Incoming Health Minister visits new Gladstone Hospital operating theatres

New Health Minister, Shannon Fentiman, visited Gladstone Hospital today to celebrate the completion of the first surgeries in the new West Wing operating theatres.

The first emergency surgery occurred on Tuesday afternoon, while the first scheduled surgeries began Wednesday morning.

Meticulous planning ensured the permanent relocation of surgical services from Gladstone Hospital’s old theatres to the newly improved West Wing theatres was a smooth transition for patients and staff.

All surgeries will now take place in the West Wing, meaning patients will no longer have to present to different areas for check-in, surgery, and recovery.

The three large theatres are equipped with state-of-the-art pendant lights, cameras, and monitors, while dedicated anaesthetic rooms will create a better flow through the operating theatres.

The West Wing now houses:

• Perioperative Services (including Pre-Admission Clinic, Day Surgery Unit and operating theatres);
• Cancer Care Services;
• Radiation Oncology Satellite Telehealth Service;
• Patient Travel office;
• Visiting private specialists and valued private health service providers like Coral Coast Surgical Specialists, GenesisCare, I-MED Radiology, and CQ Eye.

The West Wing – formerly the Mater Private Hospital – forms part of the expanded Gladstone Hospital campus and demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering better health services to Central Queensland.

Quotes Attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman:

“There is nowhere I would rather be on my first day as Health Minister than right here in Gladstone.

“The commencement of surgeries in the new West Wing operating theatres means Gladstone residents can expect to receive the high-quality care they are entitled to.

“I am absolutely committed to supporting our hardworking doctors, nurses, and midwives, and delivering better health outcomes for Gladstone locals.”

Quotes Attributable to Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher:

 “It was great to join the incoming Health Minister to inspect the new West Wing operating theatres, which are a fantastic investment for our region.

“These facilities are a testament to the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to improving health services in Gladstone.

“I look forward to working closely with Minister Fentiman to address the challenges we face, and I will continue to fight hard for better health outcomes for locals.”

 Quotes Attributable to CQ Heath General Manager, Gladstone and Banana, Jamie Spencer:

“The passion and commitment of our dedicated CQ Health team has transformed an outdated, empty building into a bustling hub of health services.

“I would like to thank the Gladstone community for their patience as we worked hard to revitalise the West Wing, and I can’t thank our staff enough for their inspiring commitment, every day, to providing great care for Central Queenslanders.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719