The Miles Labor Government will build a new Satellite Hospital for Far North Queensland, if elected in October
It builds on the success of Satellite Hospitals in South East Queensland, reducing pressure on busy emergency departments
Satellite Hospitals offer free, walk-in treatment from 8am – 10pm for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries and deliver specialist outpatient services
Unlike the LNP who cut 430 health workers, including 70 nurses, from across the Far North, Labor will always invest in more health workers and more services
Premier Steven Miles has announced a new Satellite Hospital will be built in Cairns, if elected in October.
The Cairns Satellite Hospital will have a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, which will 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 will also offer specialist outpatient services, specifically targeting the needs of the local 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 already provided critical care to more than 160,000 patients since their staged opening.
The Satellite Hospital program has been proven 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 Cairns Satellite Hospital will be delivered by through a $78.3 million investment, funded by borrowings.
Only a Miles Labor Government will deliver better healthcare, closer to home, for Queenslanders.
An elected Miles Labor Government will do what matters to address the pressures on the healthcare system – largely the result of unprecedented growth across the state.
The LNP cannot be trusted with Queenslander’s health. The LNP cut doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals from Queensland hospitals, and do not believe in Satellite Hospitals.
When last in office they cut 430 frontline health workers from across the Far North.
Quotes from Premier of Queensland Steven Miles:
“Our hospitals are under pressure – exacerbated by the rapid growth of our state and the decline of primary health care.
“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.
“In Cairns, my government is already delivering an extra 96 beds as part of a major hospital expansion, as well as new emergency department, innovation and mental health units.
“Only I will do what matters to deliver better healthcare, more doctors and more nurses for our state.”
Quotes from Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:
“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.
“We’ve also seen how successful they’ve been at taking pressure off our emergency departments.
“Not only do they look after people with minor injuries, but they also provide access to vital services such as dialysis and mental health support closer to home.
“Meanwhile the LNP have opposed our satellite hospitals since day one, arguing over names while their federal LNP Government stripped Medicare to the bone.
“Only a Labor government will deliver this incredible service to our regional communities across Queensland, because we know that all Queenslanders deserve world class healthcare – no matter where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
“The Miles Labor Government is doing what matters to improve the health outcomes of Cairns families.
“I know how difficult it has been to access a GP appointment, which is why a Satellite Hospital for our region will be a game changer.
“This is a free, walk in facility where locals can access hospital services in their community.
“It stands in contrast to the LNP, who sacked 430 health workers from across the Far North and cut $1.6 billion from Queensland Health.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
“I’m proud to be part of delivering on the Miles Government’s commitment better healthcare closer to home.
“The free Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, which will be part of the Satellite Hospital, will provide families with free healthcare for a range of things like fevers, coughs and colds and even broken bones.
“And with outpatient services offered from the facility, locals won’t need to travel to the hospital to get the care they need.
“This investment builds on our commitment to expanding the existing hospital facilities.
“We have a $250 million commitment to increase capacity by 96 beds, as part of our Big Health Build.”
Quotes attributable to Candidate for Mulgrave Richie Bates:
“If elected, it’s my commitment that locals will have access to the services they want and need.
“We are seeing the results of these Satellite Hospitals in the South East, and I know how impactful one could be in reducing pressure on the busy Cairns Hospital.
“In our part of the world, we have so many tourists also accessing our world class health care which puts additional strain on an already busy system.
“A Satellite Hospital will make a major difference, and that’s something only an elected Miles Labor Government will deliver.”
ENDS