Qld govt to spend $1.35m to promote Satellite Hospital program

A two-year $1.35m campaign to boost awareness of the state’s Satellite Hospital program includes a $100,000 social media advertising spend.

The state government will splash $1.35m promoting its Satellite Hospital program amid repeated criticism the facilities would create “confusion and safety concerns”.

A two-year, $1.35m campaign includes a $100,000 social media advertising spend, $452,075 for TV and video and $50,193 for direct mail this financial year.

Almost $30,000 has been allocated for agency strategy and implementation.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the program would reduce pressure on major hospitals by diverting patients with non-urgent care needs.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman speaking at the opening of the Tugun Satellite Hospital on Sunday.

“Our Satellite Hospital information campaign remains critical to ensuring communities are well-informed about Satellite Hospitals,” she said.

“The information campaign has focused on the location of the satellite hospitals, the services available at the facilities, and their opening hours – all with a view to ensuring locals know how to access the right care when they need it.”

LNP health spokeswoman Ros Bates has repeatedly criticised the government over the program, arguing it was misleading.

“Queensland Health warned calling them hospitals would create confusion and safety concerns,” she said.

LNP health spokeswoman Ros Bates. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The LNP warned calling them hospitals would mislead Queenslanders and could cost precious time in an emergency.”

Three of the seven new facilities, at Redland Bay, Ripley and Caboolture, are already open while the Tugun site will open on Wednesday.

The remaining satellite hospitals at Bribie Island, Eight Mile Plains and Kallangur will open from late 2023 into 2024.

Ms Fentiman said the advertising campaign had boosted community awareness, with more than 4600 patients being seen at the Ripley and Redland sites.

“Since opening, the minor injury and illness clinics at these facilities handled more category-four and five patients than local emergency departments,” she said.

Originally published as Qld govt to spend $1.35m to promote Satellite Hospital program