Construction has begun on a major $40 million expansion of Mater Private Hospital Townsville that will unite all of its local healthcare services on a single campus.
The development will enable the relocation of Mater's existing maternity and renal services from its Hyde Park campus to two new purpose-built units at Mater's Pimlico campus, with both projects due be completed by early 2026.
Mater Private Hospital Townsville General Manager Stephanie Barwick said the project demonstrated Mater's commitment to improving healthcare in North Queensland.
"This year Mater Private Hospital Townsville is celebrating its 80th birthday – and eight decades on we are continuing to invest in this city to deliver high-quality, contemporary hospital facilities for our patients and specialists," Ms Barwick said.
"Mater Mothers' Private Townsville will deliver 12 inpatient beds for new mums, as well as three birthing suites, six special care nursery cots and a dedicated maternity patient lounge, ensuring North Queensland families have the very best birthing experience."
The expansion will transform the former Queensland X-Ray site on Fulham Road into a state-of-the-art renal facility, expanding capacity with 12 renal dialysis treatment bays.
"This enhancement will significantly reduce wait times and improve access to local dialysis care for North Queensland residents," Ms Barwick said.
"Consolidating our hospital and healthcare services at a single site at Pimlico will enhance convenience and accessibility for both medical staff and patients, enabling more efficient delivery of care," Ms Barwick added.
Mater physician and kidney specialist Dr Rahul Dua said expanded dialysis services would meet the growing needs of locals and visitors to North Queensland.
"Expanding Mater's renal capacity means not only room for more Townsville patients, but also for travellers who may require 'holiday dialysis' – being able to have access to a private renal unit for peace of mind when they are a long distance from home and their usual healthcare service," Dr Dua said.
"North Queensland sees high levels of diabetes and hypertension, as well as high incidence of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Having the services and expertise locally to support this is vital for those patients."
The Hyde Park campus, which has served Townsville and surrounding communities with maternity care since 2007, will continue operating until the new facilities open in early 2026.
The maternity relocation is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Community Health and Hospitals Program.
