Seven Satellite Hospitals to deliver care closer to home
Palaszczuk Government will invest $265 million to deliver seven new innovative Satellite Hospitals across South East Queensland to help take the pressure off emergency departments and provide hospital care closer to home.
It’s part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, which includes $889 million of new health infrastructure commitments as part of our $3.8 billion health infrastructure program over the next four years.
An Australian first, this new initiative will mean people can access public urgent care and other services closer to home rather than having to go to a large major hospital. They will be located in Redlands, Brisbane Southside (near QEII Hospital), Pine Rivers (Petrie / Strathpine area), Gold Coast, Ipswich, Caboolture and Bribie Island.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the COVID-19 global pandemic had brought into sharp focus how vital quality frontline healthcare was for Queenslanders. “Our Government is always looking for new and innovative ways to further improve the healthcare Queenslanders rely on as we recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic,” the Premier said.
“I’m pleased to announce these seven new innovative Satellite Hospitals, which will provide healthcare closer to home while also taking pressure off our hospital emergency departments.
“These new Satellite Hospitals will also help provide the healthcare services families need in our rapidly growing outer-urban areas. “This initiative is an important part of our ongoing Economic Recovery Plan and will support up to 768 local jobs during construction.”
Each Satellite Hospital will be tailored to the needs of each local community and can include ambulatory and simple day therapy services such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy, complex wound management, and urgent care for minor injury and illness.
“They can also include outpatient services and community-based health services such as child and youth health services and aged and frail care services,” the Premier said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said only a Labor Government will continue to invest in health care for Queenslanders.
“A $265 million commitment to deliver seven new Satellite Hospitals will mean patients will have access to services closer to home and in a more convenient setting,” Mr Miles said.
“The Satellite Hospitals will provide opportunities to incorporate innovative workforce models and virtual health opportunities including a range of rapid access consults, care co-ordination, remote monitoring and patient literacy services.
“This investment will mean our health system can continue to meet the growing demand for services and take pressure off nearby major hospitals.”
ENDS