The Palaszczuk Government is a step closer to bringing the Satellite Hospitals Program to life with the appointment of Hutchinson Builders (Hutchies) as Managing Contractor.
Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk told Parliament the Satellite Hospitals Program will deliver seven new facilities to support public healthcare delivery in rapidly growing communities across South East Queensland.
“My government’s vision to build satellite hospitals is a national first,” the Premier said.
“It will ensure our health professionals are able to deliver essential services for Queenslanders in our rapidly growing communities, right where they are needed.
“Importantly, it also will support up to 773 jobs during construction, critical for our economic recovery.
“With the contractor now announced, the Satellite Hospitals Program team will turn its attention towards detailed design, with Queensland tradies expected to have boots on the ground early in the New Year.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the new facilities would operate as mini-hospitals, providing services in urban areas.
“Our satellite hospitals will deliver health care to Queenslanders close to where they live and work,” he said.
Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath said increasing the capacity of Queensland’s health services in high-demand locations is another common-sense decision from the Queensland Government.
“This government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Queenslanders,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Through the Satellite Hospitals Program – a key element of this government’s record $22.2 billion health Budget for 2021-22 – we are delivering on the trust Queenslanders have placed in us.
“We are investing now to ensure Queenslanders in some of our highest growth population centres have easy access to health services where and when they need them.”
“We are committed to supporting our emergency departments because Queenslanders expect and deserve no less.”
The seven satellite hospitals will be built in Brisbane’s north and south, on Bribie Island and in the communities of Caboolture, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Redland City.
Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said each of the seven facilities would help meet the increased demand for health services across the State.
“Our satellite hospitals mean locals don’t have to leave their own community for the healthcare they deserve,” Mr de Brenni said.
“I am particularly proud that Hutchison Builders – a Queensland company – has secured the satellite hospital program’s managing contract,” he said.
“Hutchies is a true Queensland success story and has served as an employer for countless Queensland families since taking on its first Queensland government project in 1912.
“Hutchies can draw on vast construction knowledge, wide-ranging industry experience and specialist design professionals to ensure timely delivery of these much-needed facilities.”
Mr de Brenni said for this major investment, we have applied our nation-leading Best Practice Principles.
“This ensures government projects valued at $100 million or over deliver best practice when it comes to genuine, quality, secure ongoing jobs, with fair pay and safe working conditions for Queenslanders,” he said.
“Here in Queensland, we understand that value is measured by much more than the cheapest price.
“Through the Palaszczuk Government’s Buy Queensland approach to procurement, this construction initiative will have a very real focus on local benefits and local jobs.”
Managing director Greg Quinn said Hutchinson Builders, which celebrates its 110th birthday next year, has significant experience in health and education projects across the Sunshine State.
“We’re already working with local consultants and briefing local subcontractors and local suppliers to ensure we meet the tight timelines and produce a top-quality outcome for Queenslanders,” Mr Quinn said.
“The satellite hospitals project will be led by Hutchies team leader Jamie Washington”.
“He has a great team around him and they are rearing to get on with it.”
The range of services to be delivered from the Queensland Government’s satellite hospitals includes community health, ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services – such as chemotherapy, urgent care for minor injury and illness – as well as outpatient activities.
