Miles promises satellite hospital for Fraser Coast if Labor wins election

If Labor is re-elected, Premier Steven Miles says the Fraser Coast Satellite Hospital will have a minor injury and illness clinic, which will provide free treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries.

A satellite hospital will be built on the Fraser Coast if Labor wins the October state election. The promise was made by Premier Steven Miles during a brief visit to the region on Monday.

A satellite hospital will be built on the Fraser Coast if Labor wins the October state election.

The promise was made by Premier Steven Miles during a brief visit to the region on Monday.

Mr Miles did not stipulate if the hospital would be built in Maryborough or Hervey Bay.

Labor MPs currently hold both those state electorates: Bruce Saunders in Maryborough and Adrian Tantari in Hervey Bay.

But exclusive YouGov polling in July revealed David Crisafulli was on track to become Queensland premier in October as Labor’s primary vote plunged to its lowest level in 131 years. Ongoing support for the Greens could see Labor’s losses surpass 23 seats in October.

A satellite hospital will be built on the Fraser Coast if Labor wins the October state election. The promise was made by Premier Steven Miles during a brief visit to the region on Monday.

If Labor is re-elected, Mr Miles says the Fraser Coast Satellite Hospital will have a minor injury and illness clinic, which will open from 8am-10pm and provide free treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries like fevers, ear aches, cuts, burns and broken bones, and will be run by doctors and senior nurses.

A statement from the Premier’s office said the clinic would also offer specialist outpatient services, possibly including renal dialysis, chemotherapy, oral healthcare and mental health support.

Seven satellite hospitals opened across south east Queensland have provided critical care to more than 160,000 patients, the statement said.

Labor MP Bruce Saunders speaks during Question Time at Parliament House in Brisbane. A satellite hospital will be built on the Fraser Coast if Labor wins the October state election. The promise was made by Premier Steven Miles during a brief visit to the region on Monday. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

The satellite hospital program is designed to alleviate pressure on local hospitals, with up to a 26 per cent drop in less serious, non-emergency presentations to hospitals located close to a satellite hospital.

The Fraser Coast Satellite Hospital will be delivered by through a $78.3 million investment, funded by borrowings.

“Our hospitals are under pressure – exacerbated by the rapid growth of our state and the decline of primary health care,” Mr Miles said.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman at Parliament House in Brisbane. A satellite hospital will be built on the Fraser Coast if Labor wins the October state election. The promise was made by Premier Steven Miles during a brief visit to the region on Monday. Picture: Tara Croser.

“My government has proven that publicly owned, free satellite hospitals work in reducing pressure on our emergency departments and giving families greater access to care when and where they need it.

“While we are expanding the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Hospitals and delivering a new hospital in Bundaberg, the addition of a satellite hospital will help to ease pressure even further.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said satellite hospitals had proven successful at taking pressure off the state’s emergency departments.

“We’ve heard so many stories from people who love their local satellite hospital, and how they’re providing savings for household families who need urgent access to minor healthcare.

“Not only do they look after people with minor injuries, but they also provide access to vital services such as dialysis and mental health support closer to home.

“If elected in October, Fraser Coast locals will have access to free healthcare when and where they need it. Whether you have a broken bone or need a few stitches, if you need to stop in at our Satellite Hospital you will get the care you need, quickly.”

Satellite Hospitals offer free, walk-in treatment from 8am – 10pm for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries and deliver specialist outpatient services.