The state government has unveiled a multimillion-dollar plan to bolster mental health support services at Redland Hospital with a new high-capacity facility.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Monday that the government would commit $150m in the upcoming state budget to fund the expansion.
“Better facilities mean better care delivered where it’s needed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It’s part of our plan to make sure Queenslanders get the health services they need closer to home and our frontline health workers have the tools they need to save lives.”
The new facility will provide 43 beds, which is almost double the capacity of the hospital’s existing mental health unit.
It will lay the foundations for future growth at the hospital, with the current mental health building to be demolished after the new facility is in place.
This will free up critical land on the site for the promised stage two expansion.
Newly minted Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the government’s mental health payroll tax levy was supporting its investment in the new Redlands facility.
It will make an enormous difference for both patients and their health outcomes, as well as for our frontline staff
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman
“The returns generated by that levy will provide funding for more services, and more mental health professionals where and when they are needed.
“It will also ensure people who need assistance with mental health services can receive it earlier.”
Redlands MP Kim Richards said demolishing the existing mental health building would unlock the site for further expansion.
“The new mental health building is the first step as we commence delivering the stage two expansion,” she said.
Construction of the new mental health facility is expected to create more than 400 construction jobs and will build on the government’s record $9.78 billion health spend announced in last year’s budget.
The new facility is expected to be completed and operational in 2027, subject to weather and construction conditions.
