Queensland Health Archives - Redcliffe Today

Life-Saving Cancer Imaging Now Available Locally for Redcliffe Patients

Redcliffe residents facing cancer now have access to life-saving PET-CT medical imaging right in their own neighbourhood through a new specialised clinic at the Altiva health hub.

The local service recently started operating at Qscan Redcliffe on Silvyn Street, marking the first time this level of diagnostic technology has been available in the immediate area.

Previously, patients had to travel to North Lakes or make the long trip into Brisbane city to reach the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for similar scans. Because these scans are a regular part of cancer treatment and monitoring, the ability to stay local removes a significant amount of stress and travel time for families during a difficult period.

Bridging the Gap in Local Healthcare

The new clinic sits within a thirty-million-dollar medical precinct located very close to the Redcliffe Hospital. While the public hospital provides many services, it does not currently have its own PET-CT facility, making this private addition a vital resource for the community.

Kerri-Anne Dooley, the State Member for Redcliffe, noted that the arrival of the service is a major win for the City of Moreton Bay because it brings essential healthcare much closer to the homes of local people. This development is part of a larger plan to turn the site into a complete cancer care centre, with radiation oncology services from GenesisCare expected to join the hub soon.

Advanced Technology for Better Outcomes

A PET-CT scan is a highly detailed medical test that combines two different types of images to give doctors a clear picture of what is happening inside the body. The PET part of the scan looks at how cells are functioning and using energy, while the CT part provides a detailed map of the body’s structure.

By putting these two images together, specialists can find diseases at a cellular level, see how far a cancer has spread, and check if treatments are working. Outside of cancer care, these scans are also used by doctors to investigate complex infections or inflammation that might not show up on a standard X-ray or ultrasound.

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Planning for a Growing Community

The need for more medical services in the region is high, as the population of Moreton Bay is expected to grow to seven hundred thousand people by the year 2041. With more than thirty-five thousand people in Queensland diagnosed with cancer every year, the demand for high-tech imaging continues to rise.

To help manage the costs for local families, many of these scans at the Redcliffe clinic will be bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare requirements. This helps ensure that advanced healthcare is not just physically close, but also more affordable for those who need it most.

Published Date 06-May-2026

Major Redcliffe Hospital Upgrade Moves Ahead With New Carpark And Services

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

Redcliffe Hospital expansion is set to deliver more than 200 new overnight beds and major service upgrades, giving the community one of its biggest health boosts in years.

Community Growth And Hospital Needs

The Queensland Government outlined the plan in a recent update. Construction timelines and contractor details were released after the state opened registrations of interest for the main hospital build. The carpark extension works are scheduled to begin early 2026.

Redcliffe residents will see a large increase in care capacity through the project. Plans include at least 210 new overnight beds along with larger maternity, endoscopy and operating theatre spaces. The hospital site design focuses on safe movement for staff and visitors while keeping a culturally significant tree at the centre of the grounds. The project aims to ease pressure on a hospital that serves a rapidly growing local population.

Construction Steps And Timelines

The state called for registrations of interest for the main build, with the lodgement period ending on 21 November 2025. The final masterplan is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The update signals a shift from concept planning to detailed groundwork.

It sets the stage for contractors to begin the next phase once the government selects the successful applicants.

Carpark Upgrade And Local Access

Richard Crookes Construction received the contract to extend the multi-storey carpark. The upgrade is valued at 36 million dollars and will add about 530 parking spaces. Work will start early 2026.

The state noted that the cost per parking space comes in lower than earlier estimates. The extension aims to improve access for families and staff, especially during peak hospital hours.

Focus On Community Outcomes

Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the plan aims to deliver stronger services for Redcliffe families. Local MP Kerri-Anne Dooley echoed the community need for more space, safer layouts and better access to essential care.

The project sits within a broader health investment program and responds to long-standing pressure on emergency and inpatient areas. The government says it wants Redcliffe residents to feel supported when they seek treatment close to home.

Published 11-November-2025

Redcliffe Cancer Patients to Get Vital Care Closer to Home

Photo Credit: GenesisCare

Hundreds of Redcliffe residents facing cancer will soon receive life-saving radiation treatment locally as construction begins on a new, highly accessible oncology centre in the community.

