A new Satellite Hospital is set for Ipswich thanks to a $40 million commitment from the Palaszczuk Government.

An Australian first, this new healthcare initiative will mean Queenslanders can access public urgent care closer to home rather than going to hospital.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a third term Labor Government will continue to invest in health care for all Queenslanders no matter where they live.

“A new $40 million Satellite Hospital for Ipswich will give locals better access to services in their local community,” the Premier said.

“This is part of a $265 million commitment to deliver seven Satellite Hospitals across South East Queensland.

“A Satellite Hospital in Ipswich will be tailored to the needs of the community and will include ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy, complex wound management, and urgent care for minor injury and illness.

“These new Satellite Hospitals will also help provide the healthcare services families needed in our rapidly growing outer-urban areas.

“This initiative is an important part of our ongoing Economic Recovery Plan and will support up to 768 local jobs during construction.”   

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said only a Labor Government will continue to invest in health care for Queenslanders.

“The Ipswich Satellite Hospital will provide opportunities to incorporate innovative workforce models and virtual health opportunities including a range of rapid access consults, care co-ordination, remote monitoring and patient literacy services,” Mr Miles said.

“It will mean patients have greater access to services closer to home and will take pressure off nearby major hospitals.”

Labor Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the Ipswich Satellite Hospital will benefit the local community greatly.

“The Ipswich community is one of the fastest growing in the State with demand for health care expected to also increase,” Ms Howard said.

“A new Satellite Hospital in Ipswich will bring better access to health care closer to home and in a more convenient setting for the community.”

Labor Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said services provided in the new Satellite Hospital will be tailored to the community.

“The Ipswich Satellite Hospital will provide services including outpatient activities, community based health services such as child and youth health services and aged and frail care services,” Mr Madden said.

“It will also provide virtual health opportunities including a range of rapid access consults, care co-ordination, remote monitoring and patient literacy services.”

Labor Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said construction of the Ipswich Satellite Hospital will support vital local construction jobs.

“As well as delivering greater access to health care for our community, the construction of the new Satellite hospital will also support 116 FTE local construction jobs,” Mr McCallum said.

“This project is another great example of the Palaszczuk Labor Government supporting jobs and boosting the Queensland economy.

Labor Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the Ipswich community is one of the fastest growing in the state.

“This investment by the Palaszczuk Labor Government will mean our health system can continue to meet the growing demand for services in the region, and take pressure off nearby major hospitals,” Ms Mullen said.

“Only a Labor Government invests in health care for Queenslanders no matter where they live, because that’s what Labor Governments do.”