St Stephen’s Hospital has partnered with Win Constructions Qld, the Fraser Coast Chronicle, Channel Seven, Design Plus Group and community representatives to build a Patient and Family Accommodation facility known as Christensen House in Hervey Bay.
This project forms part of St Stephens’ “Building Partnerships in our Community Strategy” which aims to “reach out to the community and invite them in”. The construction and fit out of Christensen House provides St Stephen’s with the opportunity to do just that.
The project is managed by a steering committee that is made up of representatives from UnitingCare Health, Hospital staff and members of the community. Community members include Glen Winney and Rose McVeigh from WIN Constructions Qld, Brett Turner from Design Plus Group and Kirsti Kee.
Leanne Tones, General Manager, said “Christensen House will be constructed in close proximity to the new St Stephen’s Hospital in Hervey Bay. It is anticipated that approximately 40% of our patients will come from outlying areas to access this facility and the services it will offer”.
“Christensen House will provide short stay accommodation to patients and family members from these areas. The facility will also be used to provide accommodation for visiting medical practitioners. This will serve to attract visiting medical practitioners to the area thereby increasing the range of medical services available to our community”, Ms Tones added.
The construction of the facility will occur in two stages. The first stage will consist of seven motel style units and a common outdoor area with family BBQ space. It is anticipated this stage will commence in March 2014. The second stage will see the development of an additional eight units. This will occur in the future and coincide with further expansion of the Hospital.
Meeting the major cost of the facility has been made possible through a generous donation from a local family. The steering committee are committed to honouring this contribution by inviting the community to further contribute to the development of the facility, to make it truly owned by the community it’s serves. The committee is interested in partnering with local community groups and businesses to assist with the fit out, furnishing and landscaping the facility. Additionally, a trust fund will be established to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the facility.
All contributors to the project will be acknowledged on an honour board to be prominently placed in the facility.
If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project, please contact Michelle Clunn, Quality and Community Relationships Manager on 4123 8504 or 0401 967 999.