Darling Downs Hospital and Health (DDHH) Board chair Mike Horan AM last week announced another component in a program of upgrade works currently underway at Stanthorpe Hospital.
“The DDHH Board is committed to providing the best healthcare and the best facilities possible, and with that in mind we have a broad range of improvements planned for Stanthorpe Hospital,” Mr Horan said.
“We are very pleased to announce that a project to replace the roof on the main building at Stanthorpe Hospital is now in the planning stages.
“At this stage, we anticipate going out to tender later in the year with a view to getting construction underway in early 2018.
“The main hospital building is a grand structure with a terracotta-tiled roof that was a typical design feature when it was built in the 1930s, and at 78 years of age it has stood the test of time, but like most structures of historical significance it requires periodic maintenance.
“The building is listed on the Southern Downs Regional Council’s (SDRC) local heritage register, so to ensure the original character of the building is maintained we plan to make the upgraded roof as similar as possible to the original, in terms of materials and design.”
Mr Horan said the hospital was also benefitting from works on the inside, with a $1.98 million project to upgrade the hospital’s air-conditioning and fire compartments now near completion.
“In the main hospital building, new air-conditioning systems have been installed throughout the clinical areas, emergency department and administration area, and also in the Ludlow Lodge student accommodation building,” he said.
“The new systems will mean patients, staff, and visitors will now enjoy year-round heating and cooling.
“The project also includes electrical upgrades with a new main switchboard and sub-mains to run the air- conditioning system.
“The fire compartment component of the works has been designed to enhance safety in the unlikely event of a fire, thanks to the construction of firewalls including ceiling and floor spaces, with the aim of minimising and restricting the spread of smoke and fire.”
Mr Horan thanked Stanthorpe Hospital patients, staff and visitors for their ongoing patience and understanding during these vital works.
