Published Monday, 15 January, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
ROBERTSON OPENS KAWANA SURGERY CENTRE
The development of a $20 million private surgery centre was another example of the rapidly expanding health service facilities being provided on the Sunshine Coast, Health Minister Stephen Robertson, said today.
Mr Robertson, officially opening the 12-bed Sunshine Coast Surgical and Specialist Centre, said the complex was a significant contribution to the provision of quality health facilities on the coast.
“I congratulate those who had the vision to identify the need for these specialist health services and those who had the courage to invest million of dollars in the establishment of the centre,” he said.
“The centre employs 35 people, including 14 doctors and six paramedical staff.
“Numerous work opportunities have also been created in areas such as cleaning, catering, and security, so the flow-of effects of this sort of development are felt throughout the community.”
Mr Robertson said the Sunshine Coast Health Service District was a major region for Queensland Health and was an excellent example of the work being done throughout the State.
“The State Government’s Health Action Plan is pouring an extra $10 billion into Queensland’s health system and this financial year we are spending $250 million on the Sunshine Coast alone,” he said.
“That’s nearly $700,000 every single day of the year.
“The budget has increased from $181 million in 2004-05.
“The major single project on the horizon is the construction of the $1 billion Kawana Hospital which is planned to provide 650 beds and be operational in 2014.
“The construction of this hospital really is a significant milestone. It will be a major tertiary regional referral centre for the Sunshine Coast Health District and the surrounding region.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland Health was planning for continued growth and was committed to retaining both the Nambour and Caloundra health facilities.
He said planning for the hospitals within the Sunshine Coast Health District would focus on defining a service role that complements, rather than competes, with the new Kawana Hospital.
“We’re also establishing a Community Health Hub at Maroochydore and the identification of a suitable site in preparation for land acquisition is progressing,” Mr Robertson said.
“Service and functional planning for both the health hub and hospital has begun and master planners have been engaged.
“The health hub is scheduled for completion in 2009 and will be the main base for services relating to alcohol and drugs, child and family health, oral health, adult community services, and chronic disease management.
“There will also be support teams located at Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa and additional outreach services provided by health hub staff into the wider community”.
15 January, 2007
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185
Mr Robertson, officially opening the 12-bed Sunshine Coast Surgical and Specialist Centre, said the complex was a significant contribution to the provision of quality health facilities on the coast.
“I congratulate those who had the vision to identify the need for these specialist health services and those who had the courage to invest million of dollars in the establishment of the centre,” he said.
“The centre employs 35 people, including 14 doctors and six paramedical staff.
“Numerous work opportunities have also been created in areas such as cleaning, catering, and security, so the flow-of effects of this sort of development are felt throughout the community.”
Mr Robertson said the Sunshine Coast Health Service District was a major region for Queensland Health and was an excellent example of the work being done throughout the State.
“The State Government’s Health Action Plan is pouring an extra $10 billion into Queensland’s health system and this financial year we are spending $250 million on the Sunshine Coast alone,” he said.
“That’s nearly $700,000 every single day of the year.
“The budget has increased from $181 million in 2004-05.
“The major single project on the horizon is the construction of the $1 billion Kawana Hospital which is planned to provide 650 beds and be operational in 2014.
“The construction of this hospital really is a significant milestone. It will be a major tertiary regional referral centre for the Sunshine Coast Health District and the surrounding region.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland Health was planning for continued growth and was committed to retaining both the Nambour and Caloundra health facilities.
He said planning for the hospitals within the Sunshine Coast Health District would focus on defining a service role that complements, rather than competes, with the new Kawana Hospital.
“We’re also establishing a Community Health Hub at Maroochydore and the identification of a suitable site in preparation for land acquisition is progressing,” Mr Robertson said.
“Service and functional planning for both the health hub and hospital has begun and master planners have been engaged.
“The health hub is scheduled for completion in 2009 and will be the main base for services relating to alcohol and drugs, child and family health, oral health, adult community services, and chronic disease management.
“There will also be support teams located at Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa and additional outreach services provided by health hub staff into the wider community”.
15 January, 2007
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185