Bundaberg residents invited to have say on new Bundaberg Hospital

Bundaberg residents are being invited to have their say on the new $1.2 billion Bundaberg Hospital with the release of updated concept plans today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is encouraging Bundaberg residents to provide feedback on the updated concept plans as the hospital development enters an exciting new phase.

“In the lead-up to the 2020 State Election, I came to Bundaberg and stood next to Tom Smith, and together we committed to build a new Bundaberg Hospital,” the Premier said.

“My government has listened to Bundaberg residents and the local community, and we’re delivering what they’ve asked for.

“We’ve committed $1.2 billion for a brand new hospital which will deliver more than 120 extra beds and greatly expand the range of health services available to local residents.

“Construction of the new hospital will deliver an important boost to the local economy, while supporting an estimated 2,887 jobs which is what my government is all about.

“Hospital staff, patients and the broader community have already had input to the hospital business case and they can now have their say on the updated concept plans.”

The new hospital will include:

• Additional beds across medical, surgical, intensive care, coronary care, paediatric and mental health;
• Additional operating theatres;
• Additional Emergency Department treatment spaces;
• Additional outpatient consult areas;
• Expansion of medical imaging, pharmacy and pathology; and
• Expansion of education and training areas, and facility support services.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said one of the main changes the community would note in the updated concept plan was an increase in the height of the hospital.

“With an ageing local population more people are presenting to our hospitals with more complex conditions, including those with walking difficulties,” the Minister said.

“With that in mind, it’s proposed to increase the height from a three-storey to a six-storey hospital to improve accessibility and reduce walking distances for patients.

“Building higher will also reduce the footprint of the long-term master plan, enabling us to preserve more vegetation which addresses some of the feedback we have already received.

“The project team has also incorporated the latest infection control, technology and inpatient accommodation learnings which have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith welcomed the $1.2 billion investment and the incredible benefits the new hospital will bring for the community.

“The new Bundaberg Hospital is a game changer for our region and will enable more locals to receive care closer to home,” Mr Smith said.

“Construction of the new hospital will also provide a major boost to our local economy, creating approximately 2,887 jobs during construction.

“Local residents have been very strong supporters of the new Bundaberg Hospital, and their conversation with me, especially around parking and public transport has already influenced its shape and design.

“I encourage all members of our Bundaberg community to look over the updated concept plans and put forward any further feedback.”

To view the updated plan and to have your say, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/widebay/bundaberg-hospital. The online survey will be open for two weeks until Wednesday, 31 August.

ENDS

Media contact: Martin Philip - 0407 675 008