Milestone for new satellite hospital

Major construction work has finished, and the new Caboolture Satellite Hospital is expected to open in August.

The fit out is now underway at Rowe St, Caboolture, just over a year since the first sod was turned at the 1.5-hectare site.

Health Minister Shannon Fentimann visited the satellite hospital - which is one of seven being built – and spoke with workers.

Caboolture Satellite Hospital will be able to handle 600 outpatient appointments a with clinicians, including mental health specialists and Rapid Access Clinic staff.

This includes providing care for up to 490 walk-in patients a week.

The satellite hospital will have a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic (MIIC) accepting free walk-ins seven days a week 8am-10pm, with health staff working to 11.30pm. It will also provide:

• oral health services, including prevention, promotion and early intervention, intra-oral radiology, and specialist referral services

• a sleep studies clinic for respiratory-related sleep disorders, including home sleep testing and CPAP/non-invasive ventilation support
• medical imaging and diagnostic services, including ultrasound, X-ray, orthopantomogram and pathology, and
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Hub, providing services including screening, health promotion and health education.

“The Minor Injury and Illness Clinic offers walk-in care for common conditions like strains and sprains, broken bones, minor head injuries, infections and rashes, minor eye issues, minor cuts and burns, tooth ache and earache, and fever, helping to take a lot of pressure off our busy emergency departments and major hospitals,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.

“Caboolture Satellite Hospital will provide a range of convenient specialist services including oral health services and a sleep studies clinic for people suffering respiratory-related sleep disorders.”

Metro North Hospital and Health Service Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook said the new hospital would provide “close-to-home options for minor injuries, illnesses, and fractures”.

“We know our Emergency Departments get busy, which is why we have invested in additional care initiatives such as our Virtual Emergency Department and now the Satellite Hospital, to provide a range of care options to suit the varying needs in our growing communities,” she said.

“Our new Satellite Hospital will be recruiting for 70 new positions between now and its opening in August.”

A satellite hospital at Bribie Island is on course to be completed in the first quarter of 2024, while the satellite hospital at Kallangur is set to open by the end of this year.

The $377 million program, by the Queensland Government, will also see satellite hospitals at Tugun, Redlands, Eight Mile Plains and Ripley.