Better care for children at The Townsville Hospital

Townsville families now have the reassurance of access to a stand-alone paediatric intensive care unit at The Townsville Hospital.

Premier Campbell Newman opened the facility today and said it completed a full suite of intensive care services for children and adults at the hospital.

“This stand-alone unit provides north Queenslanders with five dedicated paediatric intensive care beds,” Mr Newman said.

“An additional two beds will be added in 2015, taking the total number to seven by the end of next year.

“This is a proud and exciting day for the hard-working staff at The Townsville Hospital, the Townsville Hospital and Health Board and, most especially, for local families.

“It is reassuring to know that there is a dedicated unit at The Townsville Hospital that can care for their children if they become critically or dangerously ill.

“This service is keeping children and families close to home and loved ones.”

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg congratulated the hospital and board on the stand-alone PICU coming to fruition.

“The PICU has had great support from the board and is another example of how local control and decision-making delivers the best outcomes for local people,” Mr Springborg said.

[ENDS] 21 October 2014

Media Contact: Cathy Border 0412 722702