Show us the money: Calls for funding as hospital’s ED numbers surge

A local MP has called on the State Government to provide funding as data shows an alarming rise in emergency department visits.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said detailed designs were ongoing for the new Toowoomba Hospital site.

Update

Concerning data recently revealed a surge in the number of patients attending the region’s emergency department and now the State Government has responded.

The data acquired from Queensland Health showed an increase of almost 1000 people during the July to September quarter last year, when compared to the same time in 2020.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the State Government would continue to invest in more health infrastructure in the Darling Downs.

“This includes $42 million on a new two-theatre day surgery facility at (the) Baillie Henderson Hospital Campus as part of our record $937.18 million budget for Darling Downs Hospital Health Service,” she said.

“Detailed design and master planning are ongoing for the new Toowoomba Hospital at the preferred Baillie Henderson site.”

Health Minister Yvette D'ath. Picture: Brendan Radke

It comes after the Member for Toowoomba South and Opposition treasury spokesman David Janetzki recently called on Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick to allocate funding to the project in the budget this June.

The MP said it was much-needed infrastructure not just for Toowoomba, but across Southern and Western Queensland.

“We continue to face rising Covid numbers across the region and it’s heartwarming to see the many ways we are continuing to care and look out for each other,” he said.

“Let’s keep supporting our health workers who are under extraordinary pressure serving this community.”

The exterior of the Toowoomba Hospital. Photo Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba Hospital executive director Shirley-Anne Gardiner said while the hospital was experiencing “unprecedented demand”, she urged anyone who required urgent care, not to put it off.

“More than 40 per cent of our Toowoomba Hospital emergency department presentations arrive via ambulance,” she said.

“We have an excellent relationship with Queensland Ambulance Service including daily meetings to ensure we are doing all we can to improve patient flow.”

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio previously told The Chronicle funding for the new hospital was essential.

“We need a new hospital here in Toowoomba, that’s on the cards,” he said.

“The land is available, many things are available and we’re just waiting for the announcement, and I’m hoping that it’s not too far away.

“Health is the biggest employer in the Toowoomba region.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio.

Original

Calls for funding for the new Toowoomba Hospital have been issued to the State Government as the growing health crisis continues to fill emergency departments.

Queensland Health data shows almost 16,000 patients visited the hospital’s emergency department in the July-September quarter.

During this time, about 137 category one (most urgent), 2852 category two, 8916 category three, 3568 category four and 369 category five (least urgent) patients attended the critical care department at Toowoomba Hospital.

A rise in visits was recorded in comparison to the same quarter in 2020, with 119 category one, 2399 category two, 8917 category three, 3355 category four and 232 category five patients.

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki. Picture: John Gass

Member for Toowoomba South and Opposition treasury spokesman David Janetzki said health workers were under extraordinary pressure serving the community, as Covid-19 numbers across the region continued to rise.

“The budget is five months away and we need concrete funding from Treasurer (Cameron) Dick to start construction,” he said.

“There is a pressing need, and we are sick of waiting.

“This is much-needed health infrastructure not just for Toowoomba but across Southern and Western Queensland.”

Toowoomba Hospital executive director Shirley-Anne Gardiner. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba Hospital executive director Shirley-Anne Gardiner said there was currently an unprecedented demand for services at the hospital.

“Our staff are doing an outstanding job of providing care to our community,” she said.

“In the most recent reporting period, the Toowoomba Hospital Emergency Department saw all category one patients within clinically recommended time frames despite a six per cent increase in presentations.

“More than 40 per cent of our Toowoomba Hospital emergency department presentations arrive via ambulance.”

Last year, the Treasurer revealed several healthcare-related items in the 21-22 budget.

This included $1.1 billion for the Darling Downs and South West Hospital and Health Services.

The Chronicle contacted the Treasurer and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath for comment.