- Better healthcare services being delivered in Mackay
- Work continues on hospital expansion
- New carpark design to include helipad for quicker and safer patient transfer to emergency services
The truth about the chaos and crisis of the former Labor Government's mismanagement of the Health Budget has been laid bare during a regional tour by the new Health Minister.
When the previous Labor Government announced an expansion program for Queensland hospitals, they told Queenslanders it would cost $9.785 billion.
The true figure, when all the elements actually required to deliver more beds and the facilities clinicians need are included, is north of $16 billion.
In Mackay today, Health Minister Tim Nicholls called on the former Labor Government to front up to Queenslanders and explain why they hid the true cost of these projects.
Mr Nicholls also said the Crisafulli Government would save these projects from Labor's mismanagement and reaffirmed the Government was committed to delivering the health services all Queenslanders have a right to expect wherever they live, including from the expanded Mackay Base Hospital.
"The previous Labor Government's sweetheart deal with its CFMEU paymasters drove up costs and delayed vital upgrades across the Queensland hospital expansion program," Minister Nicholls said.
"Upgrading Mackay Base Hospital is a critical project, which is why I'm here today to talk to doctors, nurses and healthcare practitioners about what they need to be able to do their job properly.
"Let me be clear – the Crisafulli Government will deliver this project as we promised – with the final budget and timeline to be determined during negotiations for construction.
"Our focus being on ensuring taxpayers money is spent wisely and delivers better facilities for patients.
Minister Nicholls also revealed the design of the new carpark had been changed by the Labor Government in May 2024 to include the proposed relocation of the helipad.
This change had apparently not been previously announced or discussed with the local neighbours and the project is subject to the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval process, including consultation with the local community.
Subject to planning and other approvals, the carpark is planned to be commence early works in 2025 and is budgeted separately from the hospital expansion from the statewide hospital carparking program.
The carpark is planned to be completed in 2026.
"This new carpark at the Mackay Base Hospital will make life easier for staff, patients, and their families.
"The potential for including a helipad on the roof of the carpark would significantly improve patient transfers to the critical care needed in the hospital," Minister Nicholls said.
The helipad was temporarily relocated to Mackay Airport at the start of the year to allow for the safe delivery of hospital expansion works at Mackay Base Hospital.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Susan Gannon welcomed the design and said it would help to boost patient outcomes.
"I have no doubt our staff, patients and visitors will welcome an end to our car parking challenges.
"We know how challenging it can be to find a park, considering we have very big and busy outpatient clinics.
"As we continue to expand our services and provide increasing care for our community, we know this new carpark will provide a secure location close to the hospital for all our visitors and staff.
"Importantly, the addition of the helipad in the design will further improve our services to patients because it will enable us to transfer them from the helipad to the emergency department faster," Ms Gannon said.
