Preferred satellite hospital sites identified for Bribie and Ipswich

Crown land on Bribie Island and a 2.7-hectare block in outer Ipswich have been identified as the preferred sites of two of Queensland’s seven new satellite hospitals.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the two parcels of land had been pegged as ideal locations for the health hubs being delivered under Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

“We’re investing in brand new public infrastructure to create jobs and rebuild our economy – which is at the core of our economic recovery plan,” the Premier said.

“Our satellite hospitals strategy is vital when it comes to catering for demand and taking pressure off our health system.

“Bribie Island and Ipswich are among seven urban areas where we’ll build satellite hospitals as part of a $265 million policy we took to the last election.

“This is an Australian first initiative which will bring new and improved health services into the heart of growing local communities.

“Both Bribie Island and Ipswich have growing and ageing populations, with demand for local health care services increasing.

“Investing in these new satellite hospitals means people will be able to access more health care services closer to home instead of having to travel to a larger, major hospital.”

The Premier said construction of seven satellite hospitals was being funded through yet another record health budget, with $22.2 billion in funding for Queensland Health in 2021-22 announced on Tuesday.

“Our record health budget will help to create more infrastructure and improved health services for all Queenslanders,” the Premier said.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new satellite hospitals would help take pressure off nearby emergency departments, as they continue to experience growing demand.

“Bribie Island and Ripley are growth corridors where there’s a clear need for additional health infrastructure,” Minister D’Ath said.

“We’re investing in additional infrastructure now to ensure residents in these communities will be able to keep accessing quality heath services in the future.

“Community health services, ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy, complex wound management, urgent care for minor injury and illness, and outpatient activities are some of the services being considered.

“Overall, our satellite hospital program will support up to 773 local jobs as it’s rolled out.

“The Palaszczuk Government is also establishing a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund and I look forward to seeing the new facilities this important new fund will create.” 

A 1.6-hectare parcel of Crown land on First Avenue, Bongaree, has been identified as the preferred site of the Bribie Island satellite hospital.

A 2.7-hectare property on Barrams Rd, South Ripley, is the preferred location of the outer Ipswich facility.

Planning is underway, with a business case for the whole Satellite Hospital Program being prepared to identify which services will be offered at each location.

Construction is expected to take around 12 months following completion of the business case and acquisition of land.

In addition to Bribie Island and Ripley, satellite hospitals will also be built in Redlands, Brisbane Southside, Pine Rivers, Gold Coast, and Caboolture. Work is underway to identify preferred sites of these facilities.

ENDS

Media contact:

Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447

Martin Philip (Minister’s office) 0407 675 008