Community & Business
7 October, 2024
Foundation works underway at new hospital
Construction work is progressing well on the new $1.3 billion Toowoomba Hospital, with concrete pours for the substructure now underway.
Darling Downs Health Board Chair, Dr Dennis Campbell said the milestone comes after many years of hard work planning for the new hospital.
“Seeing the piling rig on site laying the first foundations for what will be a world-class facility is really very special,” Dr Campbell said.
“It has been incredible to see the progress on site over the past few months.
“Just a short few months ago we were standing on these grounds turning the first sod as works commenced.”
The milestone construction phase involves the drilling of deep holes which are then filled with reinforced concrete to ensure a strong foundation for the new hospital.
In total, 450 piles will be poured, each up to 1.2 metres wide and 23 metres deep.
The piling rig will complete an average of five piles per day, until all 450 are complete.
The new Toowoomba Hospital, delivered as part of the State Government’s $14 billion Capacity Expansion Program, is being built on the grounds of the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus.
Health Service Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM said the new hospital will begin the transformation of the campus into a world-class health and knowledge precinct.
“The new hospital will deliver greater access to services and ultimately, improved health outcomes for our community,” Ms Scott said.
“The hospital will provide additional overnight beds, operating theatres, Emergency Department treatment spaces, outpatient consultation and diagnostic rooms, as well as expanded medical imaging, pharmacy and pathology.
“The early works on site are happening in parallel to the design stage, as the project team continue to work through the detailed design phase, in consultation with staff, consumers and our local community.
“The team have been actively collaborating with end users – people who will work in or access the new facility – to make sure the design is exactly what our growing community needs.
“As the existing facility in Pechey Street will be retained, we will continue to provide care across both campuses when the new hospital opens.
“Acute services, which includes the Emergency Department, will transfer to the new hospital on completion. The Pechey Street facility will remain operational for select services.”
To learn more about the new Toowoomba Hospital project visit darlingdowns.health.qld.gov.au/newtoowoombahospital
