Townsville Hospital emergency department expansion on track

Townsville Hospital’s emergency department expansion is on track to deliver locals safer and improved services, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government had so far committed an extra $16 million towards growing services in the hospital’s emergency department.

“This extra funding is about ensuring Townsville residents have access to the best possible emergency care,” he said.

“Townsville Hospital’s emergency department is facing increased demand pressures, with presentations outstripping population growth year on year.

“That’s why we’ve committed $10 million to expanding the hospital’s emergency department.

“We’ve also committed $6 million in additional operational funding to address current and future increased demand for emergency care.

“The Bligh Government has delivered for Townsville, but we recognise we have to do even more – and we will.”

Mr Robertson said eight extra beds came on line at Townsville Hospital last month as a short-term measure to cope with growing demand.

“Staff right across the hospital have been working tirelessly on strategies to cope with the increased demand for inpatient beds,” he said.

“I’d like to thank them for their work and assure Townsville residents we will work with hospital staff to deliver further improvements to local health services.

“To cope with the growing demand for local health services, we’re fast-tracking an extra 30 beds for Townsville Hospital in anticipation of peak season next year.

“Within the year, we expect to:

-Open more acute beds in District Administration area and relocate the displaced administration staff to other facilities;

-Look at options in the community to establish more Rehabilitation and Subacute beds;

-Work with the Commonwealth to expand nursing home places as there are between 15 to 20 patients awaiting placement;

-Expand the Hospital in Nursing Home program; and

-Improve Nursing Retention.

“This is all part of our commitment to ensuring Townsville residents are provided with world-class health services.”

Mr Robertson said service planning for the district was nearing completion, with a consultation draft expected to be available in the near future.

He said he was disappointed with the AMAQ's current opposition to Queensland Health's efforts to improve health services for Townsville residents.

“I would hope the AMAQ will participate in this process to deliver Townsville residents the health services they expect and deserve,” he said.

“I find some aspects of the AMAQ’s current position bewildering, given its endorsement earlier this year of the Government’s plan to improve and expand health services for Townsville residents.

“Patients remain our highest priority, and I want to assure them their needs will always be in the forefront of ours and clinicians’ minds.

“The Bligh Government is delivering record staff and resources for Townsville Hospital, a commitment which will remain now and in the future.”

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008