More perinatal mental health beds and better access to Townsville University Hospital

The Crisafulli Government is a step closer to delivering crucial perinatal mental health care, as expressions of interest open for 14 new beds in Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane.
Selection of a builder to undertake the Townsville University Hospital new multi-storey car park project is also nearing completion as part of the Hospital Rescue Plan.
The new car park and eight beds will provide easier access to healthcare for the Townsville community.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to much-needed specialist perinatal mental health support for new mums and bubs, and the next step in a key piece of Townsville University Hospital infrastructure is moving forward.

Queensland Health has sought expressions of interest from the open market to deliver 30 perinatal mental health beds across the State, including eight in Townsville, four in Cairns and two in Brisbane.

This process will facilitate a competitive market response to ensure the procured beds deliver value for Queenslanders’ money.

An additional 16 beds - currently in the planning stage - are proposed for Sunshine Coast, Logan and Ipswich.

As part of the Crisafulli Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan, the department is also seeking offers from builders to deliver a multi-storey car park for Townsville University Hospital, which will feature a minimum of 640 standard, 20 disability and 33 motorcycle parking bays.

The Expression of Interest for the car park project was released to a larger pool of tier 1, 2 and 3 builders thanks to the Crisafulli Government’s relaxation of the Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC), and after recommendations from the independent review into the former Labor Government’s Capacity Expansion Program which reported prices for car parks skyrocketed to $250,000 per space under Labor.

This procurement process has now progressed further, with the Request for Offer released this week.

The Hospital Rescue Plan’s Townsville University Hospital expansion project is set to deliver at least 165 new overnight beds and services including day surgery, operating theatres and a rehab therapy unit.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the opening of the expression of interest for the perinatal mental health beds was an important next step for the project under the Crisafulli Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan.

“Opposition Leader Steven Miles was forced to apologise to Parliament earlier this year over misleading claims we were scrapping perinatal mental health beds for Townsville mums,” Minister Nicholls said.

“Let me be clear, we are delivering all 30 perinatal beds across Queensland – including in Townsville – and we will be doing it sooner than Labor were ever going to.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the new perinatal mental health beds would improve the health and wellbeing for local mums, babies and their families.

“These mother-baby beds support the development of those special early bonds and make sure mums can receive wraparound mental healthcare while also being able to care for their little ones,” Ms Poole said.

Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the wider Townsville community would benefit from the new perinatal beds.

“Having quality perinatal mental health services close to home is essential and having these beds here in Townsville will mean new mums can care for their babies in a safe environment,” Ms Marr said.

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said taking the next step with the hospital car park development was also a big win for the wider community.

“The new multi-storey car park will deliver almost 700 additional spaces, making it easier for people to access Townsville University Hospital,” Mr Baillie said.

“This project is about supporting a growing community and making the hospital experience better for everyone.

“Queenslanders deserve the best in healthcare and the Crisafulli Government is delivering that thanks to our Easier Access to Health Services Plan.”

The Expression of Interest for the perinatal mental health beds is open until 16 July, more information is online.

The Request for Offer (RFO) to build the multi-storey car park will close late July with the contract forecast to be awarded in September.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: David McLachlan, 0428 716 171