NEXT STAGE SET TO BEGIN ON $75 MILLION ROCKHAMPTON HOSPITAL UPGRADE
Published Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
A local firm has won an $8.2 million State Government contract to build new staff accommodation at the Rockhampton Base Hospital, Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said today.
J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd has been contracted to construct a 40-bed staff accommodation block on the Cambridge Street side of the hospital campus.
“This project represents the next stage of the $75 million Rockhampton Hospital redevelopment being undertaken by the Beattie Government,” Mr Schwarten said.
“When completed, the new block will consist of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units on four levels and provide quality accommodation for staff working at the hospital.
“Having good staff accommodation available will further enhance Rockhampton Hospital’s ability to recruit and retain more doctors, nurses and allied health staff.
“Having a local builder do the construction is also great news because it means more local jobs for Rockhampton workers,” he said.
Work on the project is expected to begin with weeks and the building is scheduled to be completed before the intake of new staff towards the end of 2007.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said Queensland Health was making good progress on the Rockhampton Hospital redevelopment which will also includes a new Emergency Department unit; 30 additional medical beds; a new child and youth mental health unit; a new oral health unit; and a new blood bank building.
“When completed, the new $20.5 million Emergency Department will double in capacity from nine bed bays to 18; including three resuscitation bays and 15 treatment cubicles.
“It will also include six observation bays and a central staff station allowing clinicians to simultaneously observe all patients.
“This project will result in improved observation and treatment of patients; provide a better work environment for staff, and assist in recruiting and retaining more emergency department clinicians.”
Mr Robertson said a further $40 million is to be spent on an additional 30 general medical beds, and refurbishment of the hospital’s maternity, paediatrics, rental dialysis and rehabilitation units.
“I was also delighted to have the opportunity recently to open the hospital’s new $1.6 million Child and Youth Mental Health Centre.
“And I’m advised that construction of the new oral health service building is due to start in early February.
“This project will increase the capacity of the service from eight chairs to 13 chairs and mean more local public dental patients can receive treatment.
“The existing blood bank building will also be replaced and relocated at a cost of $1.8 million; jointly funded with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service,” he said.
31 January 2007
For further Information: 4927 5299
J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd has been contracted to construct a 40-bed staff accommodation block on the Cambridge Street side of the hospital campus.
“This project represents the next stage of the $75 million Rockhampton Hospital redevelopment being undertaken by the Beattie Government,” Mr Schwarten said.
“When completed, the new block will consist of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units on four levels and provide quality accommodation for staff working at the hospital.
“Having good staff accommodation available will further enhance Rockhampton Hospital’s ability to recruit and retain more doctors, nurses and allied health staff.
“Having a local builder do the construction is also great news because it means more local jobs for Rockhampton workers,” he said.
Work on the project is expected to begin with weeks and the building is scheduled to be completed before the intake of new staff towards the end of 2007.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said Queensland Health was making good progress on the Rockhampton Hospital redevelopment which will also includes a new Emergency Department unit; 30 additional medical beds; a new child and youth mental health unit; a new oral health unit; and a new blood bank building.
“When completed, the new $20.5 million Emergency Department will double in capacity from nine bed bays to 18; including three resuscitation bays and 15 treatment cubicles.
“It will also include six observation bays and a central staff station allowing clinicians to simultaneously observe all patients.
“This project will result in improved observation and treatment of patients; provide a better work environment for staff, and assist in recruiting and retaining more emergency department clinicians.”
Mr Robertson said a further $40 million is to be spent on an additional 30 general medical beds, and refurbishment of the hospital’s maternity, paediatrics, rental dialysis and rehabilitation units.
“I was also delighted to have the opportunity recently to open the hospital’s new $1.6 million Child and Youth Mental Health Centre.
“And I’m advised that construction of the new oral health service building is due to start in early February.
“This project will increase the capacity of the service from eight chairs to 13 chairs and mean more local public dental patients can receive treatment.
“The existing blood bank building will also be replaced and relocated at a cost of $1.8 million; jointly funded with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service,” he said.
31 January 2007
For further Information: 4927 5299