Queensland’s healthcare infrastructure is undergoing some major changes, with the continued development of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital.
These projects will soon be joined by another in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, as the redevelopment of the Royal Children’s Hospital site in Herston moves closer to breaking ground.
This new initiative will see the creation of a new healthcare precinct in the area, as existing structures are renovated and added to in order to create a new range of facilities. The project will be managed by the private sector, giving an opportunity for companies to take the lead in developing the healthcare precinct.
Three historic buildings within the zone are scheduled for renovation, with a total of 23 buildings currently occupying the site, across 4.8 hectares of land. The site sits next to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, one of the city’s main healthcare providers.
Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls suggested that the changing nature of Brisbane’s healthcare infrastructure as being the driving factor behind this development.
“With the Royal Children’s Hospital soon to move into the new Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, it’s now time to determine how best the Herston space can be used to provide services for Queenslanders,” said Mr Nicholls.
The plan is currently out for tender, with interested parties expected to register interest by the middle of August 2014.
“We’re calling for ideas to develop the land and buildings through an integrated, master-planned solution that encompasses healthcare delivery; with health-related facilities such as research, education and complementary commercial opportunities.”
Redevelopment an opportunity for apprentices and trainees
This development is expected to bring considerable employment opportunities for those looking to enter a related career. The construction phase will create hundreds of jobs across different skill sets, with the final project projected to provide 1,000’s of new opportunities.
For those looking for an apprenticeship in Brisbane, there will likely be a number of employment opportunities. Workers in plumbing, electrical and building work will all be needed across this project, as new facilities move towards completion.
At the same time, new medical facilities will increase the demand for trained healthcare professionals. Many of these careers need a traineeship to enter, with areas like aged care, mental health and disability care all requiring a level III or IV certificate in order to work in these fields. While the exact details of the redevelopment have not been released, the medical focus of the project will likely involve a variety of skill sets.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy
