MEDIA RELEASE
Prime Minister opens the new Mater Mothers’ Hospitals
3 June 2008
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, The Governor of Queensland Her Excellency
Quentin Bryce AC, Premier Anna Bligh and the Archbishop of Brisbane
John Bathersby officially opened the new Mater Mothers’ Hospitals in
Brisbane on 30 May 2008. More than 500 people attended the two-hour
event that involved a tour of the hospital.
Abigroup has delivered the major redevelopment of the Mater Hospital
project as a managing contractor and was responsible for managing the
design and the construction of this complex project. The project is a joint
partnership between the Queensland Government and Mater Health
Services.
“We are proud to be able to deliver one of the largest maternity hospitals
in Australia ahead of its expected completion date. All works are now
complete with the decanting to the new mothers’ hospital planned for
4 June 2008,” said Abigroup Queensland General Manager John Kirkwood
The new nine level Mater Mothers’ Hospitals have been constructed and a
substantial refurbishment of the existing Mater Adult Hospital has also
been undertaken. Other works include the refurbishment of part of the
Children’s Hospitals (QPCS Facilities), a new helipad and a new pedestrian
link bridge over Stanley Street that will link to existing car parks.
The Mater Mother’s Hospitals now have 178 obstetric beds, 79 neonatal
nursery cots, 16 delivery suites and associated clinical support and
administration areas. The new maternity hospital also has 166 inpatient
beds, 37 neonatal ICU and allied health. It has been constructed over the
top of the adults’ and children’s emergency forecourt/ambulance bays.
The Mater Adult Hospital has also been redeveloped to include 217 beds
for inpatients and day units, 17 beds for intensive and coronary care,
complete refurbishment of operating theatres, refurbishment of the
current inpatient ward facilities and emergency department, upgraded
medical records facilities and a new kitchen.
Abigroup has also undertaken refurbishments to the Mater Adult Hospital
including the ICU, CCU, procedures suites and a new campus service
infrastructure. Extensions to the hospital will also accommodate specialist
outpatient clinics. The refurbishment of the Mater Children’s Hospitals
included upgrades to the catheter laboratory, digital cardiac operating
theatres and recovery suites, paediatric ICU and ancillary spaces.
Abigroup Contractors is one of Australia’s leading engineering and
building companies. Works are undertaken in areas including
roads, bridges, dams, rail, water, telecommunications and mining
infrastructure. Abigroup is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bilfinger
Berger AG, one of the world’s top ten construction companies.
[Ends – 354 words]
Further information:
Corporate Communications
Abigroup Limited
Ph (02) 9499 0999
Fax (02) 9499 3822
Email: abimail@abigroup.com.au
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