HEALTHSCOPE will fast-track construction of its new private hospital at Parklands after confirming it will close its Allamanda facility in Southport. Source: News Limited
HEALTHSCOPE is fast-tracking construction of its new private hospital at Parklands after confirming it will close its Allamanda facility in Southport.
The leading health company has decided to abandon the Allamanda Private Hospital building in Spendelove St, near the former Gold Coast hospital, and instead focus on the new site.
Allamanda Private Hospital general manager David Harper said there was strong demand for the facility, which would become one of Australia’s largest private hospitals and be a central part of the new health precinct.
Aerial pictures of the Gold Coast Private Hospital currently under construction. Source: Supplied
“The acceleration of Gold Coast Private Hospital stage two facilities is vital in order to keep pace with this city’s growing population and its medical needs,” he said.
“To this end we plan to deliver an additional four to six operating theatres and 30 to 60 new patient beds. We are investigating the scheduling to ensure that it does not delay or disrupt the opening.”
When stage two is built, the private hospital will have 400 beds and 21 theatres.
“Preliminary designs for stage two are still being developed but we expect to be in a position to conduct consultation with our doctors and staff within the next few months,” Mr Harper said.
Most of the available leasehold space in stage one of GCPH is leased or under negotiation.
Healthscope state manager Richard Lizzio said it made sense for the company to move ahead with a site that had more room for growth than Allamanda.
Artist’s impressions of the Gold Coast Private Hospital at Parklands. Source: Supplied
Construction of stage one of the $230 million GCPH is on track to be finished by the end of the year, ready for the first intake of patients in early 2016.
The last concrete pour to the ground-floor carpark was in March and the roof is in place on the top floor of the four-level structure.
Ramsay Health Care has agreed to take over the Allamanda lease — signing a 21-year deal on the property with the NZ Vital Healthcare Property Trust.
Ramsay is paying an annual rent starting at $2.4 million from November 2016, Vital said.