The Miles Labor Government will build a new Satellite Hospital in Rockhampton, 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
Premier Steven Miles has announced a new Satellite Hospital will be built in Rockhampton, if elected in October.
The Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton 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.
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.
“That’s why I will build a Satellite Hospital in Rockhampton, if elected in October.
“This will help reduce pressure at the Rocky and Yeppoon Hospitals and create good local jobs for healthcare workers.
“Queenslanders can trust that I will 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 Labor Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:
“Having seen how successful the Satellite Hospital program has been, I have been personally advocating for one in our community here in Rockhampton.
“Locals have told me how challenging it is to access primary care in our community, and this new facility will deliver urgent care for local families without the need to visit the emergency department.
“It stands in contrast to the LNP, who sacked 197 health workers in Central Queensland and cut $1.6 billion from Queensland Health with complete disregard for regional families.
“I’m proud to be part of delivering on the Miles Government’s commitment better healthcare closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Rockhampton Craig Marshall:
“I know quality healthcare close to home matters for the people of Rockhampton, that’s why I am so proud to commit to the delivery of a Satellite Hospital right here, if Labor wins the October election.
“Having worked in healthcare myself, I know just how important good quality health facilities are to staff and patients.
“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 which for busy families, like mine, is great news.”
ENDS