Crane gets a name at Roma Hospital Redevelopment

Sydney Bentley from St John’s Roma came up with the name “as the crane is big and strong like a knight and has a big red light like in Star Wars".

More than 70 primary school children from 30 schools across the South West Queensland region entered the competition to name the 33 metre-high crane.

With so many creative submissions the judges had a tough time choosing the winner but liked the name Knight Saber which will now be displayed on site while the crane helps to build the new hospital.

South West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat congratulated Sydney on winning the competition.

“The level of response to the competition from school children throughout the region was really impressive and I really enjoyed reading all of the comments online and reviewing the entries,’’ Ms Patat said.

“Sydney’s entry showed considerable thought and real creativity.

“As a result, Sydney has been able to put her stamp on this historic project for our community.

“I know in years to come, she will look at this hospital and remember her role in this.

“The new Roma Hospital is being built specifically to meet the needs of the region and will provide state-of-the-art care on which the entire South West can rely.’’

As the winner, Sydney will receive an iPad, kindly donated by Watpac, and have her winning name displayed on a flag which will be hung from the crane.

Watpac Project Manager, Brett Rosenthal, said it was fantastic to see the creative names proposed by the local students.

“Well done to Sydney for the terrific name suggestion,” Mr Rosenthal said.

“It has been great to have the local students take part in this competition, especially given the important role of the crane in constructing the new hospital.

“Knight Saber will be kept busy over the coming months as works progress on site and the building takes form.”

The new three-level Roma Hospital, which is being constructed adjacent to the existing hospital, is being delivered by Watpac for South West Hospital and Health Service as part of the Queensland Government’s $180 million Enhancing Regional Hospitals program.

Once complete the hospital will provide 22 beds and two birth suites, with departments including emergency, allied health, medical imaging, inpatient wards, pathology, medical records and central sterilising.

Additional facilities to be delivered include theatres, a mortuary, reception, administration areas, staff lounge, training rooms, laundry, kitchen, a cafe and plant rooms. Two new car parks are also included as part of the project which will provide over 220 free parking spaces for hospital visitors.

The redevelopment will be completed in 2020.