New beds to open at Townsville Hospital

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today announced eight new beds at the Townsville Hospital will open within weeks to help alleviate pressure on medical services.

“We recognise the stress the hospital and its staff are under, and that is why we are fast-tracking opening more beds,” Mr Robertson said.

“I have been advised by the Director General that there is now a plan in place to open eight more beds within two weeks and an additional 30 beds within 18 months,” he said.

Mr Robertson said the State Government was on track to delivering on its election promise of 78 additional beds.

“We are taking our commitment to the people of the north very seriously and have been actively consulting with staff about the best possible way to bring this forward,” Mr Robertson said.

Planning for the eight extra beds will begin immediately, with the further 30 beds due to come on line by the end of 2009.

Townsville Hospital staff and management met Queensland Health Director-General Mick Reid again today to further discuss managing the pressure being experienced during peak winter demand.

Mr Robertson said he had been advised staff were pleased with the outcome of today’s meetings.

“I would like to thank the Townsville Hospital staff for working collaboratively with Queensland Health to implement practical solutions to ease the pressure.

“I anticipate this new capacity will assist while we do all we can to bring online all of the extra beds we committed to in 2006,” he said.

At the Minister’s request Mr Reid also visited the hospital last week to hear directly from frontline staff about Townsville issues and to talk through possible short-term and long-term solutions.

ENDS.

Contact Kate Van Poelgeest on 3234 1185 or 0458 449 267