Final slab poured for new hospital

The $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital is one step closer to completion with the final slab poured on the hospital’s main building today.

Cr Peter Cox, whose Economic Development portfolio includes the health and medical precinct at Kawana, was on hand to witness the construction milestone as well as take a tour of the hospital's progress. "Our new hospital is right on track for an opening in late 2016 which is great news for our Coast residents and those who live in communities nearby," Cr Cox said. "This will mean about 10,000 patients each year will not have to travel to Brisbane for complex treatment and will add around 3500 jobs to the Coast when it opens, growing to almost double that five years later." Health Minister Cameron Dick said the Queensland Government project would help address the growing health needs of the Sunshine Coast and Gympie communities. “This was an important project for this region, and it is the first new major, not replacement, public hospital to be built in Australia in more than 20 years,” Mr Dick said.

“The 164,000m2 main hospital building forms the centre of the new hospital, and is split over six functional levels, plus roof top plant rooms and helipad.

“The building will ultimately house emergency, medical, cancer, renal, intensive care, obstetric, paediatric and clinical support services, as well as the 450 inpatient beds.”

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board Chair Emeritus Professor Paul Thomas AO said the new hospital meant residents would have greater access to healthcare than ever before.

“It brings range of new and enhanced free public hospital services that will help us better meet the needs of our growing community,” Prof Thomas said.

“Once completed, this campus will be a centre of excellence in healthcare, ensuring better patient outcomes and better health outcomes for our community.”

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kevin Hegarty said the Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the region.

“The Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital will bring new clinical capability, new capacity, new workforce and an increase in self-sufficiency in health care on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Hegarty said.

“The new hospital will form part of the network of services provided by the SCHHS, focussing on tertiary services for Sunshine Coast and Gympie residents, as well as people from outside the region such as Wide Bay."

General Manager of Lend Lease’s Building business in Queensland, Tony Orazio said that in the next phase of the project, the number of construction workers would grow from the current 1200 onsite to 1800 mid-year, across trades like structure, services and finishes.