Visit to QEII Jubilee Hospital and Ward 5A Official Opening

Metro South Health Board Director, Adjunct Professor Isla Davies OAM; Chief Executive, Dr Peter Bristow and Acting Chief Operating Officer Ms Noelle Cridland; Acting Executive Director of QEII Hospital, Dr Bill Kingswell; Director of Medical Services, Dr Christopher Bell; Director of Nursing, Ms Nicki Dennis; Director of Allied Health, Mr Leo Ross; Project Team; Clinicians; ladies and gentlemen.

I too would like to acknowledge the original custodians of the lands on which we gather and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. I extend my respects to any First Nations people here with us today.

I am excited to be here today to officially open QEII Hospital’s new medical ward, marking the successful delivery of a major milestone in your Hospital Expansion Program. Congratulations to the project team who have worked tirelessly over the past 9 months to bring this fruition.

I understand that the first patient was admitted to this new Ward just yesterday, which is very exciting for the clinical team who are easing into this new space. I’m looking forward to meeting with some members of that team shortly. 

Balancing capacity with the increasing demands being placed on our healthcare system is crucial for the future of our State. I commend QEII for taking the initiative to expand its capacity, and to do so within the existing footprint of the building, being mindful of the goal to improve connectivity within the hospital.

These 26 additional beds are a major boost to the hospital’s capacity, and are so essential, especially now winter is upon us. They will help ease the pressure on the emergency department, ensuring more patients can be well cared for closer to home and return to their loved ones sooner.

As more investment is made into health services over the coming years, QEII, like many health centres across the State, will be able to further expand the vital services offered by this hospital. This new medical ward is the first step in helping QEII and the broader Metro South Health cohort meet the challenges of future growth on the southside.

I am delighted to officially open Ward 5A. This is an important step forward for QEII Hospital in the dawn of what will be a significant period of expansion in hospital and healthcare services in Queensland.

I look forward to seeing the QEII community flourish in the years to come. Thank you.