November 15, 2013
Work has begun to remove asbestos at Kingaroy Hospital as part of a $50.6 million maintenance program across the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service.
DDHHS Board Chairman Mr Mike Horan said the works had been identified during an audit of all health service facilities last year.
He welcomed State Government funding to fix the backlog of maintenance work that had built up.
The funding from the State is on top of the regular $13 million per year maintenance bill in the Darling Downs.
“Works can be anything from asbestos removal to water tank installation, so we almost have an A to Z range of maintenance activities to be completed at facilities across more than 23 hospitals over the next four years,” Mr Horan said.
“Some of the common works include internal and external painting, plumbing, air conditioning upgrades, fencing repairs, improved security and electrical switchboard upgrades or replacements.”
Mr Horan said tenders for some of the work would be requested from local suppliers.
“Work is already underway to remove asbestos from the dental clinic and theatres at Kingaroy Hospital,” he said.
“Dental clinics across Toowoomba have also been repainted.”
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Dr Peter Bristow said the maintenance project team was working with facility staff to minimise disruptions to patients and visitors, however some short-term inconvenience was likely.
Scheduled works in the South Burnett are:
- Kingaroy Hospital – Asbestos removal, bathroom refurbishment
- Murgon Hospital – Internal painting, asbestos removal, roof repairs, ventilation upgrades
