New Toowoomba Hospital could feature shopping village

THE new Toowoomba Hospital at the Baillie Henderson campus is set to become the "beating heart of Toowoomba”, Darling Downs Health chair Mike Horan says.

THE new Toowoomba Hospital at the Baillie Henderson campus is set to become the "beating heart of Toowoomba", Darling Downs Health chair Mike Horan says.

Mr Horan said the business case for the new hospital, which was announced by the Queensland Government in September last year, was progressing well.

"We've got 18 months in which to complete the business case and most importantly the master plan for the new site, so there is about 12 months to go now," he said.

Mike Horan. A fully refurbished ward at Baillie Henderson Hospital is now operating as rehabilitation ward of Toowoomba Hospital. March 2019. Picture: Bev Lacey

"We'll very shortly start on consultation around the city and the Darling Downs to make sure the new hospital fits the needs of the community.

"We'll be talking to civic leaders, local MPs, our staff and groups that represent people who use the hospital."

Mr Horan said the new hospital would make use of the "lovely grounds".

"People can come here not only for rehab and medical reasons, but for picnics and fitness. It will be a gem for Toowoomba," he said.

Mike Horan, DDHHS board chair . A fully refurbished ward at Baillie Henderson Hospital is now operating as rehabilitation ward of Toowoomba Hospital. March 2019. Picture: Bev Lacey

"As well as clinical facilities, the emergency department, medical, surgical, mental health, we envisage having separate standalone facilities which may include an eye clinic, day surgery and dental unit. Each of these facilities would have their own parking so it's convenient and works well."

The new facility would also better accommodate the hospital's staff.

"Because we have thousands of staff we feel we need a shopping village in the complex," Mr Horan said.

NEW WARD: Discussing the new rehabilitation ward and plans for the new Toowoomba Hospital are (from left) patient John Standing, Nurse Unit manager Carol Huet and DDHHS executive director for infrastructure Dr Paul Clayton. Picture: Bev Lacey

"We'd also like to see a theatre for the education of our workers. There are many areas for recreation, so if staff want to go running or swimming they can use the facilities that are here."

The new hospital isn't expected to be open for at least another decade.

Mr Horan made the comments as he opened a new rehabilitation ward at the Baillie Henderson site. A new overflow ward for the Toowoomba Hospital was also opened next door to the rehabilitation ward.

Originally published as New Toowoomba Hospital could feature shopping village