New satellite hospital proposed for Gold Coast as part of ALP election commitment
Gold Coast communities desperately in need of better access to public health have been promised a $40 million ‘satellite hospital’ under a new Labor Party election commitment.
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GOLD COAST communities desperately in need of better access to public health have been promised a $40 million ‘satellite hospital’ under a new Labor Party election commitment.
The new healthcare initiative aims to give Queenslanders access to urgent care closer to home.
The proposed Gold Coast satellite facility is one of seven in a $265 million commitment for new facilities in South East Queensland with capacity for urgent care, dialysis and other services depending on the needs of the community.
The Bulletin understands the proposal will not replace any future plans for a Northern Gold Coast Coast hospital which has been highlighted previously as part of a master plan by the Gold Coast Health Service.
Instead the location of the satellite hospital will be decided as part of a wider Gold Coast consultation.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a third term Labor Government will
continue to invest in health care for all Queenslanders no matter where they live.
“A satellite hospital on the Gold Coast will be tailored to the needs of the community
and will include ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services such as renal
dialysis, chemotherapy, complex wound management, and urgent care for minor
injury and illness.
“These new satellite hospitals will also help provide the healthcare services families
need in our rapidly growing outer-urban areas.”
This initiative is expected to support up to 768 local jobs during construction.
The build is also designed to take pressure off major hospitals in the area.
The announcement follows a promise last week that Labor would build a $111 million expansion of Gold Coast University Hospital.
Previously the LNP committed $4 million to undertake a masterplan for a Gold Coast North Hospital and health precinct for the growing northern corridor.
Labor Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast Satellite Hospital
will benefit the local community greatly.
“The Gold Coast community is one of the fastest growing in the State with demand
for health care expected to also increase,” Ms Scanlon said.
“A new satellite hospital on the Gold Coast will ensure greater access to health care
closer to home and in a more convenient setting for the community.
“Gold Coasters will be able to access a range of services tailored to the community
including outpatient activities, community based health services and virtual health
opportunities.”
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NEW PICTURES reveal the mega complex proposed by Queensland Labor as part of their $111 million Gold Coast University Hospital expansion.
A new 40-bed secure mental health rehabilitation facility will be added to the Southport site, should the Labor government be re-elected, Health Minister and Deputy Premier Steven Miles said at the announcement on Thursday.
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The expansion will also include new hybrid theatres which will allow teams to have radiology in the room, which assists in complex trauma cases.
“Now we are announcing that if we are elected we will invest in the hospital’s next major expansion,” he said.
“This will allow our wonderful teams and mental health nurses to take care of some of the most vulnerable members of the community, to do a better job of it as well as relieving pressure on the rest of the hospital, relieving pressure to flow patients out of the emergency department.
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“It is precisely what Gold Coast Health and Gold Coast Labor’s team said they needed for more services.”
It is expected that 320 jobs will be created during construction of the expansion.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the expansion was a “game changer” for Gold Coast health.
“We know the population, particularly in the north, is growing and growing so it is really important we invest in those frontline services,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Throughout the last few years we have been investing significantly to restore the cuts that were made under the Newman Government to employ more nurses, doctors and health practitioners right hear on the Gold Coast.
“This announcement today is not only good news for our healthcare system it is also great news for our tradies.”
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