New clinic gives Rockhampton ED a big break, as local ramping rates drop
- The Crisafulli Government has delivered a new Orthopaedic Clinic for Rockhampton.
- The clinic frees up much needed space in the Rockhampton Hospital's emergency department.
- The new clinic comes as latest monthly hospital performance data shows Rockhampton ramping rates have dropped 12.3 percentage points compared to one year ago.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a new Orthopaedic Clinic for Rockhampton as part of its commitment to deliver easier access to care and improved patient flow for all Queenslanders no matter where they live.
The new facility features consultation rooms, a larger waiting area, staff areas and a plaster clinic room.
Importantly, removing the clinic from within the Rockhampton Hospital to the new purpose-built facility outside has created much-needed additional space for the hospital's busy emergency department.
Future expansion of the emergency department is being considered as part of ongoing masterplanning for the wider Rockhampton Hospital precinct.
The new clinic comes as April monthly hospital performance data shows Rockhampton Hospital's ramping rates have fallen 12.3 percentage points compared to April 2024, with 31.6 per cent of ambulances ramped longer than 30 minutes compared with 43.9 per cent under the former Labor Government.
The Rockhampton elective surgery waitlist is also following the state-wide downward trend, dropping from 2,994 patients on the waitlist in Mach to 2,806 in April.
The Crisafulli Government's Easier Access to Health Services Plan will deliver the resources to where they are needed most, and help diagnose, treat, and cure Labor's Health Crisis.
The Hospital Rescue Plan will also deliver a redeveloped Rockhampton Hospital, progressed work on a new Cardiac Hybrid Theatre, plus major investments in local mental health services and a new $95 million Health Sciences Academy to get more high school students fast-tracked into health careers.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said after a decade of Labor neglect, Rockhampton – just like the rest of Queensland – was beginning to see much-needed improvements in local health care.
"Labor left Rockhampton's emergency department in absolute crisis - they had a decade to fund a plan and they didn't do it," Minister Nicholls said.
"Our Hospital Rescue Plan is saving Rockhampton and Central Queensland from Labor's Health Crisis, delivering this important new facility and getting the long-overdue planning underway for further improvements to the hospital."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said Rockhampton was turning a corner after Labor left local health infrastructure underfunded and inadequate.
"Unlike the previous government, we have been actively engaging with and working with local health workers and the community to better understand what health infrastructure Rockhampton needs," Ms Kirkland said.
"Rockhampton is the centre hub for so many regional towns across Central Queensland, and that deserves to be reflected in our healthcare capabilities, resources and infrastructure."
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said the new Orthopaedic Clinic was a win for both patients and staff alike.
"Our Orthopaedic Clinic sees more than 100 patients every week day, and this new space will improve their experience and give much better access," Ms Blackler said.
