Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital extensions: Work to begin soon as tenders awarded

Work will begin soon on major expansions at both Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina after the awarding of tenders. FULL DETAILS

THE State Government will today announce that tenders have been awarded for expansion work at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) and Robina Hospital with a combined value of $88.5 million.

GCUH will get three new wards with 70 beds catering for patients with complex behavioural issues, while Robina will see its Emergency Department expanded with 20 extra treatment spaces provided.

Tenders for the projects have been awarded to Broad Construction and Alder Construction respectively, with Minister for Health and ­Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath saying work on both would begin soon.

“I am thrilled that the $72 million Gold Coast University Hospital subacute expansion project is about to kick off,” Ms D’Ath said.

“The Gold Coast University Hospital will receive three new wards to provide 70 extra subacute beds to care for patients with complex behavioural issues.”

Gold Coast University Hospital will get 70 new beds. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Gosling

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said that the purpose-built wards would include a complex management unit, geriatric evaluation and management unit, and memory support unit.

“Investments like these are vital to ensure that the Gold Coast receives state-of-the-art facilities to support our fast-growing community,” Ms Scanlon said.

“This investment is evidence of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the ongoing improvement of Gold Coast hospitals, so they are equipped to meet the needs of the community.

“We are delivering $1.6 billion worth of health infrastructure projects for the growing Gold Coast community, which together will provide an extra 648 beds and will deliver healthcare services closer to home.

“Our investments to build new and expanded hospitals across the Gold Coast will also provide a significant boost for the local economy and local businesses, creating more than 3,800 construction jobs.”

Robina’s Emergency Department will be expanded.

Ms D’Ath said Alder Construction will begin work early this year on the $16.5 million expansion of Robina Hospital’s Emergency Department.

“The Emergency Department will be extended into the former transit lounge area to deliver 20 extra treatment spaces and additional procedure areas, which will improve patient flow and reduce waiting times,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Importantly, these projects are supported by the Palaszczuk Government’s record investment in staffing, with 337 more doctors, 1,655 more nurses, 139 more paramedics and 255 more allied health professionals joining the Gold Coast workforce since we were elected in 2015.”

The expansion works come amid record demand at Gold Coast hospitals. Emergency Departments at GCUH and Robina more than 190,000 patients combined in 2021-2022.