A new satellite hospital is a step closer for Ipswich with the State Government committing to developing a business case for the project.
A Program Board has been established to oversee the planning and delivery a new satellite hospital in Ipswich.
This new hospital would make healthcare services more accessible for families and people who require regularly access to health care without the need to travel to a major hospital.
Potential services may include community health services, ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services such as renal dialysis and chemotherapy and outpatient activities.
Construction is expected to take about 12 months following completion of the business case and acquisition of the required parcel of land.
The location of the new satellite hospital is yet to be determined.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the State Government’s investment into the much needed expansion of healthcare services in the state’s fastest growing city along with the establishment of a Program Board to ensure the project is swiftly progresses to construction stage.
“Ipswich is the fastest-growing city in Queensland, with an annual population growth rate of 4.1 per cent, and over 330,000 new residents expected to join our community to 2041,” Mayor Harding said.
“(Recently) I met with the West Moreton Health board and key stakeholders and I presented the case for further investment in healthcare infrastructure and services across the Ipswich region.
“I also thanked them for their dedication to providing high-quality healthcare. This is an important step forward to ensuring residents can access services closer to home.
“A mix of major transport projects and investment in social infrastructure will ensure that our residents remain connected to essential services as our city grows.”
According to a Queensland Government policy document the budget for the Ipswich Satellite Hospital could be $40 million while also supporting 116 construction jobs.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said the Satellite Hospitals program it is an Australian healthcare first.
“Queensland Health has committed $265 million to build seven satellite hospitals in south-east Queensland,” the spokesperson said.
“The Satellite Hospitals program will provide cost effective and sustainable healthcare solutions that provides care closer to home and reduces demand on our major hospitals.
“Initial planning for a satellite hospital in Ipswich is underway.
“The business cases will determine the physical characteristics, including location, of the facility to accommodate the proposed service offerings for that facility.”
Construction is expected to take around 12 months following completion of the business case and acquisition of the required parcel of land.
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