The Queensland Government has announced the sites for new satellite hospitals, in an effort to relieve pressure on the health system and strengthen the economy.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the four parcels of land in Caboolture, Pine Rivers, Redlands, and the Gold Coast were ideal locations for the health hubs.
“This is all about investing in health and investing in infrastructure,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It’s about creating jobs, increasing the capacity of our health system, and strengthening the economy – all vital to our COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
“Satellite hospitals will take pressure off our health system by easing the demand on major hospitals and also support hundreds of jobs for Queenslanders.
“Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast are among seven areas where satellite hospitals are being built under our $265 million election commitment.
“This is the first time this has been done in Australia, and it will bring new and improved health services to the heart of growing local communities”
Queensland Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath, said the new satellite hospitals would help take pressure off nearby emergency departments.
“Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast have all experienced significant growth in recent years, and that has seen increased demand for health services,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Now is the right time to invest in additional infrastructure to make sure the residents in these growth corridors continue to get quality health care.
“A range of services are being considered for these satellite hospitals, including community health services, ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy, complex wound management, urgent care for minor injury and illness, and outpatient activities.
Ms D’ath said a business case for the whole Satellite Hospital Program is being prepared to identify which services will be offered at each location.
“The economic benefits will be significant with the satellite hospital program to support up to 773 local jobs as it’s rolled out.”
Construction is expected to take around 12 months following completion of the business case and acquisition of land.
In addition to Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast, satellite hospitals will also be built in Brisbane Southside, Bribie Island and Ripley.
The Queensland Government is also establishing a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund which will pay for additional health facilities.
Locations of the hubs:
- A 1.3-hectare parcel of land on Rowe Street has been identified as the preferred site of the Caboolture satellite hospital
- A 1.5-hectare parcel of land on Dohles Rocks Road, Kallangur has been identified as the preferred site of the Pine Rivers satellite hospital
- A 1.4 -hectare property on Meissner Street, is the preferred location of the Redlands Coast facility
- A 1.4-hectare parcel of land on Boyd Street, Tugun, has been identified as the preferred site of the Gold Coast satellite hospital
