New Toowoomba Hospital, day surgery, Kingaroy Hospital Toowoomba region’s ‘big ticket’ projects

The expansion of the health industry in the Darling Downs hinges on three projects that exceed $1 billion. Here is what they are and why they are crucial to the region’s future.

The health infrastructure space on the Darling Downs is a constantly growing entity – but it’s three major projects that will truly set the region apart from the rest of the state.

Toowoomba and Surat Base Enterprise hosted health professionals and business leaders who wanted to learn more about the major healthcare industry on the Downs, in particular these three “big ticket items”.

“The three big ticket items for Darling Downs Health are the proposed new Toowoomba Hospital to be built at Baillie Henderson, the recently announced $42 million day surgery to be built at Baillie Henderson, and the almost completed new $92.5 million Kingaroy Hospital,” Darling Downs Health Projects, Planning, and Property Director Phil Gregory said.

According to Mr Gregory, the proposed new Toowoomba Hospital will be the largest infrastructure project the region has seen to date.

Artist impressions of the new Toowoomba Hospital at the site of the old Baillie Henderson Hospital site. Photo: Supplied.

The project is Darling Downs Health’s number on priority.

It hasn’t been without its controversy – Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has not given a timeline for when funding will be announced to fast track the infrastructure.

Mr Gregory discussed the recent budget allocation for the construction of the two-theatre day surgery unit.

“The two-theatre day surgery is a significant project by any standards,” he said.

“Whilst a big part of the $42 million price tag includes the medical equipment to fit it out, this is still a substantial piece of infrastructure to be built in Toowoomba over the next couple of years.

“We see the day surgery as a key piece of the infrastructure jigsaw we need to get ready for a potential new Toowoomba Hospital.”

Statistics show that Toowoomba’s ageing population will result in an increased demand on health services, with 21% of the region expected to be over 65 by 2036.

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport emphasised the urgency of the new projects, and shared the economic benefits.

“The local healthcare sector is so important, and accounts for almost one in five jobs in Toowoomba so we need to continue advocating to see this become a reality,” she said.

Originally published as New Toowoomba Hospital, day surgery, Kingaroy Hospital Toowoomba region’s ‘big ticket’ projects