A New Era for Local Treatment

The new centre is a project by oncology provider GenesisCare and is scheduled to be ready in mid-2026. It will be the company’s 10th facility in Queensland and is a key part of the new $30 million Altiva Health medical precinct being built by Allamanni Developments. Once fully operational, the clinic expects to provide care for more than 450 patients each year using high-quality, evidence-based radiation treatments.

Ending the Long Commute for Care

For many local families, the new facility will mean the end of exhausting and costly trips for treatment. GenesisCare’s Queensland Medical Director, Dr Marie Burke OAM, explained that accessing care close to home is critical for patients already facing significant emotional and physical challenges. She noted that many residents currently must travel to Chermside or the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for radiation therapy. Removing this travel burden is seen as extraordinarily valuable for patients and their support networks.

An Integrated Health Hub

Located at the Altiva Health development on Silvyn Street, the centre is designed to be part of a connected health hub. It will operate alongside one of Qscan’s flagship medical imaging and radiology clinics, giving patients convenient access for diagnosis, staging, and treatment all in one area.

The site is also a short distance from Redcliffe Hospital’s existing medical oncology and allied health services, allowing for comprehensive care without long commutes between appointments.

Accessible to All

Dr Burke also emphasised that treatment will be accessible to the entire community. She clarified that private health insurance is not required for the outpatient services, as 80 to 90 per cent of the cost is covered by Medicare.

The centre also plans to offer fee flexibility for those who are financially disadvantaged, ensuring cost is not a barrier to care. Federal Member for Petrie, Emma Comer, and State Member for Redcliffe, Kerri-Anne Dooley, both visited the site and expressed their support, agreeing on the profound importance of allowing residents to receive care within their own community, close to family.

Published Date 30-October-2025

New State-of-the-Art Surgical Centre at Peninsula Private Hospital Aims to Boost Patient Care

Photo Credit: Peninsula Private Hospital/ Facebook

To better serve the healthcare needs of its rapidly growing population, Peninsula Private Hospital in Kippa Ring has launched a state-of-the-art surgical complex as the first major step in its large-scale redevelopment.

A New Hub for Surgical Care

The new operating theatre complex, officially declared open on 25 September, marks a new chapter for the hospital. The expansion includes four new operating theatres, modern anaesthetic rooms, a multi-stage recovery unit, and a central sterilising services department. This upgrade is designed to improve the flow of surgical procedures and enhance the patient experience from start to finish.

Peninsula Private Hospital’s General Manager and Director of Nursing, Michele Gardner, called the opening a significant achievement for both the hospital and the wider community. She explained the new facilities will allow staff to care for more patients with greater efficiency, all within an environment built to support comfort, privacy, and a smoother recovery. The centre’s advanced technology is set to increase the number of surgeries the hospital can handle, particularly in high-demand areas.

Expanding to Meet Community Needs

This major investment is a direct response to the needs of the growing North Brisbane and Redcliffe Peninsula communities. The primary goal is to increase the hospital’s capacity in key specialties, including orthopaedics, urology, and general surgery, which could help reduce wait times for local residents needing these procedures.

Matt Tallis, the Queensland Manager for parent company Healthscope, stated that the project strengthens the hospital’s ability to meet these local needs while maintaining a high standard of care. He affirmed Healthscope’s pride in supporting the Peninsula team as they begin this next chapter of service for their community. For more than four decades, the 60-bed hospital has been a vital part of the area’s medical services.

What’s Next for the Hospital

This opening is just the first completed milestone in a larger redevelopment plan. Work will continue on a new Day Surgery Unit (DSU) and a five-bed High Dependency Unit (HDU), both expected to be ready by February 2026.

Further refurbishments will create more single-bed patient rooms in the medical ward, improving privacy for those staying in the hospital. The final stages, scheduled for completion in early 2026, will also include a new reception area, a comfortable discharge lounge, and new staff amenities.

Published Date 05-October-2025

Redcliffe Hospital Overhaul: 210 New Beds and Expanded Services Confirmed

Photo Credit: Hospital Rescue Plan

A massive overhaul of Redcliffe Hospital is moving forward, promising at least 210 new beds and significantly expanded services to provide critical healthcare support for the rapidly growing Moreton Bay community.

