CONSTRUCTION OF NEW $22.6M YEPPOON HOSPITAL OFFICIALLY STARTS

27 March 2008

Construction of the new $22.6 million Yeppoon Hospital has officially started, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson and Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan officially marked the start of construction of the new Yeppoon Hospital today at a sod turning ceremony.

Mr Hoolihan said when completed, the hospital would be an important link for the provision of quality health care to patients throughout Central Queensland.

“The new Yeppoon Hospital will strengthen the delivery of allied health and oral health services in Rockhampton, which will in turn lead to better services for patients throughout Central Queensland,” Mr Hoolihan said.

“This facility will also cater for the growth in the Capricorn Coast region. Expanding health services is a priority to ensure the current and future Capricorn Coast community has access to sustainable health services.”

Mr Hoolihan said early works construction began at Yeppoon Hospital in December, 2007 with the successful contractor, Woollams, starting the main work this month.

“The record rain we have received in recent weeks has delayed works on the new Yeppoon Hospital. Construction is now getting underway.”

Mr Robertson said construction of the new Yeppoon Hospital was expected to be completed by early 2009 and services were expected to be in use shortly after.

“The new facility will include an emergency department, ambulatory care wing, 22 hospital beds, four oral health chairs and a private practice clinic,” Mr Robertson said.

“The new Yeppoon Hospital will provide the opportunity to co-locate a wide range of services, improving access for the local community.

“It will combine acute health services with a variety of community services, including mental and oral health care and specialised rehabilitation services, on one site,” he said.

Mr Robertson said the hospital was designed with consideration of anticipated growth in the demand for health services.

“The redevelopment will ensure the health service continues to meet the needs of the local community and region,” he said.

Mr Robertson said construction of the new Yeppoon Hospital was part of a comprehensive plan to ensure the health service needs of central Queensland and quality health care are delivered.

Queensland Health has committed to improving the access to health services in the district with:

    -$77.4 million Rockhampton Hospital improvement project
    -$8.4 million Rockhampton Hospital staff accommodation
    -$7.4 million Rockhampton oral health upgrade
    -$14.75 million Gladstone community, mental and oral health consolidation, and 
    -$1.5 million Moura Private Practice Clinic.

Media contacts:

·Kirby Anderson (travelling with Minister Robertson) 0418 197 350

·Amanda Froude 3225 2680 or 0417 728 676