Updated concept plans of Bundaberg's new hospital have been released, with the State Government calling for feedback from local residents.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is encouraging the community to have a say on the plans as the hospital development enters an exciting new phase.
“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,” she said.
“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.
You have to be joking. Where is the plan for the hospital? I believe you should be building a complete NEW hospital to replace the old Base Hospital capable of having 600 beds at least and plans for enlargement without becoming a rabbit warren.
A very large emergency area so doctors have time to to assess patients properly instead of doing a quick check on someone that is not bleeding to death or having a heart attack and then sending them home saying everything is OK. I went in to get my shoulder checked in the Base after falling off my mountain bike. The doctor who was obviously very busy did a quick check (no scans) and sent me home. I ended up in St Andrews Hospital having surgery to repair partial & full thickness tears. There should be a FULL range a specialists and planning for about 25 operating theatres. There should be a decent car park with separate staff parking close to the hospital. I could go on but I know the government will not take any notice so that is all the time I’ll waste.
The position is to close to Bundy Regional Airport A six story building in this position may contravene NASF (National Airport Safeguarding Framework guidelines). As BRA is an Australian Strategic Airport CASA must be informed and approve the development. Also the land near the proposed site was zoned high impact industrial. Has this changed?
They are building a new level 5 hospital that will be able to supply more complex operations then the existing one. It is in a different location it’s going to be much larger & will likely have the other things you listed. The current hospital will continue to run while it is being built & will then be repurposed.