- The Crisafulli Government's Hospital Rescue Plan for Central Queensland has reached a major milestone with the completion of the new purpose-built Rockhampton Hospital Cardiology Inpatient Unit.
- Marks first major stage of the Hospital's broader cardiac expansion project, which will include the new Cardiac Hybrid Theatre and an expanded Cardiac Investigations Unit.
- The full project remains on track for completion later this year, after the Crisafulli Government boosted funding by $8.8 million because Labor left critical components unfunded.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services to heal Labor's Health Crisis.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services in Central Queensland, with the new purpose-built Rockhampton Hospital Cardiology Inpatient Unit officially opening.
The milestone marks the first major stage of the broader cardiac expansion project – including the new Cardiac Hybrid Theatre and an expanded Cardiac Investigations Unit - that has been brought back on track thanks to the Crisafulli Government's Hospital Rescue Plan.
Labor's botched plan for the Rockhampton Hospital was significantly underfunded, resulting in the former government approving the exclusion of the Cardiac Hybrid Theatre and Coronary Care Unit from the scope of works.
As part of the plan to deliver health services when you need them, the Crisafulli Government stepped in to save this project, investing an additional $8.8 million in 2025 to ensure the total project would be delivered.
Located on Level 5 of the hospital, the new Cardiology Inpatient Unit doubles capacity from six to 12 beds, with each of the six two-bed bays equipped with an ensuite to improve privacy and comfort for patients.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said a decade of decline under Labor saw the Rockhampton Hospital emergency department likened to a "war zone" as ambulance ramping skyrocketed to 56 per cent.
"Labor left Rockhampton Hospital in the lurch, with skyrocketing ramping and elective surgery waitlists, and an underfunded cardiac hybrid theatre project that didn't even include a cardiac hybrid theatre in its scope," Minister Nicholls said.
"Every Queenslander, no matter where they live, deserves access to high-quality cardiac care close to home and that is what the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Central Queensland here in Rockhampton.
"This milestone means people living in Rocky and the wider Central Queensland communities can now receive specialised cardiac care locally, instead of having to travel long distances for treatment."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the cardiac expansion project was just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government was healing Labor's Health Crisis in Central Queensland.
"Just recently we announced the expansion of the Rockhampton Hospital's emergency department and now we're back again to talk about this major milestone for cardiac services," Ms Kirkland said.
"We are starting to see the results of getting our hospital build back on track after a decade of decline under Labor."
Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the new cardiac unit was essential so locals could receive world-class healthcare close to home.
"By delivering these purpose-built facilities, we are ensuring people in Central Queensland receive the best possible treatment and outcomes for heart-related conditions," Mr Hutton said.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the big improvements being made at Rockhampton Hospital were all part of the Crisafulli Government's Hospital Rescue Plan.
"Our fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan has set up a clear pathway to deliver the beds, services and facilities we need here in Central Queensland, as well as through the wider State," Mr Kelly said.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said the opening of the new cardiology ward marked a significant step forward in strengthening cardiac care for the region.
"With this milestone now delivered, construction has commenced on the Cardiac Hybrid Theatre, which will further expand the services we can provide locally," Ms Blackler said.
"Once completed, the theatre will reduce the need for patients to travel to Southeast Queensland for cardiac procedures by around 80 per cent - significantly reducing the time, cost and stress of receiving treatment away from home."
