$41.1 million Bundaberg Hospital redevelopment starts Monday

Stage one of the $41.1 million redevelopment of Bundaberg Hospital is scheduled to start on Monday (Feb 18), Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson told State Parliament stage one involves an extension to the existing emergency department to provide six additional observation beds for patients.

“This is the exciting first step in a major project that will revitalise the Bundaberg Hospital for years to come, “he said.

“It delivers on the State Government’s 2006 election commitment to redevelop the hospital.

“And it will ensure Bundaberg Hospital has the services and resources necessary to meet the health needs of a growing and ageing population.”

Mr Robertson said the emergency department extension - which is due for completion by winter - will precede the broader redevelopment of Bundaberg Hospital starting in October.

“The major works will involve construction of a brand new emergency department and maternity unit plus a new medical ward which will provide the Bundaberg Hospital with 20 extra medical beds.

“The new emergency department will be located on the ground floor of a new two-storey building while Community Health Services will be relocated “off-site” to a purpose-built building.

“The Maternity Unit and Special Care Nursery will be located on the first floor of the new building following demolition of the existing administrative building that fronts Bourbong Street.

“The relocation of Maternity will free up the current Family Unit building for relocation and expansion of the hospital’s Rehabilitation Service and Allied Health.

“Areas vacated by the existing emergency department will be reconfigured for Clinical Support Services,” he said.

Mr Robertson said the new emergency department and new maternity ward are scheduled for completion in November 2009 and the entire redevelopment finished in 2010.

“The $41 million Bundaberg Hospital redevelopment will not only provide the hospital with more beds, increased capacity and improved patient services.

“It also reflects the Bligh Government’s ongoing commitment to deliver for the people of Bundaberg new and improved hospital services to meet the health needs of the community well into the future,” he said.

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