Miles Government delivers huge health boost for Central Queenslanders

• New cardiac unit and PET scanning facilities to be delivered in Rockhampton
• A new state-of-the-art cardiac hybrid theatre and expansion will be delivered in a phased approach to continue the delivery of life-saving care for Central Queenslanders
• Planning is also underway for a new specialised facility, with a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner, a crucial tool for cancer diagnosis, and increased capacity for Computed Tomography (CT) scanning.

The Miles Government is working to ensure the Central Queenslanders will be able to undergo lifesaving health treatment closer to home.

Rockhampton Hospital’s $28.5 million cardiac hybrid theatre is a step closer, with Paynters appointed to commence detailed design, ahead of the facility’s construction.

This new theatre will bring crucial cardiac services closer to home for the Rockhampton community, minimising patient travel to Brisbane by at least 80 per cent.

Another critical health service being deliver closer to home, thanks to the Miles Government, is a PET scanner.

This initial investment of $7.8 million will ensure the PET scanner is delivered in 2027.

A PET scanner requires extensive infrastructure including lead shielding bunkers and a highly skilled workforce of nuclear medicine technicians are needed to operate the scanner and interpret scans.

Doctors use PET scanners to find tumours, diagnose heart disease, brain disorders and other conditions. 

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“My government is listening and acting.

“The Health Minister and I have met with concerned locals who tell us that a PET scanner will be a game changer for the region.

“It will save locals battling serious conditions like tumours, heard disease and brain disorders from travelling hundreds of kilometres to access scanning services.

“That’s better healthcare, closer to home – something my government will always deliver.

“I look forward to charging forward with plans to deliver this important infrastructure in Central Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“Making sure the Rockhampton community can access world class healthcare closer to home is a priority for the Miles Government.

“Having met with the hospital's dedicated cardiac ward staff, I recognise their unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.

“This state-of-the-art theatre will deliver better health outcomes for people in Central Queenslander without having to travel to Brisbane.

“And while Central Queensland offers a broad range of medical imaging services, this almost $8 million investment in a PET scanner will boost scanning services available in Rockhampton.

“This future investment will eliminate the need for many locals to travel long distances to access these crucial scans.

“I’m so proud to be part of a government that is firmly committed to making sure Queenslanders have access the high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure and Keppel MP Brittany Lauga:

“I have been fighting for a PET scanner, so I’m proud to be part of a government which is listening and delivering for our region.

“Having these services in Rockhampton will mean members of my community, and communities across CQ, won’t have to travel as far to access these diagnostic tests.

“We have fantastic health facilities and staff here in Central Queensland and with investments like this, it will only get even better.”

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke:

“It’s fantastic to see this investment in healthcare in Rockhampton.

“Currently, we need to travel to Mackay or Bundaberg to access PET scanning services and it’ll be a game changer for Rockhampton to have this service locally.

“This is a big deal for Rockhampton and all of Central Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Ngaire Buchanan:

“This future investment in Rockhampton Hospital will significantly improve healthcare accessibility for residents.

“By bringing essential services closer to home, will save them valuable time, travel expenses, and the stress of seeking treatment away from loves ones.

“The development of this facility reflects our commitment to ensuring our healthcare infrastructure meets the evolving needs of our community, both now and in the future.

“It stands as a testament of our collective effort to ensure that every Central Queenslander has access to great healthcare services, right here in their own community – where it matters most.

“Having a PET scanner readily available in the heart of Rockhampton will open a world of possibilities in the fight against cancer.

“It will also assist residents with various healthcare needs in their own backyard, offering preferred services available to them without the burden of long-distance travel.”

BACKGROUND

Cardiac hybrid unit:

This project lays the foundation for Rockhampton attracting skilled cardiologists, bolstering the region’s healthcare expertise and ensuring long-term access to specialised care.

To ensure the continued delivery of life-saving care for the Central Queensland region, the cardiac hybrid theatre will be constructed in phases.

This project will also create 78 full-time jobs during construction.

PET scanner:

Initial planning has already begun to inform the master plan and business case for the hospital to determine the most suitable sire for this technology.

This planning will ensure the Rockhampton Hospital continues to provide quality healthcare infrastructure that is sustainable and will meet the needs of the region for years to come.

This will be the seventh public PET service in Queensland, supplementing existing access through private providers in other areas, and eliminating the need for Central Queenslanders to travel to Mackay or Bundaberg.

ENDS