Palaszczuk Government ramps up health services in Gladstone

The Gladstone community will continue to benefit from strong local hospital services with the transferred ownership of the previous Mater Hospital to Queensland Health.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher today toured the newly named Gladstone Hospital West Wing, seeing the progress of work so far.

“Investment in health for the Gladstone community over the past five years has been one of my main priorities,” he said.

“With the addition of the Mater footprint we will be able to provide many more services locally and I am proud that the Palaszczuk Government has invested in the expansion of health resources for our region.

“The provision of top-quality health care is a major priority for the Palaszczuk Government, and there’s no better example of this than our acquisition of the former Mater Hospital.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the Palaszczuk Government’s record $21.8 billion health budget for 2020-21 includes $661 million for Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

“The $661 million budget for Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service is up $10 million from the previous year,” she said.

“We’re continuing to invest in improved local facilities such as Gladstone’s new $42 million Emergency Department, which is now providing first class services.

“I want to pay tribute to the great work of the dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health workers who serve the local community so well.”

CQ Health Chief Executive Steve Williamson said he was extremely proud of the effort put in by staff to ensure this integration process was seamless for private patients.

“I am delighted to see that the Queensland Government has completed this transition smoothly,” he said.

“This opportunity means we’re able to provide more services, both public and private, right here in Gladstone.

“We’re also working with other specialist healthcare service providers to offer options in the Gladstone West Wing.

“The next phase of work includes fitting out the West Wing operating theatres and procedure rooms for use from early 2021 and planning for a new linkway between the West Wing and the main hospital campus.

“The tender for the design works has just closed and is being evaluated. This phase is expected to take two to three months.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008