Sites for satellite hospitals revealed

Photo: An artist's impression of the satellite hospital at Bribie Island

The State Government has today revealed where new satellite hospitals at Caboolture, Pine Rivers, Redlands, and the Gold Coast will be built.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the four parcels of land were ideal locations for the health hubs.

“This is all about investing in health and investing in infrastructure,” Ms Palaszczuk says.

“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.”

How it will make a difference

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says the new satellite hospitals will 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 says.

“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 about 12 months following completion of the business case and acquisition of land.

In addition to Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast, satellite hospitals will also be built at Bribie Island, Brisbane southside and Ripley.

The Palaszczuk Government is also establishing a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund which will pay for additional health facilities.

Where they will be built

• A 1.3ha parcel of land at Rowe St has been identified as the preferred site of the Caboolture satellite hospital.

• A 1.5ha parcel of land at Dohles Rocks Rd, Kallangur, has been identified as the preferred site of the Pine Rivers satellite hospital.

• A 1.4ha property at Meissner St, is the preferred location of the Redlands Coast facility.

• A 1.4ha parcel of land at Boyd St, Tugun, has been identified as the preferred site of the Gold Coast satellite hospital.

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