HEALTH MINISTER OPENS NEW ORAL HEALTH FACILITY IN ROCKHAMPTON

27 March 2008

Rockhampton’s $7.4 million Community Dental Health Clinic was officially opened today by Health Minister Stephen Robertson.

Mr Robertson said the new facility was the latest in a series of health service improvements in the region.

“The new Clinic will further enhance the community’s access to quality services in the area,” Mr Robertson said.

“It is one of the few dental clinics in regional Queensland offering a comprehensive range of dental specialist services including oral surgery, oral pathology, orthodontics and periodontal services.

“State of the art technology at the new facility includes digital radiography, intra oral camera and computers in each surgery.

“Already the facility, which has 13 oral health chairs, has made a significant contribution to treating patients in the region.

“Since it first began operating in November, more than 8,000 treatments have been provided,” he said.

Mr Robertson said the new Clinic represented Queensland Health’s continuing commitment to improve services across the region.

“A $77.4 million Rockhampton Hospital improvement project is also underway and will provide a new emergency department and an additional 30 general hospital beds,” he said.

“Construction of the emergency department is due to be completed by late 2009, with other internal redevelopments completed by late 2010.

“Other Queensland Health infrastructure projects in the area include:

    ·$8.4 million Rockhampton Hospital staff accommodation;
    ·$22.6 million Yeppoon Hospital development;
    ·$14.75 million Gladstone Community, Mental and Oral Health     
    consolidation; and
    ·$1.5 million Moura Private Practice Clinic.

“Our government has prioritised these health infrastructure projects to ensure Central Queensland residents have access to quality and sustainable health services,” he said.

Media contacts:

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

·Amanda Froude 3225 2680 or 0417 728 676