CONSTRUCTION OF NEW WEIPA HOSPITAL TO BEGIN SOON

Weipa’s new hospital moved a step closer today with Health Minister Stephen Robertson officiating at a sod turning ceremony at the John Evans Drive site.

Mr Robertson said construction on the 4.3 hectare site was scheduled to get underway in June.

“The new multi-million dollar hospital will give local residents access to all their health needs at one location providing a one-stop shop for local health services,” he said.

“It will have 22 acute care and residential aged care beds, renal chairs and an operating theatre.

“The hospital will provide emergency care, inpatient acute care, primary health care, dental and rehabilitation services, as well as residential and community aged care services.

“It will also include a number of consulting areas for resident and visiting specialist doctors, primary health care teams, visiting allied health teams and child health services.
“This new development will ensure the region has the health infrastructure to manage future growth and will also improve community access to health services.

“Having a modern hospital facility in Weipa will also help attract and retain more clinical staff to the area.”

Mr Robertson said planning for the new hospital involved widespread consultation with stakeholders and community groups.

“Local residents have made it clear they want health services located at one location in Weipa,” he said.

“By ensuring strong community involvement in health service planning and delivery we can ensure that health services meet the needs and expectations of local residents.”



Mr Robertson said the tender would be finalised soon and the new hospital built by the end of 2008.

21 March 2007

MEDIA:     MATTHEW JUTSUM     3225 2680