Hervey Bay Hospital to receive $40m expansion in Qld budget

Hervey Bay’s under-pressure hospital has been given a major boost in the state budget. Full details:

Hervey Bay Hospital will receive a $40m expansion as part of a state budget focused “squarely on health” that was handed down on Tuesday.

The multimillion-dollar hospital expansion would deliver 35 new beds, a promise coming hot on the heels of calls for major investment in Hervey Bay’s health services.

Only days out from the budget the Australian Medical Association called for a state budget with a big health spend to include funding for Hervey Bay Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

In parliament on Tuesday Treasurer Cameron Dick described it as a “record health budget” which would see a $9.78bn investment in new hospitals and new beds across the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the budget included $1.64bn in funding to improve mental health and wellbeing and combat substance abuse across the state over the next five years.

“It’s an opportunity to dedicate resources and funding to support initiatives under a new five-year plan for mental health, alcohol, and other drug services, Better Care Together,” Ms D’Ath said.

Hervey Bay Hospital will receive a $40m expansion as part of the state budget for 2022-2023.

“Also, the QAS will commission an additional four Mental Health Co-responder services in the Darling Downs, Mackay, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast areas.

“It means services across the spectrum, from community based through to crisis support and response, more mental health workers where and when they are needed, and technology solutions to better integrate care across healthcare settings.

“These investments will alleviate pressure on the acute mental health system.

“We know that growing our health workforce is key to tackling the unprecedented demand in our public hospitals.”

Hervey Bay and Maryborough can also expect new and upgraded Fire and Emergency Services facilities.

In a statement on Tuesday, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the budget would invest more than $900 million in Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).

He said the budget would “progress new and upgraded facilities” in areas across Queensland including Hervey Bay and Maryborough.