Per our update in October 2022, transitional demountable buildings are now installed to triage patients as part of ensuring the Emergency Department operates as efficiently as possible whilst Ramsay continue negotiations with State Government for an expansion. This will reduce delays and the need for some ambulances to bypass, or as officially now known load share, to Nambour or Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), which contributes to their ramping. The data from this triaging is vital as part of the case for a permanent expansion of this private hospital.
The following information (in italics) has been provided by the Minister for Health’s office:
The SCHHS has ongoing regional arrangements with private hospitals, including Noosa Private Hospital, to support the delivery of public emergency and elective services. The SCHHS also partners with a number of private organisations who provide community support services to our patients once they no longer need to be in hospitals and can be cared for in other settings. These partnerships all contribute to improving access to care across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie region.
Ramsay Health Care currently operate the Noosa Private Hospital under a Service Agreement and Lease with SCHHS, renewed from 1 July 2020 through to 30 June 2030. The terms of the Service Agreement make available a total annual budget of $22,600,000 (exc GST) for services at Noosa Private Hospital, with $7,080,000 (exc GST) of this budget available for Emergency Services.
To increase Emergency Department capacity to meet current and emerging demands, Noosa Hospital are funding the capital required to install demountable buildings expected to be operational in the first half of 2023. The SCHHS continues to work closely with Noosa Hospital to monitor and manage service delivery in line with the Service Agreement.
These amounts may sound sufficient, however given the limited capacity, and frustration of residents who are relayed unnecessarily to hospitals further away, we need to know exactly what is required now and into the future. As well to have that longer lease agreement from State Government to accommodate this.
We will continue to advocate with the new Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman for the required lease extensions which is crucial for our hospital to deliver to our community and reduce impacts to others.
For those wishing to also advocate with the QLD Health Minister directly, please consider emailing health@ministerial.qld.gov.au and cc to our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
For information regarding Noosa Hospital please visit www.noosahospital.com.au
For the Noosa 360 history on this, please head to www.sandybolton.com/?s=noosa+hospital
