$27M CALOUNDRA HOSPITAL UPGRADE TO DELIVER 30 EXTRA BEDS

Work is progressing on a $27 million upgrade of Caloundra Hospital that will deliver 30 extra beds and improved health services for the Sunshine Coast.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today the redevelopment includes:

·An emergency department expansion to include a new 8-bed observation ward;

·A brand new 12-chair renal dialysis unit;

·A 10-bed purpose-built palliative care wing;

·A new two-storey oral health facility with 12 chairs plus dental laboratories.

“Improved ambulance drop-off bays, upgraded car parking, better services and support infrastructure will be a feature of the redevelopment,” Mr Robertson said.

“The medical imaging unit and pharmacy department will also be expanded while the Red Cross rooms and Community Health Unit will be relocated to refurbished areas.

“Earthworks, road realignment and service upgrades are already well advanced despite recent heavy rain.

“Construction of three new buildings to accommodate oral health and renal services, the palliative care wing, and the new observation ward is expected to start during February.”

Mr Robertson said the Caloundra upgrade is part of the Bligh Government’s election commitment to increase Sunshine Coast bed capacity by 90 beds at a total cost of $203 million over five years.

“We promised these 90 new beds would be in place prior to completion of the Sunshine Coast’s new $940 million 650-bed capacity tertiary hospital which opens at Kawana in 2014.

“The Caloundra Hospital redevelopment will deliver its promised 30 extra beds by late 2008.”

Mr Robertson said work is also underway at Nambour Hospital to deliver the first 30 of its promised 60 extra beds.

The first 30 extra beds at Nambour Hospital will include:

• 4 renal unit beds (Block 6);
• 6 maternity beds (2D);
• 6 surgical beds (1B);
• 2 orthopaedic beds (1E);
• 6 medical and surgical beds in a short-stay ward;
• 6 transit lounge beds for medical, surgical and pre-discharge patients.

“Work is progressing at Nambour Hospital to relocate staff and non-clinical services such as the library and medical records to create additional clinical space for the beds.

“I’m advised the first of these 30 beds will be delivered in April and the rest will be fully operational by September 2008.

“The State Government is also committed to delivering a further 30 beds at Nambour Hospital by December 2010.

“Together, these initiatives will increase collective bed capacity at Nambour and Caloundra hospitals from the current 386 beds to 446 beds

“That ensures we will continue to meet growing demand for health services on the Sunshine Coast while we build the new $940 million tertiary hospital at Kawana,” Mr Robertson said.

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH 3234 1190 or 0417 728 676