Health Minister officially opens new Miles Hospital

Health services on the Darling Downs have been boosted by the official opening today of the new Miles Hospital by Health Minister Stephen Robertson.

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government had worked closely with the local community to deliver the new $13 million facility through the Smart State Building Fund Initiative.

“This is an important milestone for the local health system and it will deliver Miles residents improved and expanded health services,” he said.

“With its growing population, Miles is experiencing strong demand for health services and this new hospital puts us on track to meet this demand.

“The new facility includes a 13-bed acute ward, a 14-bed aged care unit (Milton House), new emergency and radiology departments and allied health and community health services.

“Surgical services have also been improved thanks to an upgrade of video scope equipment.

“Partnerships with the Goondir Indigenous Health Service and Blue Care will deliver an expanded range of community health services from the new facility.

“This all means enhanced and sustainable health services for Miles residents, now and in the future.

Mr Robertson paid tribute to the important role played by local residents in successfully delivering the new hospital.

“The acute area of the hospital has been named the ‘Gilmour Wing’, in recognition of the decades of service to the local health industry by the Gilmour family,” he said.

“Their service goes back to 1947, with both Arthur Gilmour and his son Roderick, former Murilla Shire Mayor, serving on the Miles Hospital’s Board.

“The Gilmour family’s service continues to this day, with Roderick’s wife Ailsa Gilmour the current Chair of the Northern Downs Health Community Council.

“It’s important that we acknowledge the contribution of this family, and their tireless effort – often unseen and unpaid – to build sustainable local health services.

Mr Robertson also acknowledged the Nixon family for its financial contribution to the construction of the original Milton House, and to the late Ken Kennedy, a former resident of Milton House, who donated more than $400,000 to the new facility.

“These contributions are a glowing tribute to the people concerned and yet another example of the generosity of spirit and sense of community that exists in rural areas,” Mr Robertson said.

MEDIA: Kate Van Poelgeest 0458 449 267