Redcliffe Hospital Archives

Redcliffe, Caboolture Nursing Students Gain Early Hospital Experience Through New Training Pathway

Students from Caboolture and Redcliffe are the first in Queensland to take part in a new clinical training pathway that places Diploma of Nursing students directly into hospital and community health settings, giving them earlier hands-on experience as they prepare to join the region’s health workforce.

The program was announced on 25 February and involves 26 students studying through TAFE Queensland who are training to become enrolled nurses.

Clinical Training Close to Home

The group forms the first cohort of the Urapun Clinical School of Nursing, a program created through a partnership between Metro North Health, Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health services and TAFE Queensland.

The initiative allows Diploma of Nursing students to complete several clinical placements within the same health network while studying. According to health leaders involved in the program, this approach helps students build confidence by working with familiar clinical teams and supervisors throughout their training.

Students will complete four placements as part of the program. Two will take place at Redcliffe Hospital, while two others will be carried out through Community and Oral Health services across Moreton Bay and north Brisbane.

Education leaders involved in the project said the arrangement gives students earlier exposure to real patient care environments while strengthening pathways into the public health workforce.

*Photo Credit: Better Together – Our Health, Our Way/Facebook*

Supporting Future Nurses in the Community

Health educators say experience in different clinical areas is key to building practical skills before graduation.

During their placements, students may work alongside health professionals in services such as wound care, diabetes management, emergency care and specialty outpatient clinics.

Community and Oral Health services play a large role in the training program. The service supports more than 250,000 patient visits each year through home visits, dental clinics, health centres, mobile dental vans and residential aged care facilities across the region.

Program leaders say learning within these varied environments helps students understand how healthcare works both inside hospitals and in community settings.

Meaning Behind the Name Urapun

The clinical school’s name, Urapun, comes from the Torres Strait Kala Lagaw Ya Western Islands language group and means “one”.

Health leaders say the name reflects the partnership between Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health services and TAFE Queensland as they work together to support nursing education.

The program also aims to encourage inclusion and participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the local healthcare workforce.

Education staff welcomed the first group of students during an afternoon tea and badge ceremony attended by nursing educators and Metro North Health staff.

The launch marked the start of what health leaders say could become a long-term training pathway that supports both students and the region’s healthcare services.

Published 5-Mar-2026

Redcliffe Hospital Expansion Masterplan Finalised

The masterplan for the Redcliffe Hospital expansion has been finalised, with construction timelines now locked in for a project that will deliver more than 210 new overnight beds and significantly enhanced healthcare services to the Moreton Bay region.

Read: Major Redcliffe Hospital Upgrade Moves Ahead With New Carpark And Services

Main procurement for the expansion will commence in early 2026, with the first new beds expected to open from late 2027. The full project is scheduled for completion by 2032.

Photo credit: Redcliffe Hospital/Google Maps

The finalised masterplan marks an important milestone for the project. Queensland Health Implementation Lead Sam Sangster said the department has been working closely with Metro North Health and local clinicians to ensure the expansion meets the genuine needs of the community.

The planning process has taken time to get right, with a focus on creating sustainable infrastructure that properly serves staff, clinicians, patients and their families well into the future.

What’s Included in the Expansion

Artist’s impression of Redcliffe Hospital expansion (Photo credit: qld.gov.au)

The Redcliffe Hospital expansion will deliver substantial improvements across multiple areas of healthcare service delivery.

At least 210 new overnight beds will be added to the hospital’s capacity, addressing growing demand from the peninsula’s expanding population.

Maternity services will be enhanced as part of the expansion, with improved facilities designed to support expectant mothers and families.

The expansion will also deliver enhanced endoscopy services, allowing for increased capacity in diagnostic procedures.

Additional operating theatres will form part of the development, enabling the hospital to perform more surgical procedures.

Car Park Extension Underway

Work is already beginning on a separate project—a three-level extension to the hospital’s multi-storey car park. This expansion will deliver more than 530 new parking spaces by 2027.

The car park project, valued at $36 million, has been awarded to Richard Crookes Construction. The additional parking will improve accessibility to the hospital.

