An additional 26 beds will open at The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (QEII) Hospital thanks to a $12 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the beds are due to open in a new ward by June 2022.
“This $12.1 million QEII Expansion Program will deliver a 26-bed medical inpatient facility, delivering an important boost to the hospital’s capacity,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Demand for health services on Brisbane’s southside is growing and these new beds will help cater for this demand.
“Queensland Health’s latest performance data shows our public hospitals are busier than ever, which is why these new beds are so important.
“Investing in additional health infrastructure and creating jobs is part of our plan to unite and recover. “Right across Queensland, we’re investing in new and improved health facilities including new hospitals, mental health facilities and seven new satellite hospitals. “We’re hiring thousands of new frontline health staff, backed by a record $22.2 billion health budget.”
Ms D’Ath said the QEII project, which also included a modular administration building, is being delivered through a special allocation of funding as part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic infrastructure support package as well as $7.1 million from the Care4Qld package.
Member for Toohey Peter Russo said the beds would enable the busy hospital to deliver additional capacity in time for the busy winter season.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing in more hospital beds for our growing community,” Mr Russo said.
“Even before COVID we had rising demand and an aging population putting pressure on the health system, so this is a much-needed boost.”
Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan said the project supported economic recovery in Queensland.
“We know people have been doing it tough due to the effects of COVID,” Ms McMillan said.
“The project is providing local infrastructure jobs as Queensland gets back on its feet after the impacts of the pandemic.”
Metro South Hospital and Health Board Chair, Ms Janine Walker AM, said she was delighted by this investment from the Queensland government.
“This 26-bed medical facility will help Metro South Health to provide care to our community and meet the demand for our services at QEII Hospital.”
