The Palaszczuk Government will purchase the Gladstone Mater Hospital in a bid to further expand public health services to the Central Queensland region.
Health Minister Steven Miles said the purchase would mean a new era of health care for the people of Gladstone.
“The Palaszczuk government invests in health care, and this is an exciting opportunity to expand public healthcare in Gladstone,” he said.
“I want to thank Glenn Butcher – he’s been relentless in looking for a way to secure this hospital and now we have found a way.
“Right now all of our hospitals are working hard to get ready for the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement will ensure the Mater remains open and providing care for CQ locals.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic we will transfer the hospital to the CQHHS to deliver great health care in to the future.
The Minister said he had asked Queensland Health to progress formal negotiations with Mater to finalise a deal as soon as possible.
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the move follows a $42 million investment in the existing Gladstone Hospital Emergency Department, due to be completed mid-2020.
“I am proud of the services CQHHS delivers in Gladstone, and proud of the hard work our nurses and doctors and health staff do every day.
“I have called for some time for the government to buy the Gladstone Mater for future expansion.
“We are already building the new Gladstone Hospital Emergency Department, which saw a new and refurbished ED, and I’m excited about this new prospect as well.
“Today’s announcement means we can increase the amount of services available to Central Queensland, the number of public beds, reduce wait times and improve our patient care efficiencies.”
