MP calls for masterplan details to be made public

The future of health services at Redland Hospital have been questioned again this week with calls for plans to be made public.

Redland Hospital is at the centre of a dispute over timelines and funding for its future Masterplan and services. January 8, 2019 (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson has questioned Queensland Health claims a masterplan for the Redland Hospital was “in the approval stage” and called for details to be released to the public.

Queensland Health Chief Executive Dr Stephen Ayre said yesterday the hospital’s Redland Hospital Infrastructure Master Plan 2019 was “in the approval stage and includes an Intensive Care Unit for the Redlands Coast community”.

But Mr Robinson said without “dates and clear commitments of multi-millions of dollars for more beds and an ICU it’s just another plan to have a plan”.

“If something significant was imminent, Minister Miles would have said so in his letter to staff (last week). He promised to do something - it no commitment.”

“It is an indictment on the Palaszczuk Labor Government that after four years there is still no masterplan for Redland Hospital and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), despite the masterplanning process already being well underway during the time of the LNP Government from 2012-14.”

“There has been very little detail about the Hospital master plan made public ..... Labor have been talking about a new intensive care unit at Redland Hospital since 2017 but nothing has been delivered.”

The News asked Queensland Health this week where the planning was at for the Redland Hospital ICU but was not provided with any further information about where the approval process was at.

FOLLOW REDLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS

FACEBOOK

COMMUNITY CHAT GROUP

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Mark Robinson MP has called for details of the masterplan to be released to the public. Photo Steve Pohlner

Mr Robinson said Redlands residents needed permanent, fast-tracked solutions to the hospital crisis.

“Queensland Health medical professionals, like whistleblower Dr Michael Cameron, have confirmed the need for an ICU at Redland Hospital is well passed the thresh-hold, but nothing has happened and nothing will happen until the carpark review is completed in late 2019 according to Minister Miles.”

“We need permanent solutions to be fast-tracked, not short-term band-aid solutions like demountable buildings or dongas, or hollow promises of upgrades without substantial new funding.”

$1 FOR 28 DAYS: SUBSCRIBE TO THE COURIER MAIL & THE COURIER MAIL

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams confirmed Council had been involved in the masterplanning process for the future facility.

She said Council recognised the need for better health services years ago, “which is why we have helped fund a precinct plan and Master Plan of the hospital along with Metro South and Mater”.

“I’m hoping the results of the Master Plan will provide momentum needed to deliver the health services need for the Redlands Coast.”

Logan birthing needs greater than Redlands

Government looking at masterplan for Redland Hospital

.

Health Minster Steven Miles wrote to Redland Hospital staff last week following emergency physician Dr Michael Cameron’s letter to Redland Coast residents published in The Courier Mail.

Mr Miles said in an email to staff that “a significant expansion of the facility” was planned.

“I … know you are facing growth in demand for your services, caused by a range of factors including population growth, ageing, chronic disease and lack of adequate primary health care,” Mr Miles wrote.

Redland Hospital Upgrades Current.

• A $566,000 Emergency Department upgrade will provide four additional beds, completion expected September, 2019.
• The $1.16 million upgrade to the maternity unit to include a water birthing suite, bringing the total number of birthing suites to seven to be completed December, 2019. Source: Queensland Government.