Summary
Rockhampton Hospital has officially opened a new Cardiology Ward, marking the first major milestone in the expansion of cardiac services for Central Queensland.
Rockhampton Hospital has officially opened a new Cardiology Ward, marking the first major milestone in the expansion of cardiac services for Central Queensland.
The purpose-built ward, located on Level 5 of the hospital, doubles the dedicated cardiac capacity from six beds to 12.
Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said the new ward represents a significant improvement for cardiac patients across the region.
“This is excellent news for Central Queenslanders, who will now have more access to more appropriate, specialist cardiac beds in a purpose-built environment,” she said.
“The ward features six two-bed bays, each with its own ensuite, significantly improving patient privacy and comfort.”
The ward has been designed to meet the complex needs of cardiac patients, with ample space around each bed to accommodate specialised equipment such as ECHO and ECG machines. Staff also have clear sightlines to heart monitors, allowing rapid response from both ends of the ward.
The ward includes capacity to care for bariatric patients, with a specialist hoist installed to support safe patient handling, as well as a dedicated negative pressure room for patients requiring isolation.
Ms Blackler said the new ward is an important step towards delivering a comprehensive cardiac service for Central Queensland.
“This ward is part of a broader cardiac expansion project, which includes the delivery of a new Cardiac Hybrid Theatre and an expanded Cardiac Investigations Unit, both on track for completion later this year,” she said.
“We look forward to offering these expanded services which will allow Central Queenslanders to access advanced cardiac procedures closer to home, including coronary angiograms, coronary stent procedures and pacemaker implantation.”
Ms Blackler acknowledged the challenges of delivering major infrastructure projects within a working hospital and thanked staff, patients and visitors for their patience.
“It is an exciting year for Central Queensland, and we are watching this project come together with great anticipation,” she said.
“I sincerely thank the contractor Paynters, our staff, patients and visitors for their understanding as we work to make this vision of enhanced cardiac care a reality for Central Queensland.”
The cardiac expansion project will support attraction, retention, and growth of our cardiology workforce and recruitment for a variety of positions is already underway.
Over the following months, we will be advertising roles for cleaners, administration, cardiac physiologists, nurses, doctors and more.
Learn more about the project and career opportunities here.