Timeline and Next Steps

With the masterplan now finalised, the project enters its next phase. Registration of interest for contractors to deliver the main construction works opened in November 2025 and closed on 21 November, with the procurement process set to begin in early 2026.

The project will be delivered in stages. The first beds will open from late 2027, with the full project completing by 2032.

Read: Redcliffe Hospital Overhaul: 210 New Beds and Expanded Services Confirmed

Queensland Health has emphasised that the planning has been comprehensive, incorporating feedback from clinicians and healthcare workers who will ultimately use the facilities. The masterplan also addresses earlier concerns, including the protection of a culturally significant tree on the site.

Published 30-December-2025

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

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

Dolphins and Ausbuild Support Young Fan Through Redcliffe Hospital Initiative

Photo Credit: Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital/Facebook

An 11-year-old rugby league fan from Boondall has been honoured in Redcliffe after recovering from a serious head injury, with support from the Dolphins and Ausbuild.

Young Fan Recognised in Redcliffe

The Dolphins and Ausbuild came together to support 11-year-old Mateo, a young fan who can no longer play rugby league after a life-changing head injury. His resilience was highlighted at recent NRL events, supported through the Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital initiative.

Accident and Medical Discovery

Earlier this year, Mateo fell from his bike after briefly removing his helmet. The accident caused a fractured skull and a subdural haematoma. During his emergency care at Redcliffe Hospital, a CT scan revealed a Chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Swift medical intervention ensured his recovery, though his injury meant he could no longer play the sport he loved.

Dolphins NRL — *Photo Credit: Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital/Facebook*

Dolphins and Ausbuild Involvement

To acknowledge his bravery, Ausbuild and the Dolphins invited Mateo to the Captain’s Run before the club’s clash with the Broncos on 15 August 2025. He met several players, including his favourite, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and received a signed jersey. His younger brother, also a keen supporter, was gifted a jersey. The previous week, Mateo formed part of the Guard of Honour for the team’s match against the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium. Complimentary tickets were also provided for his family.

Family Challenges and Community Support

The recognition came during a difficult year for Mateo’s family. Two of his siblings required medical treatment, one for meningioma and another for eye surgery. His grandmother works as an Emergency Department nurse across Redcliffe Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Despite these challenges, the Dolphins and Ausbuild experiences provided a moment of encouragement for the family.

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital is an initiative of the RBWH Foundation, designed to celebrate patients, staff, and the community while raising funds for research, medical equipment, and hospital services. Ausbuild supported the program during the Dolphins’ match against the Roosters, where 150 community guests attended.

Role of Redcliffe Hospital

Established in 1965, Redcliffe Hospital has served the community for more than five decades and is part of the Metro North Hospital and Health Service. The 250-bed facility handles more than 63,000 emergency presentations annually and provides services including surgery, maternity, rehabilitation, and paediatric care. The Raise it for Redcliffe initiative helps fund new technology, equipment, and medical research, ensuring continued patient support across the region.

Looking Ahead

Mateo’s recognition illustrates how community partnerships with the Dolphins and Ausbuild not only celebrate resilience but also highlight the continuing role of Redcliffe Hospital in supporting families across South East Queensland.

Published 21-Aug-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

State Budget Delivers Health, Safety, and Youth Support for Redcliffe

Redcliffe is set to benefit from a suite of major investments in the 2025–26 State Budget, with a strong focus on healthcare, community safety, and local youth programs.

Read: Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Progresses in Redcliffe

Among the biggest projects is the long-awaited expansion of Redcliffe Hospital, which will deliver at least 210 new overnight beds as part of the state’s Hospital Rescue Plan. The project includes Stage 1 construction of additional car parking for patients, visitors, and staff—meant to ease long-standing access concerns.

State Budget — Photo credit: Redcliffe Hospital/Google Maps

Alongside healthcare, community safety is also a top priority. The Redcliffe Police Station will receive a $44 million upgrade, a significant investment aimed at modernising local law enforcement facilities and improving frontline capability.

