Renaming satellite hospitals – the survey results are in!
- The survey of health professionals on renaming Queensland's satellite hospitals closed on 20 December.
- Conducting the survey was a key commitment of the Crisafulli Government's 100 Day Plan.
- More than 2780 people, including frontline clinicians, responded.
- Less than 5% opted for 'retain Satellite Hospitals'
- The results will now be put to a clinical advisory group to review and report on in January.
The Crisafulli Government today announced the survey of health professionals to suggest a more appropriate name for satellite hospitals has concluded.
The Renaming Satellite Hospitals survey was launched in November as part of the Crisafulli Government's 100 Day Plan following feedback that the title 'satellite hospital' was confusing.
More than 2,780 Queensland Health staff - mostly frontline clinicians who interact with satellite hospitals - and primary care providers had their say.
Those taking part in the survey were presented with several options or could opt for no change. Less than 5 per cent of respondents supported 'retain the name 'satellite hospital'.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said a clinical advisory group would now consider the results before submitting a report to the Government by January 17 for consideration.
"The name 'satellite hospital' has led to confusion in the community about what services are available at these facilities.
"This survey is a critical step in the Crisafulli Government's commitment to ensure the public is fully aware of health services available to them so they can receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
"We pledged to undertake genuine consultation on a new name for satellite hospitals within 100 days of taking office and – without dodgy Steven Miles manipulation - we will implement the results.
"I want to thank everyone who took part in the survey. Their feedback will play a key role in informing the clinical advisory group's recommendations to the Government," Minister Nicholls said.
Minister Nicholls assured the public that the seven satellite hospitals – Caboolture, Redland, Ripley, Tugun, Kallangur, Eight Mile Plains and Bribie Island - would continue to provide the same level of healthcare services, including scheduled appointments and urgent care.
"I want to emphasise to the community that this consultation is not about altering the care provided by frontline staff, but ensuring the community's and clinicians' voices are heard and health facilities are appropriately named.
"The community will still receive the same level of care currently delivered by our dedicated nurses, medical officers and allied health professionals," he said.
The survey suggested names including satellite health centre, community health hub, community health service, satellite health hub or ambulatory health service and allowed for other suggestions.
Alternative name suggested included options such as minor injury and illness clinics, urgent care centre, community health centre or health care hub.
Some also proposed names such as healthcare service, health service or health support service.
"The excellent response to this genuine survey of health professionals and the alternative names respondents suggested backs up what we had been hearing: satellite hospitals need to be renamed to end confusion about the services provided.
"I look forward to receiving the advisory group's final report in January to ensure the name of these facilities best describes the services they provide," Minister Nicholls said.
