North Burnett urged to help shape new Bundaberg Hospital

RESIDENTS from the North Burnett are being urged to get involved in the planning of a brand new hospital in Bundaberg. DETAILS:

Bundaberg Hospital Artist Impression Plan. Picture: Queensland Health

RESIDENTS from the North Burnett have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape planning for a new hospital in Bundaberg, with public consultation starting today.

Following a robust consultation process, the project team is now eager to hear from the broader community about their ideas and feedback.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said they recognise the importance of the local people having an opportunity to contribute feedback for the proposed hospital design.

“Whether your hospital experiences involve caring for patients, performing operational roles that keep our hospitals running, or receiving treatment as a patient, we are eager to hear from you,” Ms D’Ath said.

Ms D’Ath said over the coming months, the project team will be sharing a range of materials, such as fact sheets and concept designs, which provide an overview of the key features that are proposed.

“I want to encourage local community members and stakeholders to have their say and contribute to this exciting new facility,” she said.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Peta Jamieson said she was excited that the community would soon be able to visualise the new hospital with the release of the concept plans early next year.

“The plans have been developed following a robust consultation process involving more than 100 local clinicians, operational staff and a range of community members,” Ms Jamieson said.

“A series of ‘user group’ sessions have been underway since March to determine the location of each service and how they will operate and function, along with specific design requirements, and this body of work has helped to bring the hospital to life.

“We are now eager to understand what opportunities and impacts our community members think the proposed health services and facility may have on them and their family’s health and access to care.”

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said community feedback was pivotal to achieving positive outcomes for patients, staff and broader regional communities.

“The opportunity to design a new hospital on a new site that supports future growth and direction of healthcare services doesn’t come around often – let’s do it together to make sure we get it right,” Ms Carroll said.

Staffed and static information displays are planned for February 2021 to enable residents to view hospital concept designs.

An online community survey is currently available here on the project page along with the latest project updates.

 

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