New Blackall hospital part of a $60m-plus works pr...

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath has officially opened Blackall’s new $20.11 million hospital – part of a $60 million-plus health infrastructure works program over three years in the Central West.

“This is a completely new facility to replace the former hospital and it marks a significant expansion of services for Blackall and Tambo residents,” Ms D’Ath said.

“It’s a 21st century facility which will deliver 21st century services.

“The 10-bed facility includes two emergency department bays and two short-stay beds, together with the associated general practice to provide coordinated and integrated healthcare for the community.”

Mrs D’Ath said the hospital works supported about 58 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs during construction period and provided opportunities for local business to participate.

“Several local businesses supplied civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as trade services to support construction activities,” she said.

“There were also positive economic flow-on effects with local businesses participating indirectly in the provision of support services for the construction workforce.”

Ms D’Ath said Queensland Health was delivering 128 construction projects across the state, with the 2020-21 built infrastructure program supporting more than 1500 full time equivalent jobs.

Central West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Jane Hancock said a feasibility study was progressing to determine the future use of the existing hospital complex now the new Blackall hospital had been completed.

The $60 million-plus infrastructure works program in the Central West also includes:

$14.5 million Longreach Hospital upgrade and additional works. Main hospital upgrade completed in November 2018, with some additional minor works completed during 2019.$7.24 million Boulia Primary Health Centre replacement, including a $572,900 contribution from the Commonwealth for a Wellbeing Centre, completed in November 2019.$4.75 million electrical and mechanical upgrade under way at Longreach Hospital.$4.2 million Windorah Primary Health Centre replacement. Planning and community consultation under way.$4.1 million Aramac Primary Health Care Centre completed in April 2018.$3.9 million worth of mechanical and other upgrades at Barcaldine Multipurpose Health Service, including the delivery of a new, state-of-the-art dental clinic completed in 2017.$2.36 million corridor and underfloor upgrading program under way at Barcaldine MPHS.$1.6 million generator and main switchboard replacement program under way at Longreach Hospital.$1.42 million water treatment plant replacement program under way at Longreach Hospital and Barcaldine MPHS.