Youth support in the area has also received a boost, with the government committing $2 million for the Redcliffe Area Youth Space Program, aimed at providing services and outreach to at-risk young people.

Photo credit: Redcliffe Area Youth Space/Facebook

Redcliffe will also benefit indirectly from the expansion of POLAIR airborne law enforcement into the broader Moreton Bay region. The aerial policing unit, originally based on the Sunshine Coast, will now cover Moreton Bay in a move to improve response times and visibility.

Additional local funding includes $200,000 for the design of new female change rooms for the Redcliffe Tigers AFL Club and $150,000 in support for the Miracle Mums initiative, a community-led maternal support program that operates across Redcliffe and the wider Moreton Bay area.

The State Budget, framed by the Crisafulli Government as a “fresh start” for Queensland, targets key issues such as youth crime, healthcare system strain, and cost of living pressures. Redcliffe’s mix of infrastructure, community safety and social service investments places it firmly within the government’s plan to restore essential services and prepare for population growth.

Read: Redcliffe Joins Expanded DFV Response with Specialised Police Team

Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley said the 2025-26 Queensland Budget delivered for Redcliffe.

“This Budget is about delivering for our community, expanding Redcliffe Hospital with 210 new beds, investing $44 million to upgrade the Redcliffe Police Station, and supporting local clubs like Peninsula Power and the Redcliffe Dolphins with lighting upgrades. We’re also making our roads safer with crucial upgrades and investing in school safety measures to protect our kids.”

With the expansion of hospital capacity and improvements to policing infrastructure already committed, Redcliffe residents are expected to see visible changes in the coming financial year.

Published 27-June-2025

Cost Overruns, Poor Planning Cast Shadow Over Redcliffe Hospital Project

Photo Credit: Mark Bailey MP/Facebook

Redcliffe Hospital’s expansion is still moving ahead, but a recent health infrastructure review puts the updated project cost at double what was originally budgeted for it in 2022, with projected completion looking to be in 2030 instead of 2027. The project is part of a state program now being scrutinised for cost blowouts and questionable planning decisions.

Planning Failures Put Redcliffe in the Spotlight

Redcliffe Hospital, located in one of Queensland’s fastest growing corridors, was originally part of a 2022 state-wide health expansion plan meant to boost hospital capacity. But the project is now under scrutiny following the release of a state-commissioned review on 23 April 2025.

The review, led by infrastructure expert Sam Sangster of Klok Advisory, recommends pausing and redesigning the Redcliffe expansion due to poor site layout, clinical planning gaps, and the failure to address a culturally significant scar tree.

The government has accepted this recommendation, committing to a new plan and layout that ensures safer conditions for healthcare workers and a better long-term use of the site.

A Budget Gap Too Big to Ignore

Initially announced in June 2022, the Redcliffe Hospital expansion was budgeted at $1.06 billion, later uplifted to $1.148 billion. However, the latest health infrastructure report places the forecast cost at $2.122 billion, with a funding gap of $1.062 billion.

The plan to deliver 210 new beds and expanded clinical services is still in place, but the timeline has shifted. Originally due for completion in late 2027, the project is now forecast to finish no earlier than the end of 2030. Early works began in July 2024, with Multiplex continuing as the lead contractor.

A Pause, Not a Stop — But Locals Want Clarity

The review found the statewide hospital plan was developed in just six weeks in 2022, prioritising political deadlines over service needs and lacking proper funding.

The project is still expected to deliver more beds and improved care, but the pause and redesign have sparked concerns about delays and rising costs. Locals are questioning whether the region can afford to wait another five years.

Redcliffe and the Road Ahead

While the Queensland government has adopted major recommendations to redesign plans for new Toowoomba and Bundaberg hospital sites, Redcliffe’s project is moving ahead with key design changes to meet local health needs.

It remains part of the state’s Hospital Rescue Plan, aimed at fixing earlier planning flaws and delivering essential infrastructure with stronger oversight.

Early works began in July 2024, and Stage 1 is on track for completion by mid-2025. Locals are watching closely to see if the revised plan can deliver long-promised upgrades without more delays or cost blowouts.

Published 24-April-2025