Palaszczuk Government delivers on Ipswich Hospital election commitment

Published Monday, 12 March, 2018 at 12:17 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services
The Honourable Steven Miles

The Palaszczuk Government is already delivering on its Ipswich Hospital election commitment, with the announcement today of the commencement of Stage 1A of the $124.4M redevelopment.

Visiting the hospital as part of the Governing from the Regions program, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Health and Ambulance Services Minister Steven Miles said Stage 1 of the redevelopment would include a new mental health building and an MRI machine.

The Premier said the her government’s $124.4 million, five-year investment was delivering on her election commitment to ensure West Moreton’s growing population had access to the quality health services..

“In 15 years, there will be twice the number of residents in Ipswich as there are today, and my government is making sure that the Ipswich Hospital can deliver the region’s health care needs well into the future,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Stage 1A of the Ipswich Hospital redevelopment will include a new mental health unit, an MRI suite to grow clinical capacity, an integrated community health care centre and outpatient facility, and a new car park.

“The new 50-bed mental health building will replace an ageing facility and create an additional six beds to provide a purpose-built centre for acute mental health care for adults and seniors.

“The addition of an MRI machine means Ipswich Hospital will no longer need to send patients to other hospitals for MRI examinations.  

“That means outpatients will have greater options to receive care closer to home and inpatients will have ready access to imaging that will accelerate clinical pathways and allow patients to go home sooner. There will also be a significantly reduced workload for Queensland Ambulance Service which currently transports inpatients who need MRI examinations.”

Minister Miles said the first stage of the hospital’s redevelopment would prepare the way for future expansion.

“Today marks the official start of this work and the beginning of a new era in health care for the Ipswich Hospital and the Ipswich community,” Dr Miles said.

“This redevelopment will not only increase clinical capacity but will ensure it best meets the needs of the community by including consumers, carers, community and staff in the design process.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said West Moreton Health’s Master Plan highlighted the need for a long-term vision and today’s announcement was delivering that vision.

“I am delighted to see the first stage of the redevelopment is proceeding,” Ms Howard said.

“This will provide a major boost for the hospital and West Moreton patients who will experience better facilities and reduce the need for locals to travel to access some health services.”

Building Queensland will develop a detailed business case to allow detailed design work and contractor procurement, with construction to commence in late 2020.

Media contact:

Premier’s Office-Susan McGrady 0488 996 667

ENDS