Business plan puts new hospital closer

THE next step towards a new Toowoomba Hospital has begun, after the State Government agreed to fund a business plan for it in the latest budget.

About $3 million was allocated for the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service to “commence an 18-24 month business case process to determine future health needs in Toowoomba”.

The DDHHS already developed a preliminary business case in December, based on community and stakeholder consultation, but was waiting on funding from the Department of Health for the next stage.

DDHHS chairman Mike Horan called the funding essential to start planning for a new hospital at either Baillie Henderson or on the current land.

“It’s a foot in the door – this is the first step we have to take but we’re delighted with both the capital works and the $3 million to commence the business case,” he said.

It will be used to fund expert advice on the cost of a new hospital, the cost benefit analysis of it, and clearly pointing out how tight things are with the existing hospital.

“It would look at the future needs and the growth of Toowoomba and surrounding areas, and how that will look over the next 20 to 30 years,” Mr Horan said.

“It’ll involve very detailed reports and engagement of our staff, along with engagement with the community, particularly with the ambulance and police services, local government and state government, and community groups.”

The Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service’s operating budget for the upcoming financial year stands at $761 million, an increase of $87 million or nearly 13% from the previous year.

Kingaroy Hospital was the biggest single winner in the region, with $8 million put towards planning a new building, while $15.3 million was allocated to meet projected increased traffic at emergency departments and in elective surgery.