The state government confirmed it will seek a construction partner in the coming months, beginning a competitive tender process to deliver the redesigned expansion. This project is a central part of the government’s $18.5 billion Hospital Rescue Plan, a state-wide initiative aimed at boosting hospital capacity and improving patient care across Queensland.

More Beds, Better Services for Local Families

Redcliffe Hospital — *Photo Credit:* *Hospital Rescue Plan*

At the heart of the expansion is a focus on meeting the specific health needs of the region’s more than half a million residents. The plan will deliver at least 210 new overnight beds, increasing the hospital’s capacity to care for more patients.

Beyond just adding beds, the project will broaden the hospital’s clinical services. Key departments, including maternity, endoscopy, and operating theatres, are set for significant expansion. This will allow more residents to receive specialised care closer to home, helping to shorten wait times for important procedures and consultations.

Modern Design to Support Patients and Staff

The redesigned hospital plans also include important infrastructure upgrades to improve the overall experience for everyone visiting or working at the facility. A major component is the addition of more car parking, with work already progressing to add three new levels to the existing multi-storey car park.

Officials have also stressed that the new design prioritises safety for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers. By optimising the use of the hospital site, the expansion aims to create a more efficient and secure environment that enables clinicians to deliver world-class care. Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley, who once worked as a nurse at the hospital, noted that the combination of extra beds and practical improvements like parking will make a huge difference for patients, visitors, and staff.

A Key Project in Queensland’s Health Strategy

The Redcliffe expansion is a key piece of a broader strategy to strengthen Queensland’s health system. The government’s Hospital Rescue Plan aims to add more than 2,600 hospital beds across the state to address widespread challenges, including ambulance ramping and surgery waitlists.

Acting Health Minister Dale Last said the government is committed to improving access to health services for all Queenslanders. He explained that the improved Redcliffe plan ensures public funds are invested responsibly to build the health facilities the community needs now and for the future.

Published Date 02-October-2025

Inquest Probes Baby Thea’s Death at Redcliffe Hospital

Photo Credit: Pexels

An inquest in Brisbane is investigating the death of newborn Thea Flaskett at Redcliffe Hospital, examining staff actions, medical procedures, and equipment use.

Background on Thea’s Case

Thea Ann Flaskett was born at Redcliffe Hospital late on September 10, 2023, and died at 4:17 a.m. on September 11, 2023, just four hours after her birth. A post-mortem revealed she had a congenital heart condition known as transposition of the great arteries, which had not been detected during pregnancy.

Her parents, Meg and James Flaskett, said they raised concerns about reduced foetal movement and growth issues in the weeks before delivery but felt these were not acted upon. They also reported problems in the birthing suite and delays during labour.

Thea Flaskett — *Photo Credit: Meg Flaskett/Facebook*

Emergency Calls and Clinical Response

Recordings played at the inquest revealed calls made by Redcliffe Hospital staff to the neonatal retrieval service. A liaison officer described the communication as difficult to follow, with limited details provided about Thea’s condition.

Specialist neonatologist Dr Pieter Koorts arranged for a retrieval team to be dispatched from Brisbane, which arrived at 2:05 a.m. with specialist equipment. He testified that he had enough information to initiate the transfer.

Paediatrician Dr Didier Tshamala told the court he arrived at 12:58 a.m. to find Thea already intubated and undergoing resuscitation. He said he initially thought she had a respiratory condition before realising more intensive care was required.

Equipment and Resuscitation Issues

Thea’s parents alleged that when their daughter was placed on a resuscitation trolley, staff discovered an empty oxygen tank and struggled to replace it. They also claimed there were delays in resuscitation, including disagreement among staff over whether Thea needed intervention.

Hospital representatives stated that oxygen supplies were stocked, equipment was operational, and any tank changes were performed according to clinical procedures. An internal review launched after the incident found no evidence of faulty equipment.

Redcliffe Hospital inquest — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Missed Detection of Heart Condition

Thea’s 20-week morphology scan on May 5, 2023, did not detect the heart defect. Senior sonographer Craig Collins told the inquest ultrasound is not always reliable in identifying transposition of the great arteries, particularly when images are obscured.

