RSL offers space as makeshift hospital if crisis hits

A local RSL has offered its facilities as a possible makeshift hospital if a crisis COVID-19 situation arises on the Sunshine Coast.

A COAST RSL has offered its facilities as a possible makeshift hospital to support local health services if a crisis COVID-19 situation arises in the region.

With the club premises currently not being used, the Caloundra RSL Services Club and Sub Branch have offered the facilities to be used by Sunshine Coast University Hospital to assist in any overflow, in the event of an emergency.

Services Club general manager Graeme Devin said the club looked at various options during the shutdown period, including takeaway meals and alcohol sales, but given the size of the venue, he said these weren't viable options as costs outweighed the benefits.

"The RSL's purpose is to assist the welfare of veterans and the community," he said.

"What better way to do that in the current situation than to offer the venue to QLD Health in the event that it would be required."

It's not unusual for a large venue such as the Caloundra RSL to be used in an emergency like with floods or fires as an emergency shelter.

As size and location, being across the road from the Caloundra Health precinct, are key elements, Mr Devin said it made sense to provide the offer to QLD Health.

"The two committees, Caloundra Sub Branch and Caloundra Services Club, are committed to providing community support at this time," Mr Devin said.

"How it would run is for the health authorities to determine, and while we are closed they can use as much of the space as they require."

State Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle congratulated them on the initiative.

"In a number of conversations with the RSL Services Club they agreed that its facilities, location in the precinct including parking, open floor space, kitchens and the like were sitting going to waste at this point," he said.

"They decided the offer would be made with the real hope that it will never be taken up."

President of the Services Club, Cathy Stamp, said they believe it was the best way they could help.

"Like any insurance policy, we hope there never comes a time when we need to use it, but at the end of the day, planning for the future is so important," she said.

"If the worst does arrive, we have to be ready for it and the RSL is here to support our health workers however we can."

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