$78.3m satellite hospital planned for Sunshine Coast under Labor rule

Labor has vowed the Sunshine Coast would receive a $78.3m satellite hospital if it retains power but could not point to where exactly it would be built, with the opposition claiming they will “say or do anything” for re-election.

Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital on Monday. Picture Lachie Millard

Labor has promised to build a $78.3m satellite hospital on the Sunshine Coast if it retains power in the October election but has not confirmed the suburb it would be built in.

The Sunshine Coast Satellite Hospital would have a minor injury and illness clinic, which would open from 8am to 10pm and provide free treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries like fevers, ear aches, cuts, burns and broken bones, and would be run by doctors and senior nurses.

It would also offer specialist outpatient services, which could include renal dialysis, chemotherapy, oral healthcare and mental health support.

Seven other satellite hospitals have opened across southeast Queensland, providing care to more than 160,000 patients.

The Sunshine Coast proposal would be funded by borrowings to the tune of $78.3m.

“The only way the Sunny Coast gets a satellite hospital is if the Labor government is re-elected,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.

She said she was confident they could find the staff but could not give a specific suburb or area of the proposed health facility.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Picture Lachie Millard

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the Sunshine Coast was one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, putting the existing hospitals and primary care sector under pressure.

“My government has proven that publicly owned, free satellite hospitals work in reducing pressure on our emergency departments and giving families greater access to care when and where they need it,” he said.

LNP Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said the Labor party was “so desperate” they would “say or do anything” and “promise the world” before the next election.

“The reality is they’re not even negotiating or talking to doctors and nurses on the Sunshine Coast about the locations,” he said.

“People are getting confused with satellite hospitals, because satellite hospitals under the Labor party are not fully operational hospitals and they don’t have overnight beds.

“The LNP has long advocated for better health services on the Sunshine Coast, but we believe satellite hospitals should be named appropriately.”

Originally published as $78.3m satellite hospital planned for Sunshine Coast under Labor rule