Trainee sonographer Amanda Leddy, who was supervised during the scan, testified that she had optimised the images and would have raised concerns if she had observed any abnormalities.

Medical experts told the inquest that had the condition been identified, Thea’s birth would likely have been planned at a larger Brisbane hospital with cardiology services. However, they noted survival could not have been guaranteed even with immediate treatment.

Parents’ Perspective and Ongoing Proceedings

Meg and James Flaskett described the inquest as retraumatising but said they hoped it would provide long-awaited answers about their daughter’s death. They brought a framed photo of Thea to court as the proceedings began.

The six-day inquest is continuing, with further evidence to be presented by medical staff and specialists.

Published 14-Sep-2025

Redcliffe Hospital to Boost Security After Surge in Patient-Related Incidents

Redcliffe Hospital is increasing its frontline safety team after a rise in violent and abusive incidents, with more trained security staff and infrastructure upgrades now confirmed as part of a state-wide safety investment.

A Local Hospital Feeling the Strain

Redcliffe Hospital is set to receive more Healthcare Security Ambassadors under a $8.7 million Queensland Government safety plan. These specially trained staff focus on early communication and de-escalation to prevent violence in high-pressure areas like emergency departments. The hospital currently has 21 security officers and two ambassadors, with more roles to be added soon.

This move follows a rise in reported threats, assaults and abuse against hospital staff across Queensland, averaging over 50 incidents a day. The funding will also support new fixed duress alarms, CCTV upgrades and body-worn cameras. Officials say the improvements aim to protect both staff and patients through faster, more visible responses.

Redesigning for Safety and Access

Redcliffe Hospital’s safety upgrades are part of a larger redevelopment to expand services and increase bed capacity. Earlier plans drew concern for lacking secure after-hours access for staff, prompting a redesign.

Hospital leaders are now working with clinical teams to add safer entrances and include overlooked areas like transit lounges and training spaces. A new multi-storey car park is also under construction and will stay open during the build. These changes aim to better meet the practical needs of staff and patients as demand grows.

Expansion Part of Statewide Hospital Plan

Redcliffe Hospital’s redevelopment is part of Queensland’s wider Hospital Rescue Plan, which includes over 2,600 new beds, upgraded ambulance stations, and three new hospitals. Redcliffe is set to gain at least 210 more overnight beds, along with new maternity, endoscopy, and surgical facilities.

A recent review found key infrastructure was missing and costs were underestimated, pushing the budget from $1.1 billion to over $2 billion. The project’s timeline has been extended to around 2030 to allow for redesign and corrections. Officials say the revised plans will result in a safer, more functional hospital for the growing community.

Community Safety at the Centre

For people working at and visiting Redcliffe Hospital, the changes go beyond bricks and mortar, they’re about feeling safe and supported. New security staff, clearer layouts and upgraded systems aim to create a hospital that responds better in moments of stress. Community leaders say locals have long called for better access and a more visible safety presence.

The arrival of more Healthcare Security Ambassadors is already helping ease pressure on staff. While construction continues, these steps offer immediate improvements to the hospital experience.

Published 11-July-2025

Redland Hospital to Gain 43 Mental Health Beds as Part of Major 2025–26 Budget Boost

Photo Credit: Metro South Health

Redland Hospital is set to grow with 43 mental health and allied health beds as part of a large-scale expansion backed by this year’s state budget, a change that will directly affect the lives of local families and frontline healthcare workers across the Redlands.

Expansion Timeline and Budget Breakdown

The 2025–26 Queensland Budget continues funding for Stage 2 of the Redland Hospital expansion, with a new mental health and allied health building to include 43 beds—20 of them new. The other 23 beds will move from the Yugaipa facility.

Construction is planned to start in mid-2025 and finish by 2027, depending on conditions. This work forms part of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan, which aims to add over 2,600 beds across the state. More than $300 million has been committed to the Redland project, which has already delivered a modular ward, new ICU, and emergency and birthing upgrades.

