NAME REVEALED FOR NEW SUNSHINE COAST HOSPITAL

The new $1.2 billion tertiary hospital opening at Kawana in 2014 will be named the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced today.

Mr Robertson said the name reflected the strong relationship Queensland Health enjoyed with both the University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“The Sunshine Coast’s health facilities have a long and positive relationship with medical students from the University of Queensland and nursing and allied health students from the University of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“It’s a fitting name for a hospital which will deliver a massive boost to health services on the Sunshine Coast.

“We’re building this brand new 650 bed hospital at Kawana to meet the future health needs of the fast growing Sunshine Coast region.

“It’s a sign of the Bligh Government’s commitment to planning for the future and managing growth.

“We’re also redeveloping Nambour General Hospital in an expansion which will see its capacity boosted by 126 beds.

“This includes a new $150 million ward block with 96 beds and a new 150-space car park which is nearing completion.

“Additionally, we’re delivering an extra 30 beds as part of the $27 million Caloundra Hospital redevelopment.”

Mr Robertson was at Nambour General Hospital today to formally recognise the opening last month of the University of Queensland’s Clinical School of Medicine.

“By formally recognising Nambour General Hospital as a teaching facility of the University of Queensland, we’re acknowledging the hospital’s long term role in the training of medical students,” he said.

“The University of Queensland has been a traditional source of medical students and interns for Nambour General Hospital for 15 years, placing up to 120 students a year.

“We hope the number of medical students and interns placed at this school will grow significantly in coming years.

“I announced the creation of this school in November because we promised Queenslanders the best possible health services, no matter where they live.

“The Bligh Government is delivering on this promise on the Sunshine Coast – we’re building not just a new hospital, we’re building a place to work, heal and learn.”

The new $1.2 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital will start construction in mid 2010 and open in late 2014.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 0407 675 008