$3 BILLION HOSPITAL BUILDING PROGRAM ON TRACK
Published Thursday, 06 September, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Planning is on track for new hospitals on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and the new Queensland Children’s Hospital, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson told State Parliament the three tertiary hospitals, worth a total $3 billion, formed part of the largest health infrastructure program ever undertaken in Australia.
“Last month we welcomed the successful teams of consultants commissioned to plan and design the Children’s and Gold Coast hospitals,” he said.
“Consultants have also recently been commissioned to start the planning phase for the Sunshine Coast Hospital and develop a business case as part of the Public Private Partnership evaluation process.
“The size and complexity of these projects attracted interest from some of the industry’s most experienced consultancy companies.
“I’m confident we’ve appointed the best consultants available in Australia with the expertise and proven track record needed to deliver our vision.”
Mr Robertson said negotiations had also begun with landholders to acquire the preferred site for the 750-bed Gold Coast University Hospital at Parklands.
“I’m advised these meetings are progressing well and that negotiations will not impact on the project’s schedule,” he said.
“Clinical service planning for the new hospital at the Gold Coast is also underway.
“Queensland Health is also working with the Office of Urban Management to complete a Gold Coast University Hospital and Knowledge Precinct Master Plan by the end of this month.
“The Master Plan will maximise opportunities to integrate the hospital and nearby infrastructure such as the Rapid-Transit System for the benefit of the community.”
Mr Robertson said a health services plan for the new children’s hospital had been drafted and would be distributed for broader consultation later this month.
“This plan will inform Government and the community of the range of services the new hospital will deliver when built,” he said.
“The design phase has also commenced with the first of a series of master planning workshops held last week.
“During master planning the project team will determine how the buildings fit on the site, the size and location of different departments, and how the hospital will link with existing areas in the Mater precinct.”
On the Sunshine Coast, a Precinct Planning Group has been set up with representatives from Main Roads, TransLink, Stocklands and Caloundra City Council.
This group met for the first time last week and will review access issues, transport integration, and infrastructure requirements to support the new hospital.
A stakeholder advisory group involving members of the community, local and state government, and health care and education providers has also been formed on the Sunshine Coast and will meet this month for the second time.
6 September, 2007
MEDIA: JOSHUA COONEY 3234 1185
Mr Robertson told State Parliament the three tertiary hospitals, worth a total $3 billion, formed part of the largest health infrastructure program ever undertaken in Australia.
“Last month we welcomed the successful teams of consultants commissioned to plan and design the Children’s and Gold Coast hospitals,” he said.
“Consultants have also recently been commissioned to start the planning phase for the Sunshine Coast Hospital and develop a business case as part of the Public Private Partnership evaluation process.
“The size and complexity of these projects attracted interest from some of the industry’s most experienced consultancy companies.
“I’m confident we’ve appointed the best consultants available in Australia with the expertise and proven track record needed to deliver our vision.”
Mr Robertson said negotiations had also begun with landholders to acquire the preferred site for the 750-bed Gold Coast University Hospital at Parklands.
“I’m advised these meetings are progressing well and that negotiations will not impact on the project’s schedule,” he said.
“Clinical service planning for the new hospital at the Gold Coast is also underway.
“Queensland Health is also working with the Office of Urban Management to complete a Gold Coast University Hospital and Knowledge Precinct Master Plan by the end of this month.
“The Master Plan will maximise opportunities to integrate the hospital and nearby infrastructure such as the Rapid-Transit System for the benefit of the community.”
Mr Robertson said a health services plan for the new children’s hospital had been drafted and would be distributed for broader consultation later this month.
“This plan will inform Government and the community of the range of services the new hospital will deliver when built,” he said.
“The design phase has also commenced with the first of a series of master planning workshops held last week.
“During master planning the project team will determine how the buildings fit on the site, the size and location of different departments, and how the hospital will link with existing areas in the Mater precinct.”
On the Sunshine Coast, a Precinct Planning Group has been set up with representatives from Main Roads, TransLink, Stocklands and Caloundra City Council.
This group met for the first time last week and will review access issues, transport integration, and infrastructure requirements to support the new hospital.
A stakeholder advisory group involving members of the community, local and state government, and health care and education providers has also been formed on the Sunshine Coast and will meet this month for the second time.
6 September, 2007
MEDIA: JOSHUA COONEY 3234 1185