What does the new hospital mean for the Mackay community?
It means improved access to a wider range of medical services closer to home. The redevelopment hospital will be a purpose built facility providing greater operational efficiencies and meeting the demands of modern health practices and technologies. With it’s new Educational Precinct it will become known for its high standard of health education and research; attracting national and international students, skilled staff and researchers to the area.
What services will be expanded?
The number of beds will significantly increase from 160 to 318 beds. Expansions to services include: a new Acute Clinical Care building and two new Inpatient buildings, including a new Theatre Suite, new 16 bay Emergency Department Short Stay Unit, new Emergency Department with 36 ED treatment bays, expanded ICU/CCU with 24 beds, new Medical Planning & Assessment and Geriatric Evaluation & Management units, together with refurbishment and extension of Women’s and Children’s building, expanded Special Care Nursery, expanded Mental Health Unit, expanded Renal and Oncology services. In addition, access to the hospital will be improved by expanding parking from 470 to 900 spaces. The redeveloped health care facilities will be supported by new non clinical resources and services including: Expanded visitor and staff parking, New Laundry, Stores and Engineering facilities.
How was the site for the hospital chosen?
A consultant team of architects, engineers, project managers, programmers and quantity surveyors investigated the opportunities and constraints of the site. The current Mackay Base Hospital site was chosen for redevelopment because of its location, accessibility, size, ground height, and ability to achieve faster delivery of new and improved services. During the planning phase the project architects worked with the hospital redevelopment team and advisory groups from the Mackay Base Hospital and district.
Will the redevelopment improve site access?
Easy navigation of buildings for visitors, patients and staff will be improved by practical zoning and linking of departments. Signage and design will be clear and assist patients and visitors to more easily navigate their way around the hospital. There will be better access and exit points for emergency vehicles, so patients can receive care as quickly as possible.
Will the hospital be operational at all times?
The redevelopment will occur in stages to deliver priority services as early as possible and ensure continuity of care without disrupting health services and local neighbours. The staged redevelopment of the Mackay Base Hospital will ensure the hospital is operational at all times, meeting health service and disaster management requirements.
Construction and the environment
How many people will work on the project?
Over the life of the project the $408 million redevelopment is expected to create up to 2400 jobs for the region. At the peak of construction 400 construction workers are expected to be working on the hospital site.
How has staff been involved in the project?
Planning for the $408 million redevelopment included extensive research and consultation with hospital staff and the wider community. Engagement with representatives of the staff and hospital community is integral to the success of the planning process. A number of user group workshops occurred in the planning phase. These workshops provided information that helped in site planning and helped to foster inter-departmental relationships. A redevelopment team will continue to work with clinician users and advisory groups throughout the hospital redevelopment.
Is it challenging to redevelop an existing site?
Some current buildings at the hospital will be upgraded while other buildings will be demolished because they are too old to appropriately retrofit. A major challenge for the redevelopment is to carry out the demolition, retrofitting and construction of new facilities while the hospital continues to be fully operational. Innovative design, thorough planning, staged redevelopment and considering the daily operations of the hospital will ensure a smooth transition and minimise interruption of the hospital’s daily operations.
Will construction impact on the local traffic in the surrounding area?
There may be some changes to the flow of local traffic during the construction of some parts of the hospital. Any upgrades or changes to roads will be managed to ensure traffic access is not impeded. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) has been prepared and agreed to with the aim of minimising the impact of construction traffic on the local community.
Who are the contractors for Mackay Base Hospital?
Woods Bagot, in conjunction with Billard Leece Partnership, was appointed as Principal Consultant and Architect for the Mackay Base Hospital Redevelopment.
The State Government announced Baulderstone Queensland Pty Ltd as managing contractor for the construction of the new Mackay Base Hospital.
Baulderstone Queensland is a nationally renowned design, project management and construction company highly regarded for its experience in delivering high quality health facilities.
Meanwhile Ranbury Management Group won the Project Management and Programming role on the Mackay Base Hospital redevelopment. Ranbury’s role incorporates the coordination and management of all stakeholders to meet project deliverables.
Will car parking in the area be affected during and after construction?
The project team working on the new hospital are making every effort to minimise impact on the local area. Access to the hospital will be improved by expanding parking from 470 to more than 900 spaces.
How noisy will the construction stage be?
Careful consideration has been given to selecting construction equipment and building techniques that minimise construction noise. Work will strictly adhere to local council and state government noise restriction guidelines.
Who do I contact if I am affected by the construction of the hospital?
Every effort is being made to minimise the impact of construction on the surrounding community. However, if you have any concerns please contact the Mackay Base Redevelopment Team on (07) 4885 7789 or email mbhredevelopment@health.qld.gov.au.
What consideration has been given to environmental impact?
Environmental impact has been considered in both the design and construction of the new hospital. A number of environmentally sustainable practices have been adopted throughout the construction of the new hospital, including water harvesting tanks and energy efficient lighting.
How has the community been involved in this project?
A Community Reference Group was established in recognition of the importance of ongoing community consultation during the hospital redevelopment. The Community Reference Group will ensure the project receives strong local advice on how to deliver the best possible health services for the community. This group is comprised of people who understand the health needs and concerns of the community. The appointments recognise the efforts of the Mackay residents active in advocating for the hospital redevelopment.
With a commitment to easy access and safe parking for staff, volunteers, patients and visitors, more than 900 onsite parking spaces coming on line in 2011. Short-term parking and set down areas have also been factored into the design during the construction process.
Will I be able to get to the Hospital on public transport?
The Hospital will be easily accessible by public transport, with a bus stop virtually on the hospital's front door.
What other options are available?
We are making it easy for staff and community members to stay healthy and enjoy the scenic walking and cycle ways. The new car parking facility will include bicycle parking spaces and 'end of trip' facilities for staff who ride to work. More than 100 bicycle racks will be made available as well as lockers and showers.
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