An upgrade to a hinterland hospital is about to start, with some patients to be relocated during the $2.8 million works.
Some external and internal improvements will be made to the 103-year-old Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said on Monday that works would start within a week.
Some ward beds and patients will be temporarily relocated to Nambour General Hospital during the revamp.
The Sunshine Coast Health Assets and Infrastructure team has been working with clinical teams to ensure the least possible impact to patients, and to allow the completion of the works as quickly as possible.
The emergency department and specialist outpatients will remain open for the duration of the works.
Ms Fentiman said the community would significantly benefit from the upgrade.
“We know that the Maleny region is growing, and these works will ensure the facility and its healthcare workers can continue to deliver the best health care possible,” she said.
“This investment will see a significant infrastructure uplift including internal and external works, a new mechanical plant and a new roof.”
Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said transferred patients would be in good hands.
“We welcome those who will be temporarily relocated to Nambour General Hospital whilst these works are underway,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Health senior director capital assets and infrastructure Andrew Leggate said the works were the latest in a line of upgrades at the hospital.
“The Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital opened its doors to patients in October 1920 and has had a number of extensions and renovations over the years,” he said.
“During this time, we will also take the opportunity to upgrade IT capability in readiness for the integrated electronic medical records (ieMR) project.
“I want to thank our dedicated Sunshine Coast Health clinicians and Maleny community for their patience during the works.”
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