Construction work gets underway at Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital

Construction work has begun on the Palaszczuk Government’s Satellite Hospital at Eight Mile Plains.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath led the sod turning at the Levington Road site at Eight Mile Plains today.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Satellite Hospitals Program was a key election promise and here we are, beginning construction work on the Eight Mile Plains facility, which will benefit people living in the surrounding areas,” she said.

“This centre, like all Satellite Hospitals will provide a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, and a suite of other services that may include treatments like chemotherapy and renal dialysis, which will take pressure off local hospitals and emergency departments.”

“It will save locals from having to travel to the Princess Alexandra and other hospitals in the area, meaning many patients will be getting their treatment much closer to their homes,” the Minister said.

“We will consult with the local community before deciding on the final mix of services the facility will provide.”

The facility is one of the seven new Satellite Hospitals being built across the south-east.

The others are at Bribie Island, Caboolture, Kallangur, Redlands, Ripley and Tugun.

On top of the Satellite Hospitals Program, the government is also investing $9.78 billion on a major capital program that will deliver three new hospitals, 11 hospital expansions and a new Queensland Cancer Centre, as part of The Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan.

Minister for Public Works and Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the Australian-first Satellite Hospitals Program would improve healthcare in the local community while providing important economic returns and creating local jobs.

“The Satellite Hospitals Program represents everything the Palaszczuk Government stands for. Good jobs, better services, and great lifestyle.”

“Better services in health care, great lifestyle for consumers who now won’t have to travel for treatment, and good jobs because 773 local workers will be employed during construction of the entire program.

“The program is also being delivered with best practice conditions, rapid construction methods, project trust accounts coverage and a quality finish,” he said.

Toohey MP Peter Russo said the new Satellite Hospital was yet another example of the Palaszczuk Government delivering for the southside.

“I know what a difference the new Satellite Hospital at Eight Mile Plains will make for our community, ensuring locals can access health services closer to home,” he said.

Corrine McMillan, Member for Mansfield said it was great, one of the focuses of the Satellite Hospital Program, was the consumers’ experience.

“The site is close to transport links, major roads and will offer free parking,” she said.

“Anything we can do to improve the quality of life of patients is being considered and should be celebrated.”

Member for Stretton James Martin echoed Ms McMillan’s comments adding he was honoured to be part of a government that was committed to working for the people.

“Only the Palaszczuk Government has the vision to pull off a program as innovative and bold as the Satellite Hospitals,” he said.

“We know a program like this wouldn’t be happening if the LNP were in charge, as they are only interested in cutting services and jobs.”

ENDS  

Media contact:  Cullen Robinson 0418 170 474