Land located for Gold Coast satellite hospital

Published Wednesday, 01 September, 2021 at 11:03 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services
The Honourable Yvette D'Ath

Land located for Gold Coast satellite hospital

The Palaszczuk Government is another step closer to delivering on a key election commitment to establish a satellite hospital in Tugun

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the parcel of land on Boyd Street, Tugun was an ideal location for the health hub.

“This is all about investing in health and investing in infrastructure,” the Premier said.

“It’s about creating jobs, increasing the capacity of our health system, and strengthening the economy – all vital to our COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

“Satellite hospitals will take pressure off our health system by easing the demand on major hospitals and also support hundreds of jobs for Queenslanders.

“Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast are among seven areas where satellite hospitals are being built to under our $265 million election commitment.

“This is the first time this has been done in Australia, and it will bring new and improved health services to the heart of growing local communities”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new satellite hospitals would help take pressure off nearby emergency departments.

“Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast have all experienced significant growth in recent years, and that has seen increased demand for health services,” Minister D’Ath said.

“Now is the right time to invest in additional infrastructure to make sure the residents in these growth corridors continue to get quality health care.

“A range of services are being considered for these satellite hospitals, including 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.

“A business case for the whole Satellite Hospital Program is being prepared to identify which services will be offered at each location.

“The economic benefits will be significant with the satellite hospital program to support up to 773 local jobs as it’s rolled out.”

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

Gold Coast member Meaghan Scanlon said a satellite hospital will be an important boost for health services in her region.

“The satellite hospital will soak up some of the increased demand, reducing the stress on our system, and ensuring patients get the quality care they deserve,” Ms Scanlon said.

“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland, and the new satellite hospital will help meet the needs of that increasing population.”

ENDS

Media contact: Lucy Collier 0409 461 324