Funding boost for patient accommodation in Toowoomba

The Bligh Government is investing nearly $10,000 to improve an affordable accommodation service for hospital patients in Toowoomba.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today announced a funding grant of $9,729 for Toowoomba’s Glennon House Motel.

Glennon House will use the State Government grant to upgrade its laundry facilities.

“This investment is about helping Glennon House to maintain a vital service to hospital patients in Toowoomba,” Mr Robertson said.

“Glennon House does a fantastic job providing budget accommodation for patients who have to go to Toowoomba to access medical services.

“It helps cancer patients, women awaiting the birth of a baby and others who have no alternative but to stay in Toowoomba for treatment.

“In its first 12 months, Glennon House accommodated 350 people for a total of 855 nights, with patients coming from Chinchilla, Cunnumulla, Emerald, Rockhampton and Gayndah.

“Without this low cost alternative, these people would have faced higher accommodation bills at a time for them which was already very stressful.”

Since May last year, Glennon House has provided budget accommodation and special support for outpatients facing hospital treatment in Toowoomba.

The $9,729 grant funding to Glennon House will be spent on:

• Washing machine and dryer ($4,565);
• Plumbing for new hot and cold taps and laundry trough ($2,400);
• Electrical work including the new installation of a safety switch ($1,564.15)
• Cost of installation ($1,200)

“The number of guests at Glennon House is increasing and it needs these facilities to cope with the growing demand,” Mr Robertson said.

“This is a practical measure about improving health outcomes for Queenslanders and their families.”

Media: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008