In a significant development for the growing southern Redlands and Bay Island communities, the eagerly anticipated Redlands Satellite Hospital is set to open its doors to patients in a few days. The hospital, strategically located on Meissner Street, is poised to boost healthcare accessibility in the region substantially.
Shannon Fentiman, the Health Minister, shared that this state-of-the-art facility, constructed for $43.8 million, is situated within the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA). This strategic positioning is intended to bring an array of healthcare services closer to residents, ultimately alleviating pressure on the emergency department of Redland Hospital.
As part of the broader initiative, the state government’s $377 million satellite hospitals program has marked the Redland Bay facility as one of seven planned for southeast Queensland. Health Minister Fentiman, in a Monday announcement, revealed that the hospital will be officially open to patients starting August 28. The hospital, bearing the co-name “Talwalpin Milbul” in acknowledgement of the region’s First Nations people, recently welcomed hundreds of residents during a community open day, offering them an exclusive sneak peek into the premises and facilities.
Upon operation, the hospital is geared to provide a diverse range of specialised services, including a cancer day therapy unit and a kidney dialysis unit. The minor Injury and illness clinic, accessible from 8 AM to 10 PM daily, can handle simple fractures, sprains, strains, head injuries, and other pressing medical concerns. A key objective of the hospital’s establishment is to ease the burden on Redland Hospital’s emergency department, which experienced a peak ramping rate of 73 per cent in the past October.
The Redlands Satellite Hospital becomes the third of its kind to go live, following the footsteps of Caboolture and Ripley. Over 100 healthcare professionals have already been recruited, encompassing doctors, nurses, allied health practitioners, administration officers, and operational staff, all dedicated to serving the community’s healthcare needs.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk initially unveiled the satellite hospital program in the lead-up to the 2020 election, highlighting its aim to bolster health services in rapidly expanding communities. However, the program has faced criticism from opposition members who argue that these facilities shouldn’t be classified as hospitals due to their lack of overnight beds or emergency departments.
Despite challenges during the construction phase, including a cost increase of 42 per cent from $265 million to $376.9 million for building all seven facilities, the Redlands Satellite Hospital’s imminent inauguration is generating excitement. Local representatives, including Redlands MP Kim Richards and Capalaba MP Don Brown, have expressed their enthusiasm about the positive impact this facility will have on the community’s well-being.
Noelle Cridland, the Chief Executive of Metro South Hospital and Health Service, noted the facility’s commitment to delivering equitable and accessible healthcare services for all. Furthermore, the state government’s plan to invest $150 million in a new mental health facility at Redland Hospital underscores its ongoing dedication to enhancing the region’s overall healthcare landscape.
Source: Redland City News
