Work has finished on an upgrade to Biloela Hospital – with the Crisafulli Government saying it could mark a beginning to maternity services returning to the CQ town.
The operating theatre and birthing suite are now complete at Biloela – with work soon to start to create more accommodation for hospital staff.
It’s understood contractors have been appointed to oversee the build of six new much-needed staff accommodation units.
These units will have a modern, comfortable design including an undercover car park, ramp accessibility, internet access, outdoor clothesline, a kitchenette and laundry. The three-bedroom units also come with a shared living space and ensuite bedrooms.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the old accommodation building would be decommissioned and demolished to make the area safe in preparation for the much larger redevelopment of the hospital.
“After a decade of Labor neglect, the Crisafulli Government is delivering much-needed projects for Biloela Hospital,” Minister Nicholls said.
“We’re delivering purpose-built staff units to ensure our local health workers are comfortably accommodated and we can better attract the workforce we need to deliver essential health services,” he said.
“Under Labor, birthing services at Biloela Hospital were suspended and the hospital’s birthing facilities were left to deteriorate to the point they required upgrades.
“The Crisafulli Government accelerated works to upgrade the operating theatre and birthing suite to make them compliant once again, and we are pleased that these works have now been completed.”
Meanwhile, the local member has also praised the upgrade saying the government is committed to restoring birthing services in the town.
“When Labor cut birthing services they left Biloela families in the lurch. The community has been calling for this important service to be restored, and unlike Labor, we are working hard to deliver,” Member for Callide Bryson Head said.
“We’re giving Biloela the health care the community deserves, with work also starting on new staff accommodation and planning underway for the hospital redevelopment project,” he said.
