Townsville Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Opens

Townsville Hospital's stand-alone paediatric intensive care unit has opened today, completing a  full suite of intensive care services for children and adults at the hospital.

“This stand-alone unit provides north Queenslanders with five dedicated paediatric intensive care beds,” Premier Campbell Newman said at the opening.

“An additional two beds will be added in 2015, taking the total number to seven by the end of next year.

“This is a proud and exciting day for the hard-working staff at The Townsville Hospital, the Townsville Hospital and Health Board and, most especially, for local families.

“It is reassuring to know that there is a dedicated unit at The Townsville Hospital that can care for their children if they become critically or dangerously ill.

“This service is keeping children and families close to home and loved ones.”

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg congratulated the hospital and board on the stand-alone PICU coming to fruition.

“The PICU has had great support from the board and is another example of how local control and decision-making delivers the best outcomes for local people,” Mr Springborg said.