OUR $1.2B WISH LIST
REVEALED: PROJECTS TO DELIVER BOOST
TOWNSVILLE University Hospital has outlined a list of future projects that will deliver the region out of the economic vice of COVID-19.
A hybrid theatre and expansion of the emergency department’s paediatric zone are among the Townsville University Hospital’s billion dollar shovel-ready projects set to create thousands of jobs.
A HYBRID theatre and expansion of the emergency department’s paediatric zone are among the Townsville University Hospital’s billion dollar shovel-ready projects set to create thousands of jobs.
The proposed health infrastructure works worth $1.2 billion are expected to create up to 7263 jobs, and are outlined in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, which identifies “market ready” and longer term projects that would create growth in response to the pandemic.
The Townsville Bulletin can reveal the economic benefit of the works for North Queensland will be $2.5 billion throughout its planning and delivery by 2025.
The hybrid operating theatre is a long-term plan and will be only the second of its kind in North Queensland.
It will combine a vascular and cardiac imaging laboratory inside the operating space.
It is understood similar theatres have cut hospital wait times in other regions.
The fit-out of an additional 33-bed ward, redevelopment of the adult acute mental health unit, a hybrid theatre to expand procedure capability, refurbishment of public areas, relocation and upgrades to the North Queensland Pain Management Service, redevelopment of outpatient clinics, expansion of the paediatric zone in the Emergency Department and improving passenger drop-offs have been identified as Townsville hospital projects that are ready for market tender process or could be started in under six months.
The report also includes a new hospital for Charters Towers, new renal services, aged care upgrades and a CT scanner worth $172.1 million in total and creating 1092 jobs.
The Hinchinbrook Shire is set for upgrades for its emergency department, among other services worth $10 million, creating up to 49 jobs.
The first stage of the TUH masterplan, which will see a new 10-storey rehabilitation, day surgery and ward facility including 148 beds and a multilevel car park, are among investments seeking to be fast tracked.
These proposals are larger projects that will require one to two years of detailed planning and will be the most important for job creation and economic growth for the region.
They include the $223 million Kirwan Health Campus Redevelopment, expanding current services to deliver a new multistorey facility.
A two-year planning program will be followed by two years of procurement and construction.