The Friendlies is planning to start work on an apartment complex that will cater to families of out-of-town patients, new doctors and visiting specialists.

The 16 apartments will be short-stay accommodation built over two levels, featuring seven studio apartments and nine one-bedroom apartments.

This will support rural families who need to travel into town for treatment or support a loved one.

Senior Manager for Business Development Stuart Bonnett said the need for the self-contained units was due to the Stage 6 expansion already underway.

“These units will ensure we have enough accommodation now and into the future, providing short term stay for families of patients, student nurses and visiting doctors, close to the hospital,” Mr Bonnett said.

An artist impression of The Friendlies accommodations units on Bingera Street