Redland Hospital Emergency Department set for $7 million boost

Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson have announced the first Queensland project to proceed under the new Australian Health Care Agreement negotiated between the Prime Minister and the Premiers last weekend.

Ms Roxon said the Redland Hospital on Brisbane’s Bayside would get a $7 million cash injection to improve services at its Emergency Department.

Ms Roxon and Mr Robertson made the announcement at the end of the Australian Health Minister’s Conference in Brisbane.

“The Australian Health Care Agreement included $750 million to improve emergency department access across the country,” Ms Roxon said.

“Queensland’s share of this new funding is $146 million and less than a week after the agreement was signed, the Bligh Government has made the first decision on where the money will be spent.”

Mr Robertson said the $7 million would go towards the construction of a helipad, the development of dedicated areas for paediatric treatment and mental health and a pre-admission area at Redland Hospital’s ED.

“The construction of a helipad at Redland Hospital will allow for a substantial number of Stradbroke Island and surrounding island retrievals to be treated at Redland Hospital instead of being transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital,” he said.

“We will also develop a dedicated paediatric treatment area for the children of Redland by refurbishing an observation unit.

“This will allow for the relocation and redevelopment of a short stay unit and allow for the establishment of a dedicated mental health treatment area.”

Mr Robertson said the new funding would help tackle record demand at Redland Hospital’s busy emergency department, where presentations continue to outstrip population growth.

“Today’s announcement will enhance the $14.8 million dollar upgrade of the Redland Hospital which was completed earlier this year,” he said.

“Redland Hospital treated 5230 inpatients in the September 2008 quarter, a 22 per cent increase on the September 2007 quarter.

“A new pre-assessment area will allow ambulance officers to care for patients in a more appropriate area.

“Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service will work together to determine how best to utilise this area.”

The allocation of the remaining $139 million will be made in the coming months.

Media Contact: Catherine Goldie 3234 1190 /0417 728 676