Health Minister turns first sod on PA Hospital emergency department expansion

Health Minister Stephen Robertson turned the first sod today on the $88 million expansion of Princess Alexandra Hospital’s emergency department.

Mr Robertson said the expansion would deliver a major boost to the hospital’s ED capacity.

“This is an important milestone in the expansion of clinical services at PA Hospital,” he said.

“In addition to an expanded emergency department, this redevelopment will also deliver a relocated helipad and a new radiation oncology bunker.

“This will put us on track to meet the ever increasing demand for emergency services in Brisbane.

“ED presentations continue to outstrip population growth, which is why we’re investing now to ensure we have the ongoing capacity to treat our sickest patients.”

The $88 million emergency department expansion project consists of:

• $56 million on the ED expansion itself;
• $22 million on the helipad relocation; and
• $10 million on the radiation oncology bunker.

Mr Robertson said the new ED would have three times the floor space of the existing facility and feature 46 acute treatment areas, improved trauma facilities and an eight-bed short-stay Observation Unit.

“It will also include an emergency mental health assessment unit, satellite medical imaging and a 30-bed medical assessment and planning unit,” he said.

“The structural foundations have been designed to allow for expanded clinical services as part of our future-proofing strategy for the hospital.

“The new helipad will enable better and safer access to the hospital’s specialty services, with a high-speed lift delivering patients to the new ED.

“Its elevated location will be safer for emergency retrieval helicopters and less intrusive for surrounding residents.

“The $10 million Radiation Oncology service expansion will deliver a new linear accelerator bunker, which will allow for future expansion of services for cancer patients.”

Mr Robertson said the ED expansion, helipad relocation and radiation oncology service expansion were all expected to be completed in 2010.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680