The Redlands Satellite Hospital at Weinam Creek has delivered high-quality health care closer to home to nearly 2000 bayside locals during its first month of operation.
The $43.8 million facility on Messiner Street opened to the public on August 28, delivering a significant boost to the growing southern Redlands and bay island communities.
It is one of eight facilities being delivered as part of the state government’s satellite hospital program, with others located at Ripley in Ipswich and Caboolture in Moreton Bay.
The Redland facility, situated just a few hundred metres from the Redland Bay ferry terminal, has the capacity to deliver walk-in care for up to 490 patients per week.
Clinical oncology nurse Amanda Lucas said the number of patients accessing the facility was increasing each week.
“Our patients get so much of their day back because they are closer to home and don’t have to travel as far for their treatment,” she said.
As a Redland local herself, Ms Lucas said she too was enjoying the benefits of a local facility, now able to ride her bike to work.
“Most of the staff are Redlands locals,” she said. “In the past, we’ve had to travel to the city or Woolloongabba to work, so it’s amazing for our specialty.”
Along with a minor injury and illness clinic, Redlands Satellite Hospital also provides a range of specialist and outpatient services including a cancer day therapy unit, kidney dialysis unit and adult allied health.
More than 1200 residents have accessed treatment for non-life-threatening urgent care such as limb injuries and high fevers in the first month of operation.
In addition to this, close to 1000 patients have accessed the facility’s specialist and outpatient services including oncology, kidney dialysis and allied health services.
Bayside Health service executive director Gregory Nolan said he was delighted to see the number of locals accessing the new facility.
“Having this state-of-the-art facility on our doorstep has boosted healthcare services for the local community,” he said.
“Redlands Satellite Hospital saves locals in the area and on the bay from having to travel to other hospitals for less urgent care and specialist appointments which makes a huge difference.”
Allied health outpatient services commenced on August 28, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry and social Work with caseloads gradually building across all areas.
Gastroenterology, cardiology and geriatrics commenced on October 4.
