Record budget boosts health services at Bundaberg Hospital
Published Thursday, 04 October, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
A record budget is driving better health services in Bundaberg, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson said the Bundaberg Hospital budget for 2007-08 was $81 million.
“This is a massive 22 percent increase for Bundaberg over the last two years, up from $66 million in 2005-06,” he said.
“The State Labor Government is delivering record health budgets across the state, and particularly for areas like Bundaberg where we are experiencing such rapid growth in demand.”
Mr Robertson said the record funding was delivering improved services across the Wide Bay Health Service District.
“Over the next 12 months, Bundaberg Hospital will be improving access and reducing waiting times for the community at outpatients’ services,” he said.
“In 2007-08, $7 million is being invested to staff 21 additional beds at Bundaberg Hospital.
“We’ll also see work get underway on the $41 million Bundaberg Hospital expansion including 30 new beds, expanded emergency department and relocation of rehabilitation services.
“Progress on the master plan is advancing and tomorrow (Friday) Queensland Health will call for tenders for a project manager to steer the redevelopment.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland Health would also continue to recruit more clinical staff for the Wide Bay.
“Since June 2005, we have 29 extra doctors, 87 extra nurses and 22 extra allied health professionals working in public hospitals in the Wide Bay District,” he said.
“That’s a net gain of 138 extra clinical staff in just over two years.”
4 October, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson said the Bundaberg Hospital budget for 2007-08 was $81 million.
“This is a massive 22 percent increase for Bundaberg over the last two years, up from $66 million in 2005-06,” he said.
“The State Labor Government is delivering record health budgets across the state, and particularly for areas like Bundaberg where we are experiencing such rapid growth in demand.”
Mr Robertson said the record funding was delivering improved services across the Wide Bay Health Service District.
“Over the next 12 months, Bundaberg Hospital will be improving access and reducing waiting times for the community at outpatients’ services,” he said.
“In 2007-08, $7 million is being invested to staff 21 additional beds at Bundaberg Hospital.
“We’ll also see work get underway on the $41 million Bundaberg Hospital expansion including 30 new beds, expanded emergency department and relocation of rehabilitation services.
“Progress on the master plan is advancing and tomorrow (Friday) Queensland Health will call for tenders for a project manager to steer the redevelopment.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland Health would also continue to recruit more clinical staff for the Wide Bay.
“Since June 2005, we have 29 extra doctors, 87 extra nurses and 22 extra allied health professionals working in public hospitals in the Wide Bay District,” he said.
“That’s a net gain of 138 extra clinical staff in just over two years.”
4 October, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680