Shannon Fentiman said consultation is underway for the Biloela Hospital upgrades

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has told the LNP to “stop spreading fear” into the Biloela community after Callide MP Bryson Head accused her of not yet committing funds to building a new Biloela Hospital.

Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announce an election promise of a new Satellite Hospital for Rockhampton, Rockhampton Ambulance Station. Picture: Liam Kidston

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has told the LNP to “stop spreading fear” into the Biloela community after Callide MP Bryson Head accused her of not yet committing funds to building a new Biloela Hospital.

Ms Fentiman, campaigning in Rockhampton on Wednesday, September 25, was responding to Mr Head’s claim that an answer to Parliamentary Questions on Notice revealed “no direct budget allocation” for the proposed “critically important improvements” to the hospital which include new birthing and maternity facilities.

“Photo-op Fentiman is determined to treat regional communities with absolute disdain by refusing to give them certainty on health services and keeping them in the dark on the future,” he said.

Callide MP Bryson Head speaking about maternity services.

Ms Fentiman said the Biloela Hospital project was yet to be costed but had still been included in the government’s $1.038 billion Building Rural and Remote Health Program phase two.

She said she had informed Mr Head of this funding commitment.

“He needs to be upfront with his community and stop causing fear in his community,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We have that (Biloela project) allocated in the budget and what we are doing is taking the time to consult with his constituents about what services they want to see at the hospital.

Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announce an election promise of a new Satellite Hospital for Rockhampton, Rockhampton Ambulance Station. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I have already said publically it will include upgrades to birthing suites because if we can have beautiful modern birthing suites we are going to be able to bring those clinicians we need to make birthing safe again at Biloela.

“Once that design and scope and consultation is complete we will let the community know the final cost for the project.”

Ms Fentiman wouldn’t provide a cost estimate, saying that would be determined after the consultation process.

She has previously stated there would be no reduction in bed numbers or services at the hospital.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announcing the new PETCT scanner at Rockhampton Hospital.

Ms Fentiman said community consultation will continue to end of the year meaning costing won’t be known until early 2025 at the earliest with construction to begin mid next year.

The Morning Bulletin has asked Mr Head if the LNP would commit to the same project for Biloela Hospital should they win at the state election.

Originally published as Shannon Fentiman said consultation is underway for the Biloela Hospital upgrades