Health service logistics hub expansion underway

Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is pleased to be working with SJ Weir as the builder for a state-of-the-art logistics hub, supporting the expansion of Maryborough and District Hospital.

The $4.3 million hub will support essential behind-the-scenes services crucial to the seamless operation of the new hospital.

“This significant expansion project will enhance our storage and handling capacity for supplies, improve linen services and upgrade waste management,” said David Edwards, Executive Director, Infrastructure, Technology & Experience.

“The upgrade and replacement of the existing infrastructure will support contemporary models of care and enhance patient experience as the hospital expands.

“It will also boost efficiencies, workplace safety and sustainability,” he said.
Mr Edwards highlighted some of the safety and productivity benefits.

“The upgraded facility will reduce the risk of injury with more space, improved work flows and ergonomic equipment like bin lifters to reduce manual handling.

“It will also feature green measures such as solar panels and charging stations for electric vehicles and other logistics equipment.

“These initiatives aim to reduce energy emissions and waste, reflecting our commitment to sustainability,” he said.
MDHS is excited to be working with regional contractor SJ Weir again, chosen through a rigorous tender process.

“SJ Weir has a strong track record on projects including our new student accommodation and renovations at Wattle Rise residential community, which align with our vision for a modern logistics hub,” said Mr Edwards.

“We are thrilled to work on this transformative project in Maryborough to support the health of the local community and further strengthen our relationships with sub-contractors and suppliers in the region,” said Brad Gifford, Director, SJ Weir.

The project is set for completion in March, and will support the transition to the new hospital.

The new build will feature a new urgent care centre, a 32-bed inpatient and maternity unit, two operating theatres and recovery spaces, and a day medical centre with imaging, pharmacy, and pathology services – enabling the care and treatment of an additional 4,000 patients every year.

The logistics support project will deliver:

• Expanded general waste and recycling facilities with compactors, bin lifter and wash bay
• Upgraded clinical waste storage with a refrigerated area
• Increased linen storage for clean and dirty bulk trolleys
• Enlarged supply storage for sterile and non-sterile stock, with a larger staging area and improved access to the sheltered loading dock and hoist
• A new engineering workshop and electric tug charging area with storage
• New and replacement logistics management equipment including electric tugs, pallet walkie stacker, pallet truck, bin trailer, and pallet trailer, and
• Refurbished toilets and locker area for staff.

The $4.3 million project is funded by the Victorian Government’s 2023 – 2024 Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. The Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and local Member for Ripon Martha Haylett visited the Maryborough campus in February to announce the funding.

For more information about the project, contact the MDHS Projects team at [email protected].