MAJOR FUNDING BOOST FOR TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL

Townsville hospital will undergo a $10 million expansion of its emergency department – with $7 million being spent in 2008-09 - as part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to improving the region’s health services.

As well, a further $10 million has been allocated in 2008-09 towards the $84 million expansion of the hospital which will deliver another 78 extra hospital beds.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson and Member for Mundingburra Lindy Nelson-Carr said the emergency department project would expand the ground floor of emergency and the x-ray areas.

‘’The aim of the funding is to move any non clinical areas of the emergency and Xray departments up one level and redesign the current area to ensure there is a larger area for clinical and patient needs,” Mr Robertson said.

‘’North Queensland is growing and there is now greater demand on emergency services at Townsville Hospital.

‘’This funding will expand capacity so that our doctors and nurses can treat more North Queenslanders in a much better environment in a more timely fashion.

“It will ensure improved services and better patient outcomes for Townsville and North Queensland.

“Ms Nelson-Carr has lobbied hard for this project on behalf of her constituents and this Budget has delivered funds to get it up and running as soon as possible.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the funding would ensure that the hospital had enhanced capacity to deal with the region’s sick and injured patients.

‘’It will help reduce congestion in waiting rooms – they’re becoming busier each day as the population grows and ages.

’This funding is critical in order for the hospital to meet the growing demands of a growing population.

“Health is our number one priority. We are committed to building and improving health services for the future that’s why we are investing in the long term health of north Queenslanders.

‘’The staff at Townsville do an amazing job in what are often very difficult circumstances.

‘’We need to give them all the help they can get.”

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government was committed to improving services to regional Queensland.

’The growing population in north Queensland means now, more than ever, we need to be focussed on health care,” he said.

“These improvements show the Bligh Government is listening to the people of regional Queensland.

‘’I have also been personally lobbied by all three Townsville MPs – the Members for Townsville, Mundingburra and Thuringowa have all made impassioned pleas on behalf of their constituents.’’

3 June,  2008
MEDIA:

Health Minister’s Office: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185

Member for Mundingburra’s Office: Harry Landman 0407 637 510