University Private Hospital powers ahead

JCU has shortlisted to three the number of proponents who would build and operate the University Private Hospital in the JCU and Townsville Health and Hospital Service medical precinct in Townsville.

The three short listed proponents have now been invited to make a Request For Proposal (RFP) to build and operate the facility.

The proponents will prepare detailed plans for the development, including concept designs, and information about clinical training, research and the range of medical services to be provided by the private hospital.

Details of construction will be finalised with the successful proponent, but Stage 1 of the development is expected to offer about 100 beds, which would cost about $113 M to build.

It’s estimated Stage 1 would create more than 300 full-time construction jobs and more than 350 operations jobs.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Division of Services and Resources, Tricia Brand said it’s another exciting announcement for the project and another step towards bringing the project to fruition.

“We warmly welcome the strong interest we have received for the university private hospital, and we look forward to seeing the detail of the proposals.

“JCU is dedicated to improving the health of people in the Tropics. The private hospital will offer world-class medical facilities and improve the healthcare options for Townsville and beyond.

“It will be co-located with existing JCU world-class medical teaching and research infrastructure and the public hospital, providing a tremendous boost to medical services, clinical training and research.

“It will ensure the Douglas medical precinct is the regional epicentre of health services in northern Australia,” Ms Brand said.

The RFP closes in November with construction of the university private hospital expected to be completed in 2019.