The government of Queensland in Australia is planning to invest A$70m ($49m) to build a new hospital in Roma, west of Brisbane, to improve health access in the region.

The Roma hospital is part of the government’s A$180m ($126m) Enhancing Regional Hospitals programme.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: "This project is a clear signal that we are committed to building and improving our health services in Queensland no matter where they are located.

"Initial planning for the new hospital indicates an increase in capacity from 3,000 to 3,500 patients per year at a cost of around A$70m ($49m)."

Construction of the hospital is scheduled to start later this year. It will deliver more than 250 jobs to the region over this period.

"This project is a clear signal that we are committed to building and improving our health services in Queensland no matter where they are located."

The proposal for a new hospital was made as the existing one is out of date and has a number of maintenance issues.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Queensland Health and Ambulance Services minister Cameron Dick said: "We have decided a new build is the most cost-effective option for the future of the hospital and one that will best meet community expectations.

"We expect designs to be available for public release mid-year and for work to start in late 2016."

Over the next few weeks, the government will conduct community and stakeholder consultations to find the right design for the South West region.

Palaszczuk added: "The South West Hospital and Health Service will then use the feedback from the consultation process to help finalise designs and the costing for the new hospital.

"Details of the consultation times, dates and locations will be provided locally in the coming weeks."