What’s Happening?
Design and construction firm Paynters has been appointed to deliver an expanded renal dialysis unit at Emerald Hospital. Awarded after a competitive procurement process, the contract advances a key Crisafulli Government election commitment.
Why It Matters
Eligible patients from Emerald, the Central Highlands and surrounding communities currently travel long distances to Rockhampton for regular dialysis. Providing the life-saving service locally will reduce that burden and allow patients to spend more time at home.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls placed the project within the government’s wider response to Queensland’s health system pressures.
“Labor left Queensland in a Health Crisis, with skyrocketing ambulance ramping, a record high elective surgery waitlist, and regional health services on the brink of collapse,” Minister Nicholls said. “This expanded renal dialysis service is another example of how the Crisafulli Government is delivering health services when regional Queenslanders need them most. We made an election promise for three renal dialysis chairs for Emerald and now we’re going further, delivering five chairs and getting them operational sooner.”
Local Impact
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the service would reduce the strain regular travel places on local patients and families.
“These dialysis chairs are something I have been championing for because I know just how badly our community needs this service,” Mr Dillon said. “People who require dialysis need treatment regularly, often three times per week, are travelling long distances to Rockhampton, placing an enormous burden on patients and their families. In addition to the investments we’ve made in a 30 per cent boost to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme’s mileage allowance, this investment will go a long way to helping the patients in my electorate.”
“Delivering dialysis here in Emerald will mean eligible local patients can spend less time on the road and more time at home, while still receiving the safe, high-quality care they need.”
By the Numbers
- Five renal dialysis chairs will form the completed unit, two more than the original three-chair commitment.
- A 60 per cent capacity increase will be delivered compared with the service originally promised for Emerald.
- Three treatments each week may be required by some dialysis patients, making repeated travel to Rockhampton particularly demanding.
Zoom In
The satellite renal dialysis service will operate from a purpose-built, standalone facility on the Emerald Hospital campus. This location will give patients access to appropriate onsite clinical support when required.
Zoom Out
The development forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s fully funded Hospital Rescue Plan. The statewide program covers three new and 10 expanded hospitals, with the projects intended to increase hospital capacity.
What To Look For Next?
Paynters is scheduled to complete the unit by the end of 2027. Operational commissioning will begin immediately afterwards, with the service planned to start shortly after completion.
Once operating, eligible patients will be able to receive regular dialysis in Emerald instead of travelling to Rockhampton.
