13/01/05
The $1.1million upgrade of Quairading Hospital is expected to be completed in June this year, despite earlier financial problems that threatened the community-funded project.
Work was able to begin last month after the State Government stepped in to provide $109,000 towards the project, to cover a shortfall in funds following the bankruptcy of the original building contractor.
The project includes the upgrade of the hospital’s emergency department, nurse’s station and front entrance security and additional patient room ensuites.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said he was pleased the hard work of the Quairading community was not lost, despite the financial setback.
“The Quairading community had raised $100,000 to meet the best-tendered construction price for the work, with the remainder of the costs allocated through the hospital’s donation account,” Mr McGinty said.
“Unfortunately the construction contractor was declared bankrupt just prior to the start of works - a devastating blow for the community and hospital staff, who had worked so hard to get this project off the ground.
“They were faced with the prospect of having to raise more money for the project to go ahead because the new tender price was higher than the original.
“I am pleased that we were able to solve the funding problem to allow the project to be completed as soon as possible, to ensure the Quairading community continues to receive the best possible health care.”
The Minister said the Government was able to put more money into hospitals after delivering balanced Budgets four years in a row.
"Labor is building better hospitals by investing in new medical equipment, cutting waiting lists and recruiting more dentists and nurses," he said.
“The Government and the Quairading community support this project to improve the facilities of the local hospital for patients and staff and I am pleased we could make it happen.”
Minister's office: 9220 5000
