BRISBANE’S Kangaroo Point landmark, Mt Olivet Hospital, will be transformed as part of a massive $140 million redevelopment to keep pace with south-east Queensland’s rapid growth and an ageing population.
The hospital will also undergo a name change to St Vincent’s Hospital by the end of this year when the $35 million first-stage, four-storey extension is complete.
However, Mt Olivet Hospital general manager Daniele Doyle said the name of the “iconic hospital that had served the community for the last fifty years” would be retained in a new palliative care services unit.
“This recognises that the Mt Olivet name has become synonymous with excellence in palliative care,” Ms Doyle said.
“The new service will contain a new 30-bed in-patient care unit.
“It will also continue to support the largest palliative home care program in Queensland; education and research and an adult and children’s bereavement service.”
The private hospital will be able to house 167 patients – providing about 60,000 bed days per year.
Other upgrades will include refurbished aged-care facilities, retirement living units, private practice rooms, and an upgraded and expanded radiology service.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane turned the first sod for the start of the redevelopment at a ceremony on February 19.
The hospital’s redevelopment is part of a wider master plan under review. The plan proposes to redevelop the whole Kangaroo Point site and is expected to be complete within seven years.
The hospital, originally a mission of the Sisters of Charity, was opened in 1957.
