Work begins on new $9.5 million staff accommodation at Roma Hospital

Construction is underway on a new $9.5 million staff accommodation complex at Roma Hospital, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

“This new complex will provide quality accommodation for doctors, nurses and allied health staff working at the hospital.

“It will also make Roma Hospital a more attractive employer to health professionals well into the future,” he said.

The new complex was funded through Queensland Health’s $91 million Regional Accommodation Program and will comprise seven free standing buildings on the north west side of the campus.

The complex will include:

• One communal recreational building
• Two two-bedroom units
• Two four-bedroom units
• Two two-storey buildings, each housing 12 people

Mr Robertson said these new quarters will be adjacent to the six motel-style single bedroom units already completed at a cost of $1.62 million.

“Attracting and retaining doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in rural and remote communities remains a key priority area for the Queensland Government.

“That’s why we are investing $91 million through the Regional Accommodation Program to expand and improve housing for health staff in rural and regional communities

“Roma Hospital already has seven new graduate nurses, a senior medical officer, a speech pathologist and a social worker joining its ranks this month.

“Quality staff accommodation will make it easier to recruit and retain more clinical staff like these to this vibrant rural community. “

The new $9.5 million complex is scheduled for completion by December 2008.

MEDIA: AMANDA FROUDE 3225 2680