Building modules craned into place at Hervey Bay Hospital
Hervey Bay Hospital's new modular medical ward is one step closer to opening its doors, with the last of 17 pre-fabricated building modules now delivered and set to be craned into position today. Over recent weeks, the modular units have been delivered and assembled, laying the foundation for a vital new addition to the hospital that will enhance patient care and streamline hospital operations.
Once installed, the new 24-bed modular ward will serve as a fully operational general medical ward, designed to seamlessly integrate with the main hospital. An enclosed walkway will connect the new facility to the hospital’s main corridor, enhancing patient flow and providing a smooth transition for those receiving treatment.
An additional 60 full-time staff, including doctors, nurses, allied health, administration and operational workers, will be employed, helping to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare services in the region.
The modular ward is a crucial component and will complement the broader Hervey Bay Hospital expansion, which includes the fit out of the Emergency Department Building Level 2. This area will be transformed into a 25-bed inpatient ward and a 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in addition to the construction of a new rooftop helipad. Together, these projects will deliver 59 new bed spaces for the Fraser Coast community, significantly increasing the hospital's capacity to care for local patients.
The anticipated completion date is expected to be early 2025, pending weather conditions.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the delivery and placement of these modular units marked a significant milestone in the transformation of Hervey Bay Hospital and the modular project.
“As we begin assembling the new medical ward, we're one step closer to increasing our capacity to deliver quality healthcare to the community. This project is a testament to our commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for services in the region,” she said.
“This upgrade will not only increase capacity but also improve the overall patient experience, allowing us to move people from Emergency and into beds on the ward sooner.”
“The modular building has been constructed offsite and then delivered to the hospital grounds, reducing impact on patients, staff and parking.
“These 24 extra beds will mean that we can move people from the Emergency Department into a ward for treatment more quickly.
“The arrival of these modular units is just the beginning. We are excited about what’s to come, including the redevelopment of the Emergency Department Building Level 2, which will add more beds and a new ICU. Together, these initiatives will significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive, world-class care and ensure that the Fraser Coast community have access to the best possible healthcare, when they need it most.
“This expansion is more than just a building project – it’s about enhancing the care we provide to local families. With the addition of this new modular ward and the expansion of services, we are ensuring that Hervey Bay Hospital remains equipped to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community. These improvements, along with new staff and additional capacity, will allow us to provide more timely and efficient care for patients, right here at home.”