SDQ WRONG ON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SITE

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today dismissed claims by Salaried Doctors Queensland the Herston site had not been properly assessed as an option for the new Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Mr Robertson said the Herston site had undergone a thorough assessment, and all options presented a number of problems.

Conversely, as a development site, the South Brisbane site had land suitable for expansion that was ready now, requiring minimal demolition with good site construction access.

“High level street visibility, better public transport access, proximity to South Bank’s recreational facilities and cultural precinct, as well as collocation with the State’s largest maternity service, makes it very attractive for families and users,” Mr Robertson said.

Mr Robertson said yet another review would mean significant delays and escalation of costs.

“We have committed $68.3 million to the project to date and changing the site would add up to $175 million as well as a 12-18 month delay,” Mr Robertson said.

“This is money that needs to be spent on delivering health services to Queensland children, not on redtape.

Mr Robertson said the project had been delayed until a joint Queensland Health and AMA Queensland forum on the 6^th September took place to hear the concerns of stakeholders.

“All participants agreed that a single children’s hospital was the best way forward for paediatric health care in Queensland, and participants were almost evenly divided on either a South Brisbane or Herston site.

“All participants also agreed, that in the best interests of children’s health, the Government should not lose momentum in building the new Queensland Children’s Hospital, and the funding made available for the new hospital should be used wisely.

“In confirming the decision to locate the new Queensland Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane we will continue to build on the substantial planning by the project team and numerous clinicians, families, children and young people to create a world-class hospital,” he said.

ENDS.

Media: Kate Van Poelgeest 3234 1185 or 0458 449 267 or Martin Philip 0409 891 342