Full steam ahead for Townsville Hospital ED expansion + 500 jobs

Townsville Hospital’s expansion is on track to deliver six new Emergency Department bays and 30 new inpatient beds by peak season this year, Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Ms Bligh and Mr Robertson toured the hospital’s fast-tracked works today.

They visited the current Emergency Department to inspect works on the six new treatment bays which will be delivered later this month.

They also inspected works already underway to deliver an extra 30-bed ward by peak-season this year.

“This is in addition to the 30 extra beds we delivered at Townsville Hospital in 2007.”

The Premier said the works underway were all part of a greater $94 million redevelopment of Townsville Hospital.

She said tenders would be called this month for a contract to build a new wing bringing the total number of new beds at Townsville Hospital to the promised 100.

This new 4-story wing will deliver:

–an expanded Emergency Department - more than a doubling the capacity

–40 new beds

–and two extra floors to cater for future growth.

“The expansion is on track and on budget to open by peak-season 2011.

“It’s a sign of the our commitment to ensuring North Queenslanders have access to first class health services, now and in the future.”

Mr Robertson said the Townsville Hospital expansion would also deliver vital local jobs.

“In addition to strengthening local health services, the hospital expansion will deliver a real boost to Townsville’s economy by creating the equivalent of 489 full-time jobs,” he said.

“This is especially important at a time of global economic uncertainty.”

Ms Bligh said the Townsville Hospital expansion was part of Queensland’s unrivalled $6 billion health capital expenditure program to redevelop and build new hospitals.

“It’s about investing for the future to give Queenslanders the world class health services they expect and deserve.”

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3234 1185