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General News

11 July, 2024

$4.3m hub project begins

Following the multi-million dollar announcement earlier this year, the development of a brand new logistics hub at the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is now underway. Regional contractor SJ Weir has been appointed as the builder for the...

By Prealene Khera

A three-dimensional render of the new shed workshop and expanded drive way to the rear of the logistics hub.
A three-dimensional render of the new shed workshop and expanded drive way to the rear of the logistics hub.

Following the multi-million dollar announcement earlier this year, the development of a brand new logistics hub at the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is now underway.

Regional contractor SJ Weir has been appointed as the builder for the $4.3 million project, which upon completion will transform the existing support services facility into a “state-of-the-art” hub.

The upgrade, funded through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), will ensure seamless operation of the hospital once its broader $115 million redevelopment and expansion is finished.

According to MDHS’ executive director infrastructure, technology and experience, David Edwards, the development will allow the hub to better support essential behind-the-scenes services.

“This significant expansion project will enhance our storage and handling capacity for supplies, improve linen services and upgrade waste management,” he said.

“The upgrade and replacement of the existing infrastructure will support contemporary models of care and enhance patient experience as the hospital expands.

“It will boost efficiencies in the workplace.”

Other than bolstering capabilities, the new logistics space is also expected to increase safety and productivity benefits, while adopting a more environmentally friendly approach.

“The upgraded facility will reduce the risk of injury with more space, improved work flows and ergonomic equipment like bin lifters to reduce manual handling,” Mr Edwards said.

“It will also feature green measures such as solar panels and charging stations for electric vehicles and other logistics equipment.

“These initiatives aim to reduce energy emissions and waste, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.”

The logistics support project will deliver:

  • Expanded general waste andrecycling facilities withcompactors, bin lifter andwash bay.

  • Upgraded clinical wastestorage with a refrigeratedarea.

  • Increased linen storage for clean and dirty bulk trolleys.

  • Enlarged supply storage forsterile and non-sterile stock.

  • A new engineering workshop and electric tug charging area with storage.

  • New and replacementlogistics managementequipment including electrictugs, pallet walkie stacker,pallet truck, bin trailer, andpallet trailer.

  • Refurbished toilets and locker area for staff.

  • From when funding for the project was first announced in February — by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas — to now, a significant amount of work has been undertaken to produce a detailed project tender and initiate the procurement process for a builder.

    Following on from that “rigorous” exercise, MDHS chose SJ Weir, a company they’ve contracted in the past.

    “SJ Weir have a strong track record on projects including our new student accommodation and renovations at Wattle Rise residential community, which align with our vision for a modern logistics hub,” Mr Edwards said.

    The logistics hub project is set for completion in March 2025, and will support the transition to the new hospital.

    When redeveloped, the hospital will feature a new urgent care centre, a 32-bed inpatient and maternity unit, two operating theatres and recovery spaces, and a day medical centre with imaging, pharmacy, and pathology services – enabling the care and treatment of an addition 4000 patients every year.

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