New mental health facilities for Rockhampton under $92m funding commitment

• Queensland Government commits to key mental health project at Bush Summit to expand health services to Rockhampton and surrounding areas
• $92 million Mental Health Unit Refurbishment and Expansion project will deliver a 32-bed mental health facility, an increase of 9 beds for the region
• Investment replaces the $12.8 million commitment to refurbish the existing mental health unit meaning patients can receive the best care close to home
• Funding will come from coal royalties

The Queensland Government has today prioritised a new, state-of-the-art mental health facility and cardiac theatre in Rockhampton.

A contract for the construction of a new $91.95 million Rockhampton Mental Health Unit Refurbishment and Expansion project is expected to be awarded later this year.

It is anticipated construction will begin in mid-2024, following a detailed design process with the contractor.

The project will deliver a new 32-bed mental health facility instead of the existing plan to refurbish the facility. It will also be delivered with the cardiac theatre expansion currently in tender.

Once complete, in early 2026, the facility will provide high quality treatment and care to more consumers in Rockhampton and surrounding areas experiencing an acute episode of mental illness.

The $28.5 million project to deliver a cardiac theatre at Rockhampton Hospital is expected to start in mid-2024, subject to the ongoing procurement process.

The new theatre will establish a diagnostic and interventional cardiology service within the region, enhancing the range of cardiovascular procedures to include coronary angiograms, coronary stents and pacemaker implantation.

The cardiac theatre is anticipated to open in mid-2025.  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queenslanders have access to the best healthcare available, no matter where they live.

“This new mental health facility will mean that more beds and essential support services will be available closer to home for residents in Rockhampton and surrounding areas.

“We know regional areas are particularly vulnerable to mental health crises and by increasing our commitment to services in Rocky we can ensure this community has access to the support and services they expect and deserve.

“I have met with the hard-working staff in the hospital’s cardiac ward who are committed to delivering the very best care for their patients, so it’s important we provide them with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure they can continue their lifesaving work.

“These projects will significantly enhance the level of healthcare services available to Rockhampton locals.”

ENDS

Media Contact – Natarjsha Kramer – 0456 436 934