Aged care capacity at Queenstown’s West Coast District Hospital is set to expand by four beds, with construction tenders now open for stage two of a federally funded upgrade.
The $5.741 million project will add four bedrooms with ensuites to Lyell House, the hospital’s aged care facility, which currently has 17 beds.
It will also deliver a new day area and lounge, built as an extension to the hospital’s first floor.
The project is fully funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s aged care capital assistance program.
Construction is due to start in mid-2026 and take about 12 months.
The tender opening follows development approval from the West Coast Council.
The expansion will allow more West Coast residents to receive aged care close to home and family.
Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Bridget Archer said the project would improve access to care in the region.
“This significant upgrade to the West Coast District Hospital will support people in the region to access high quality aged care services in their local community,” Archer said.
“This important infrastructure project is key to the Tasmanian government’s priority of ensuring Tasmanians have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
Federal Aged Care and Seniors Minister Sam Rae said the investment was about keeping older Australians close to home.
“Our investment here will support older Australians get the care they need, closer to home and the ones they love,” Rae said.
“We’re helping more older people to stay connected to their families and communities as they age, making sure there’s even more dedicated places for older people on the West Coast to get the quality care they need when it’s most needed.”
Stage one of the redevelopment opened in December 2024, delivering an additional aged care bed and upgrades to the hospital’s emergency department.
