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A new era in healthcare for the western corridor began today with the official opening of Mater Hospital Springfield by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.
The 186-bed public hospital will provide care for around 185,000 patients a year, with key services including an Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and surgeries in six operating theatres.
Queensland’s newest hospital will also bring birthing services to Greater Springfield for the first time, with around 1,700 babies a year due to be delivered in its 16-bed maternity unit.
Guests at the opening ceremony included Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls, Mayor of Ipswich Teresa Harding and the Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Reverend Shane Mackinlay, who blessed the facility.
Mater Hospital Springfield was built and will be operated through a partnership between Mater and the Queensland Government, which has announced funding of $638 million over four years to deliver public healthcare services at the hospital.
“The Crisafulli Government’s investment in Mater Hospital Springfield demonstrates our commitment to deliver health services that will meet the needs of this rapidly growing region for generations to come, ensuring more Queenslanders have easier access to health services, no matter where they live,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Mater Hospital Springfield will deliver exceptional public healthcare while saving patients valuable time, expense and inconvenience – and also easing pressure on surrounding hospitals.
“This new hospital complements the significant work underway across Ipswich, Logan and surrounding areas as part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader commitment to strengthening Queensland’s health system.”
Mater Board Chair Patrick Brady said the new hospital was a demonstration of Mater’s commitment to addressing the unmet healthcare needs of Queensland communities.
“The people of Greater Springfield have been looking forward to this day for years and I’m proud that Mater has delivered on its commitment to them,” Mr Brady said.
“Mater thanks the Queensland Government for its far-sighted support of this project.”
The nine-storey hospital, in Health Care Drive, Greater Springfield, adjoins Mater Private Hospital Springfield, which was the community’s first hospital when it opened in 2015.
Medical specialties delivered at Mater Hospital Springfield include paediatrics, gastroenterology, ENT surgery, general surgery, chemotherapy, gynaecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, urology and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
The hospital’s maternity unit comprises 16 patient rooms, 16 Neonatal Critical Care Unit cots and six birth suites.
Almost 1000 staff will be employed at the facility, including 335 nurses, 65 midwives and 135 doctors.
The hospital’s services have been opening in phases since April 13 and the facility will become fully operational on Monday 25 May when its emergency department and paediatric unit open.
Mater Group Chief Executive Officer Julia Strickland-Bellamy congratulated Mater People on the successful delivery of the new hospital.
“Building and operating an entirely new hospital is an impressive feat of organisation, skill and sheer hard work,” Ms Strickland-Bellamy said.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Queensland Government to deliver the healthcare that this region needs and deserves.”
Patients at Mater Hospital Springfield will be eligible to take part in clinical trials and studies conducted by Mater Research.
