Minister unveils Mt Isa Hospital plans

Minister unveils Mt Isa Hospital plans

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today unveiled detailed plans for the $65.2 million redevelopment of Mount Isa Hospital on a visit to the North West.

Mr Robertson said the Mount Isa hospital redevelopment, announced in April 2008, was all systems go, with work set to get underway mid-year.

“Early works on the electrical upgrade, lift upgrade and kiosk demolition are due to commence in July 2009, with the entire project on track to be delivered by 2011.

“This hospital plan is the right plan for Mount Isa and the right plan for Mount Isa residents – one that will put us on track to meeting their health care needs well into the future.

“It will transform health services in the region and provide more than 350 jobs during construction at a time when locals need them most.

“The redevelopment will deliver:

• A new single storey Ambulatory/Community Health Building;
• Refurbishment and extension of the emergency department/short stay ward; and
• Upgrade of lifts in Block C, together with minor refurbishment of the medical and surgical ward floors in this building.

“It will also deliver new outpatients, primary health and community health facilities in a new building on the current hospital site.”

Mr Robertson said the project also includes better training facilities for medical and nursing students at James Cook University’s Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health.

“This is another demonstration of the Bligh Government’s commitment to delivering a sustainable regional health workforce,” he said.

“Creating a world-class learning environment here in Mount Isa will help us to attract more health professionals to work in the region.”

Mr Robertson said the Mount Isa Hospital redevelopment was part of a statewide program to expand and improve regional and rural health facilities.

“It’s part of our unrivalled $6 billion capital works program to build and expand hospitals and health facilities right across Queensland,” he said.

“This is the largest health infrastructure program ever undertaken in Australia, and it will deliver all Queenslanders a lasting legacy of better health services.”

Mr Robertson also visited the North & West Queensland Primary Health Care and the local base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service on his visit to Mount Isa.

ENDS

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