NEW GIN GIN HOSPITAL OPENS ITS DOORS

29 April, 2008

Patients are now being welcomed into the new $6.9 million Gin Gin Hospital, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said the new 8-bed hospital had a fully equipped emergency department as well as a range of additional health services.

He said in addition to the new hospital, new staff quarters, worth $1.6 million, are also completed.

“This is another example of how the Bligh Government is improving health services in regional Queensland,” Mr Robertson said.

“Local families now have a state-of-the-art hospital that will provide improved, high quality health care services into the future.

“A fully equipped, 24 hour a day, 7 day a week emergency department is now ready and taking patients.

“Patients needing acute, interim and palliative care will have access to 6 beds and there are 2 additional beds for those needing acute, short term observation.

“There is also an oral health facility as well as additional allied health facilities.

“The hospital features child health services as well as room for primary health care promotion and early intervention.

“Both patients and staff will also enjoy the comfortable amenities of the new building.”

Mr Robertson said in addition to the new hospital, the redevelopment also included new staff quarters worth $1.6 million.

“The new staff quarters feature 3 stand alone, fully self contained buildings, each with two double bedrooms which can accommodate up to 6 staff,” he said.

“The buildings are an important part of our continuing commitment to attracting and retaining the quality health staff who are so important to our rural communities.”

“This new, modern facility will greatly benefit both staff and patients.”

Mr Robertson said he was also committed to improving aged care services in the community.

“We’re moving to provide high care nursing home beds in Kolan Gardens, next to the hospital,” he said.

MEDIA: AMANDA FROUDE 3225 2680