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In my time as the State Member for Southport I have answered many questions relating to State Government matters. Today I find the majority of questions relate to health and the current state of our health care system. With this in mind I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information updating you on the latest Queensland Health projects and issues.
The Bligh Government is focused on improving Queensland’s health care system in the short and long term through the use of Q2 initiative and the $10 Billion Health Action Plan. This plan is already in motion and includes the building of the $1.55 billion Gold Coast University Hospital, the $11 million Carrara Health Centre and the Gold Coast Surgery Centre opposite the Gold Coast Hospital. Looking further into the future is the recently announced Tomorrow’s Queensland or Q2 program. Q2 is setting goals for 2020 with aims of making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people by tackling issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
With preventable diseases on the rise and 70% of the states population living with long-term chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, health is a number one priority. Latest figures show the overall burden of preventable chronic disease in Queensland is predicted to rise by more than 20% between 2006 and 2016, with type 2 diabetes and heart disease contributing to this growth. Simple lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise can help prevent such illnesses. In turn this will take pressure off our already busy hospital system and improve waiting times for elective surgery and emergency treatment.
Below is a list of the latest health initiatives on the Gold Coast:- Gold Coast University Hospital
Ø $1.55 billion hospital is aimed to be completed by 2012
Ø The hospital will have 750 beds and located at Parklands Drive, Southport
Ø Will offer a wide range of Clinical Services including :
Ø Cancer, Cardiac, Neuroscience, Neonatal Intensive Care
Ø Will also be a learning/teaching/research facility to promote future sustainability
Ø Offer easy public access with 3000 parking spaces
Ø Accessible via the Gold Coast Rapid Transit System
Robina Hospital
Ø Major $287.7 million expansion underway delivering a total of 364 beds
Ø The expansion will increase capacity and improve patient services
Ø Will gain two additional operating theatres
Ø Also upgrades to medical imaging, pharmacy, pathology and catering services
Ø The additional beds scheduled to be open in 2011, full works completed in 2012
More Initiatives
In the last 18 months, the Government has delivered a massive boost to health services on the Coast including:-
Ø the new Robina Emergency Department, 10 bed ICU/CCU and extended renal service;
Ø the creation of a new 20 bed medical ward and a renal dialysis unit at Southport Hospital;
Ø Additional acute mental health beds at Robina;
Ø Extra transitional care/interim care beds;
Ø Opening the Carrara Health Centre, providing 63 non-acute care beds for the District. Establishing the Gold Coast Surgery Centre to help ease the pressure on our elective surgery waiting lists by providing up to 6000 extra procedures per year;
The 'Home Health Link' pilot program which will allow more people to be cared for in their home rather than hospital and is a free service for eligible patients; and Increased clinical staff on the Gold Coast to a record 3,400
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