Since the promise made just prior to the October 31 State Government election, one of the hottest topics on Bribie has been where is the hospital going to go? This announcement was the big ticket item of the campaign. Our very own hospital.
Rumours and confusion led people to mention a variety of potential sites including First Avenue, Woorim or near the shops at Bellara. Since the announcement we have had 8 months to speculate but if you would have guessed somewhere between those two sites you would have been right! Or maybe right, as at this stage the selection is the ‘preferred site’ so we can assume that it isn’t yet set in stone.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced recently that Crown Land on First Avenue, Bongaree has been identified as the preferred site. The 1.6ha site is currently owned by Education Queensland. Can we assume that Education Queensland want to give this site up, or do they not have a choice?
This is exciting news for the community and a big step forward for the satellite hospital because the current health crisis which has resulted in waiting weeks to see a doctor, waiting hours for ambulances at home and sitting in ambulances waiting at the hospitals, waiting hours in emergency rooms and travelling long distances to see specialists and so forth will hopefully not continue for much longer.
While the specifics of the hospital remain limited, the Health Minister mentioned community health services, day therapy services, chemotherapy, urgent care for minor injury and illness as options, and taking pressure off the Caboolture Hospital’s emergency department was discussed by the Local Member. The next stage of planning will define the type of care available at the satellite hospital.
The satellite hospital will be completed in 2023 says the State Member for Pumicestone, with $15m provided from the recently announced State Budget. It is expected remaining funds will be from the 21/22 State Budget.
We look forward to seeing construction commence and for the local community to benefit from our very own health hub that has been so long coming and that will make life easier for so many.