MP takes aim at ‘underprepared’ hospital as COVID-19 hits Redlands

An MP is demanding a major south east Queensland hospital’s ICU be upgraded, blaming it for leaving the facility ‘underprepared’ as it adapts for a soaring number coronavirus tests.

THE Redlands’ first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has been confirmed, as its major hospital adapts to accommodate a soaring number of people needing to be tested for the virus.

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According to Metro South Health, in a statement made public by Bowman MP Andrew Laming yesterday, one person has returned a positive test for COVID-19 at Redland Hospital since March 11.

That person was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

The case brings the total number of new COVID-19 cases in the Metro South Health Service area to three: a 40-year-old woman, a 59-year-old man and a 23-year-old man having all been confirmed in recent days.

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said staff at Metro South Health had been conducting contact tracing with each of the individuals in order to identify other people who may be at risk.

Member for Bowman Andrew Laming. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas

As at 8pm Sunday, 104 people have been tested for COVID-19 since last Wednesday (March 11).

The service revealed 49 of those people were tested Thursday, March 12, the high number causing hospital staff to need to find new places to accommodate people.

“As it is necessary to separate patients presenting for COVID-19 testing by at least 1.5m to prevent any cross-contamination, some people were asked to wait in an undercover area,” Metro South said.

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“Subsequently, due to the increase in the number of presentations at Redland Hospital for COVID-19 testing, the Hospital has opened additional facilities in the outpatients area to provide this service.

“Patients are still requested to present to the Emergency Department at the hospital in the first instance.”

It comes as Liberal Member for Oodgeroo Mark Robinson slams the Queensland Government for leaving Redland Hospital “underprepared” for the viral outbreak.

“I am incredibly frustrated for the people of my community,” Dr Robinson said.

“I have spent years calling for an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Redland Hospital from Labor and they have failed to deliver,” Dr Robinson said.

A health official prepares to take samples for a coronavirus test. Picture: AP/George Calin

“It’s unacceptable that Redlands Coast residents testing positive to COVID-19 have to travel to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

“Our hard-working local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are now left scrambling to deal with the crisis without the resources they need.

“Sadly one Redlands Coast resident has already tested positive and has been moved to the PA.

“I call on Treasurer Jackie Trad to address this crisis in the April budget by announcing funding for the long overdue ICU for Redland Hospital.

Member for Oodgeroo Mark Robinson. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“It’s high time Labor stopped treating Redlands Coast as a backwater and invested in an ICU for this growing city of 150,000 people.

“Labor must stop ignoring the health needs of the Redlands Coast.”

Metro South Health is currently waiting on the roll-out of the Commonwealth Fever clinics to provide additional support of the local community.

Current criteria for COVID-19 testing:

● Fever or respiratory symptoms and:

● Travelled overseas within the last 14 days or

● Recent close contact (previous 14 days) with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

● Severe community acquired pneumonia requiring admission with no other identifiable cause.

● People who do not meet the above criteria are unable to be tested as per the Chief Health

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