NURSES OFFERED ADVISORY ROLE ON NEW HEALTH FACILITY DESIGN

27 March 2008

The Queensland Nurses' Union (QNU) has been invited to be represented on a new committee to advise Queensland Health on the design of its new health centres and staff accommodation across the State.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said he made the offer to the QNU when he met State Secretary Gay Hawksworth on Tuesday.

"Our nursing staff work and - in communities like those on the Torres Strait - live in Queensland Health facilities," Mr Robertson said.

"They know what works and what doesn't in those buildings."

"What I want to do is get that practical experience and know-how fed directly into the design of new facilities before a sod is turned, before a brick is laid."

"I expect the QNU, if it is prepared to join the Committee, to provide advice on functionality, safety, security and maintenance aspects for the design of new Queensland Health facilities."

Mr Robertson said it was his intention to invite the Queensland Public Sector Union to also be represented on the Committee.

"I plan to finalise the membership of the Queensland Health Facility Design Committee next week, and for it to convene as soon as possible after that," Mr Robertson said.

Mr Robertson said the first new health centre to be examined by the Committee would be the $5.7 million primary health centre and two 2-bedroom units on Saibai Island. Each unit will also have a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, kitchen, living/dining area and external deck.

Meanwhile, Ergon and electrical contractors have finalised power connection and load monitoring for the new $4.45 million health centre and staff accommodation on Warraber Island. The same work will be done on the new $6.6 million health centre and staff accommodation on Darnley Island today.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (travelling with the Minister) 0418 197 350