Mater Health Services has lodged its plans for a new public hospital in Springfield Central, which will cater to the increasing demand for public health services in the Greater Ipswich region.
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Mater Health Services plans to build the new structure at the same site as Mater Private Hospital Springfield on Health Care Drive.
First announced in May 2021, the proposed public hospital will take up about 2.6-ha of land in the area bounded by Mercy Ave, Health Care Dr, Nightingale Ave, and John Nugent Way.
The new facility will feature two different building structures, a public hospital and an ancillary central energy plant.
The Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 will consist of a new 10-storey building (9 storeys and partial roof level) whilst the central energy plant building will serve as an ancillary, integrated central facility.
With plans to accommodate 152 beds, Stage 2 of the new hospital would also include an Intensive Care Unit, Maternity service, more procedural areas, and a much-needed Emergency Department which Mater Private Hospital currently does not have.
In addition to expanded private bed capacity and services in the region, the proposed hospital will also feature more interventional spaces, such as operating theatres and endoscopy suite, as well as increased clinical capability of the service, meaning more complex care can be treated locally.
The proposed public hospital in Springfield Central is a partnership between Mater Health Services and the State Government. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the expansion of Mater’s private facility as a response to the public’s appeal for a new public hospital in the area.
Mater Health Services will privately fund the facility whilst the Stage Government will contribute $177 million for the care of public patients.
“The Palaszczuk Government will fully fund the additional operational funding required for the new facility on an ongoing basis from its expected opening in 2024,” said Health Minister Yvette D’Ath.
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The project is also expected to bring in 700 jobs throughout construction and over 1,000 health jobs once it opens in late 2024. For more details about Mater Private Hospital’s expansion, see 20230/2021/ADP on the Ipswich City Council PD Online website.