The first young patients have moved into a new 29-bed orthopaedic and neurosurgical ward, part of a $20 million expansion of the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new inpatient ward on Level 12 would ensure the hospital could meet the state’s growing demand for specialist services for children.
“This will make a significant difference to the lives of the many children and families who use the Queensland Children’s Hospital, as well as the staff who work there,” Minister D’Ath said.
“It has also supported 100 full time jobs during construction.
“I am proud of our government’s commitment to increasing capacity at the Queensland Children’s Hospital which will benefit our state’s children and their families for many years to come.”
An existing ward on Level 11 will now be refurbished to add an extra six oncology beds in early 2021, boosting the oncology service’s capacity by 25 per cent.
“This major investment will have an immediate and positive impact for medical and surgical patients as well,’ Ms D’Ath said.
“It will mean more flexibility around how the hospital cares for and accommodates patients – especially during busy periods such as winter.”
Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive Frank Tracey said the new ward and oncology rooms had been co-designed with patients, families and hospital staff to ensure they were welcoming, safe and functional.
“Working in partnership with the families who will use the service and the staff who will work there was invaluable to the process,” Mr Tracey said.
“Their ideas and feedback has helped us to create an even better hospital experience for everyone.”
“Families told us they wanted shared breakout areas to connect with others, and to have some space for quiet family time, so design features such as booth and lounge seating have been incorporated into the family lounges.
“We also know that art in the hospital setting enhances patient wellbeing and promotes healing and the hospital’s school students selected the wall mural themes of ‘under the sea’ for the ward, which brings a sense of vibrancy to the clinical space,” he said.
