Gladstone’s new ED a step closer, recruitment drive set to begin

Gladstone Hospital’s new Emergency Department is one step closer to reality following practical completion of the $42 million project which created more than 60 construction jobs.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher were given a first-hand look of the impressive facility today and announced a further $5 million in funding to create a further 30 jobs.

“I first announced we would build a modern new Gladstone ED when we were here for a Community Cabinet meeting in 2016 and I’m so excited to stand here today to see this important community health facility being delivered,” the Premier said.

“The new ED not only means hospital staff will be able to deliver even better health care to the community, but it also means extra jobs for the region which is vital for our economic recovery.

“I’m pleased to announce today a funding boost of nearly $5 million for extra doctors, nurses, allied health, operational and administration staff for the new unit.

“A recruitment drive will start soon to ensure we get the best possible mix of extra staff to complement the already-great team here in Gladstone.

“I want to thank Glenn Butcher for championing this project which will deliver better health outcomes and more jobs for the region.”

Mr Butcher said it was great to see this important health facility really taking shape.

“I know those who need to use these top-class facilities will be in good hands,” he said.

“We know that demand for emergency services has grown in recent years, with an average of 90-100 patients seeking treatment every day, and 30,000 emergency presentations every year.

“This will double the total operational capacity in the new ED from the current 11 treatment spaces up to 22 treatment spaces with extra space available to open when demand requires in the future.”

The new department is expected to open in early August, starting with 14 treatment spaces. These spaces will allow for rapid assessment, resuscitation, an acute zone and two mental health rooms.

Short-stay beds will phase in soon afterwards, for patients who required a longer period of observation without needing admission to the general ward.

CQ Health Chief Executive Steve Williamson said local firm Woollam Constructions had done a great job on the project and was finalising works at the moment.

“We’ve started fitting out the spaces, cleaning, orientating staff and training together with the project team,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s exciting to be able to provide this great new facility to our patients, and to have this great new space for our dedicated team of health professionals to come to work.”

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