Caboolture Hospital set for redevelopment and ED expansion
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick chats with patient Gloria Holmes during his visit to Caboolture Hospital to open a new 32-bed ward at Caboolture.
Caboolture Hospital is set for a major upgrade and expansion.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said Caboolture would share in $112.2 million over four years for planning and preparatory works for the redevelopment and expansion, with a further $19.6 million allocated to expand the emergency department (ED) over the next two years.
The Minister made the announcement while officially opening a new 32-bed adult inpatient ward specialising in the care of the elderly.
Mr Dick said the new 32-bed adult ward would increase the Hospital’s bed capacity from 233 to 265, allowing an additional 2500 adult patients to be treated each year.
“As part of the new ward, a secure Gentlemen and Ladies Ageing with Dignity (GLAD) unit is providing more personal and individual care to elderly patients,” Mr Dick said.
“The GLAD unit is staffed by highly specialised nurses, doctors and allied health staff who are experts in providing care to elderly patients who suffer dementia, delirium, or other cognitive impairments.
“The new ward will also cover a range of adult specialities, including coronary and cardiac care, and general medicine, which has seen 30 new doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff join the health care ranks locally.”
Mr Dick said Caboolture Hospital had served locals well for many years and the Government was committed to a redevelopment to cater for the region’s rapid population growth and future demand.
“To service the population growth, we anticipate the need for roughly 130 new treatment spaces at Caboolture Hospital (from 260) but that will all be considered as part of a detailed planning process over the coming year,” Mr Dick said.
“To cater for the increased demand, over the next two years, we have also allocated $19.6 million to expand the emergency department.
“This funding will meet the urgent need to increase the emergency department capacity, facilitating better service delivery and reducing waiting times and overcrowding.
“The expansion will provide 14 new treatment spaces, four consultation rooms and one treatment room; almost doubling the current ED capacity.”