Queensland premier Steven Miles says a satellite hospital will be built on the Sunshine Coast, if Labor is re-elected at the state election in October.
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 is run by doctors and senior nurses.
It would also offer specialist outpatient services, specifically targeting the needs of the community. That could include renal dialysis, chemotherapy, oral healthcare and mental health support.
The announcement follows the success of seven satellite hospitals delivered across South-East Queensland, which have provided critical care to more than 160,000 patients since their staged opening.
The satellite hospital program is designed to alleviate pressure on local hospitals, with up to a 26 per cent drop in less serious, non-emergency presentations to hospitals located close to a satellite hospital.
The Sunshine Coast Satellite Hospital would be delivered by through a $78.3 million investment, funded by borrowings.
Premier Miles said the region needed more health resources.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in our state, putting the local hospitals and primary care sector under pressure,” he said.
“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.”
But it’s not yet known where the hospital could be built
“(The state government will) analyse the demand and service need, (to) identify appropriate sites,” the premier said.
Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said satellite hospitals had proved successful around the south-east.
“We’ve heard so many stories from people who love their local satellite hospital, and how they’re providing savings for household families who need urgent access to minor healthcare,” she said.
“We’ve also seen how successful they’ve been at taking pressure off our emergency departments.
She said the hospital would likely be built in a booming area.
“As you can see rom the satellite hospitals that we’ve built, they are where the growth is happening. We will now take our time to identity an appropriate site but it will be where there has been growth.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said locals will benefit.
“Anyone who drives through Caloundra can see how much it’s changing and growing,” he said.
“More families are moving here: families who will call on our emergency departments for cuts, sprains and broken bones.
“Instead, locals will have access to free, quality healthcare at a satellite hospital right here on the Sunshine Coast.
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the hospital services would make a significant difference.
“Sunshine Coast families will have access to a free Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, that can treat a range of things like fevers, coughs and colds and even broken bones,” he said.
“That will free up space in our busy emergency department and put money back in the pockets of families who would otherwise pay to see a GP.”
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