Townsville University Hospital hybrid theatre planning works begin

Planning for a crucial project expected to speed up the surgery wait times at the Townsville University Hospital is getting underway. See how it will make a difference.

Townsville University Hospital’s new hybrid theatre will be designed shortly. Picture: Istock

Early design works for a new hybrid theatre at the Townsville University Hospital promised as part of the 2020 state election are expected to get underway before the new year.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced the $16.5m project in early October 2020, as part of a $25m investment into upgrades at the hospital.

This comes as the Townsville Hospital and Health Service scales back non-urgent elective surgery and outpatient appointments after almost 150 staff were out of action due to the fourth Covid-19 wave.

However, it is hoped that the hybrid theatre will reduce wait times for surgeries once in place.

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said the theatre would be a “game changer” for North Queensland.

Mundingburra MP Les Walker has had a health scare. Picture: Evan Morgan

‘The hybrid theatre will combine the advantages of an operating theatre with medical imaging usually produced in a specialist radiology suite,’’ Mr Walker said.

‘‘Procedures likely to take place in this new space will range from trauma, vascular surgery and interventional radiology to cardiothoracic work including transcatheter aortic valve implantation.’’

“It’s exciting to see early design work beginning on this important election commitment.”

Mr Walker said the changes would create a state-of-the-art service with multiple functions.

‘‘The hybrid element of the theatre will reduce travel between operating theatres and medical imaging allowing our teams to deliver the care they need in an area specifically designed with everything they need,’’ Mr Walker said.

Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Matt Taylor

“The theatre will also increase Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s capacity to meet the growing health needs of the region and strengthen the position of TUH as the pre-eminent tertiary referral hospital in Northern Queensland.”

This comes as the Townsville Hospital and Health Service scales back non-urgent elective surgery and outpatient appointments.

THHS chief executive Kieran Keyes said an investment in innovations like the hybrid theatre would reduce the number of people waiting for surgery in the future.

In the July, August and September period of 2022, more than 2000 people had an elective surgery. Of the patients waiting for surgery in that time period who were ready for surgery, almost 78 per cent of patients in the most serious category were seen within the clinically recommended time frame.

Kieran Keyes, Chief Executive Officer at Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Shae Beplate.

He said COX Architecture was completing the design of the hybrid theatre, with the help of a set of experienced and expert subcontractors who would collaborate on surveying, engineering hydraulics, acoustics and specialised medical equipment.

‘‘Once the design plans have progressed, we expect to award the main construction tender mid next year with construction to commence soon after,’’ he said.

COX Architecture director Tim Morgan said the COX team was proud to design the first ‘state of the art’ hybrid facility for Townsville University Hospital.

‘‘Working on a project that will benefit the local community is something we take great pride in,’’ Mr Morgan said.

‘‘Our team of subcontractors are committed to delivering the highest quality product that will go on to benefit both the community and hardworking staff who work in it every day.’’

Originally published as Townsville University Hospital hybrid theatre planning works begin