BUDGET DELIVERS FUNDS FOR NEW MACKAY HOSPITAL

Health Minister Stephen Robertson welcomed funding in today’s State Budget for the new $405 million Mackay Hospital.

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government had delivered on an earlier commitment to immediately invest funds for the new Mackay Hospital

“We’ll spend $5.3 million next financial year to get project off the ground,” Mr Robertson said.

“The new hospital will be a state of the art health facility that will offer substantially expanded clinical services to the region's residents.

“It will be constructed over 4 to 5 years and provide more operating theatres, a special dedicated Coronary Care Unit and a larger Intensive Care Unit.

“There will also be increased Mental Health services, a larger dialysis unit and a staff skill centre.

Mr Robertson said that under the Mackay Master Plan, clinical services would be co-located in a new, 3 storey Acute Hospital building.

“The new facility would also include 8 critical coronary care beds, 9 special care nursery cots and 12 additional beds for those needing mental health care,” he said.

“Funding for preliminary planning and design work means construction should get underway next year.”

3 June,  2008
MEDIA Joshua Cooney 3234 1185