The Government of Queensland has opened a tender process for the A$40m ($25.69m) project to further expand Hervey Bay Hospital.

This project will add 35 patient beds, including a new 25-bed medical inpatient unit of which four beds will be dedicated to critical care.

It will also result in an expanded intensive care unit with 10 beds, up from the current capacity of seven.

Besides, the expansion will include the construction of a rooftop helipad.

The project will use the previously vacant shell space developed in 2019 to increase the hospital's capacity.

It aims to improve healthcare infrastructure in the region, offering better access to critical medical services for residents and visitors.

The work forms part of the state government’s A$9.78bn Health Big Build initiative, which is said to be the largest-ever healthcare infrastructure investment in Queensland.

Plans for the latest expansion follow the A$44.66m project, carried out in 2019, to expand the emergency capacity of Hervey Bay Hospital.

Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said: “Our massive $9.78bn Health Big Build is delivering new hospitals and thousands of new hospital beds right across Queensland, including Wide Bay.

“We know that more and more people are moving to the Fraser Coast, and these investments will ensure the community has access to the health services they need for decades to come.

“It will also bring a range of services closer to home for the community, reducing their need to travel.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to delivering world-class healthcare for Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”