Healthcare Services for a Growing Community

As the Redlands Coast continues to grow, so does the strain on local hospital services. Redland Hospital is stepping up with a new mental health facility in progress and the recently opened Amity Ward, which added 24 beds for respiratory and general medical care in June 2025.

*Photo Credit: Redlands Hospital/Facebook*

Recent upgrades have also delivered 28 beds in the Lagoon Ward, expanded birthing services, and a seven-level car park to ease access. These improvements reflect a steady response to the region’s rising demand for healthcare.

Ongoing Staff Parking Concerns

Despite major upgrades at Redland Hospital, staff parking remains a key concern. A social media post recently pointed out that no fairer deal has been offered, even as the mental health expansion moves forward. Since 2023, hospital staff have paid a daily parking fee of $7.95, a discounted rate that has still drawn criticism.

Some local representatives have pushed for reduced or free parking, citing cost-of-living pressures and the need to support health workers. Petitions and community campaigns continue, but no changes to the fee structure have been announced.

A Broader Budget Plan for the Redlands

The Redland Hospital expansion is part of a broader 2025–26 Budget plan supporting Brisbane and the Redlands. Funding also includes upgrades to schools, housing, and transport in the region.

Locals see the hospital works as more than just infrastructure, they view it as a step toward better health outcomes. As construction moves ahead, many are watching to see how well staff and patient needs are met.

Published 02-July-2025

Measles Exposure Alert: Health Officials List Brisbane, Redcliffe Locations

The Metro North Public Health Unit has issued a measles health alert after confirming that a man infected with measles travelled through various locations in Brisbane and Redcliffe earlier this month whilst contagious.

Read: Upgraded Emergency Department Opens at Redcliffe Hospital

The man had recently flown from Indonesia to Brisbane on 3 July 2023. During his travels from July 3-14, he visited several businesses and public places along Brisbane’s northside and the Redcliffe peninsula.

Those locations and times include:

Flight QF40 from Jakarta to Melbourne, on Sunday 2 July, departed at 9:20 p.m.
Melbourne Airport on Monday 3 July, between 6:20 a.m. and 9:50 a.m.
Flight QF610 from Melbourne to Brisbane on Monday 3 July, departed at 9:50 a.m.
Brisbane Domestic Airport on Monday 3 July, between Noon and 1:00 p.m.
Nudgee Service Centre, 1097 Nudgee Road, Nudgee, on Monday 3 July, between 1:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m, and again on Saturday 8 July, between 11:00 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.
CJ’s Pastries, Ashmole Road and Klingner Roads at Kippa-Ring on Monday 3 July, between 1:40 p.m. and 2:10 pm
Vital Life Centres, 1 Jeays Street, Scarborough, on Tuesday 4 July, Wednesday 5 July, Saturday 8 July between 8am and 11:30 a.m, and on Monday 10 July between 3:00 pm and 4pm
Kippa-Ring Shopping Centre, on Tuesday 4 July between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
City Cave Redcliffe Sauna, 265 Oxley Ave, Margate, on Saturday 8 July, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Dan Murphy’s, 867 Stanley St, Woolloongabba, on Saturday 8 July, between 6:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
DFO Skygate at Brisbane Airport on Sunday 9 July, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (in particular, at the Volcom outlet and in the food court)
Redcliffe Hospital Emergency Department on Thursday 13 July, between 4:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m, and again on Friday 14 July, between 8:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

According to health experts, anyone who visited these same locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles. Queensland Health urges anyone potentially exposed to monitor themselves closely for early symptoms for 18 days from the date of possible exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that initially causes fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, a blotchy red rash typically develops which spreads across the body. Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death in some cases.

Dr Megan Young, a physician with Metro North Public Health said if anyone develops symptoms, they should isolate themselves and seek medical advice immediately.

“Anyone seeking treatment for an illness they think could be measles should call ahead before visiting their GP or medical practice to allow precautions to be taken that can prevent the illness spreading to others,” Dr Young said.

Read: Redcliffe Nurse Chelsea Lategan Dies at 28 After a 10-Year Battle With Leukaemia

Health officials warn against complacency regarding measles vaccination. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, whilst adults born in or after 1966 are advised to get vaccinated if they have no documentation of having received two MMR doses or having had the disease previously.

Published 20-July-2023