthing suites and modern wards allowing better patient care and comfort.
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The new hospital will also include rainwater tanks and solar panels and building will be positioned to take advantage of natural light.
D’Ath said hospital upgrades were also underway at Logan, Caboolture, Ipswich, Townsville, Cairns, Redcliffe, Redlands, Roma, Nambour, Atherton and the Torres Strait hospitals.
Darling Downs Health Board Chair Mike Horan said the Kingaroy Hospital project would provide the community with a world-class facility to deliver healthcare for generations to come.
“Artist impressions are one thing, but when you see how this new hospital has changed the skyline of Kingaroy, it’s really something to be proud of,” he said.
“The new hospital will increase the number of patient treatment spaces from 46 to 66 and improve the hospital’s capacity as a hub for trauma, paediatric, obstetric, rehabilitation and mental health services.
“This includes four treatment spaces for assessing mental health patients, increased security, staff who have been trained in supporting patients with complex mental health care needs, and a secure-access room staff can use as a safe room if needed.”