GETTING THINGS DONE: LABOR GOVERNMENT TO BUILD A SATELLITE HOSPITAL FOR THE SUNSHINE COAST

• The Miles Labor Government will build a new Satellite Hospital for the Sunshine Coast, 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 345 health workers from Wide Bay, Labor will always invest in more health workers and more services

Premier Steven Miles has today announced a new Satellite Hospital will be built on the Sunshine Coast, if elected in October.

The Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast Satellite Hospital will be delivered by through a $58.3 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 81 health workers from the Sunshine Coast, including 64 nurses.

Quotes from Premier of Queensland Steven Miles:
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in our state, putting the local 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.

“And now, the Sunshine Coast is set to benefit from a Satellite Hospital thanks to the advocacy of local members Jason Hunt and Rob Skelton.

“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 Caloundra Jason Hunt:
“Anyone who drives through Caloundra can see how much it’s changing and growing.

“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.

“It stands in contrast to the LNP, who sacked 81 health workers from the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital Service and cut $1.6 billion from Queensland Health.

“I’m proud to be part of delivering on the Miles Government’s commitment better healthcare closer to home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:
“I’ve pushed hard to get better healthcare facilities here on the Sunshine Coast.

“If elected in October, 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.

“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.

“Only a Miles Labor Government will deliver the healthcare Queenslanders need here on the Sunshine Coast.”