A bold and ambitious plan destined to be the blueprint for health reform across the country was unveiled today at Greater Springfield.

Work will begin later this year on the fully integrated Springfield Health City following the announcement of Mater Health Services and the University of Queensland (UQ) as major partners.

Chairman of Springfield Health City Professor John Hay, said Springfield Health City will be a world-class model for governments to base their health reform plans.

“Springfield Health City will be a revolution in the approach to health care and wellness in Australia, and provide all the necessary services for the rapidly growing population of Greater Springfield and its surrounds,” Professor Hay said.

“It really will be a one-stop health and wellness destination with everything from Oral Health Care and GP services to an acute hospital and Aged Care (up to 128 beds in Stage One) and Independent Retirement Living Units (up to 100 in Stage One with hundreds more planned).

“The precinct is designed to ensure all people living within the Greater Springfield and surrounding areas benefit from safe, sustainable and accessible health care today and for decades to come.”

The plan for Health City has been based on research by world-renowned Harvard Medical International (HMI).

It follows broad consultation with the federal and state government, universities (including UQ, Queensland University of Technology, University of Southern Queensland and Griffith University), public and private hospitals, the Australian Medical Association, healthcare professionals and professional bodies, other health service leaders, key stakeholders and the community.

“HMI recommended a Health City concept with a private/public partnership incorporating all forms of health care including primary care, acute care, alternative care, integrated residential including aged care, retirement living and hotels, education, research and E-health, underpinned by a strong focus on training future health workers,” he said.

Professor Hay said the precinct will provide an integrated and comprehensive approach to health services planning and delivery, as well as providing state of the art education facilities for medical specialists.

“We will take a complete and modern approach to health care delivery, integrating medical services, hospital facilities, consulting, specialist services, allied health and wellness with aged care, retirement, hotel accommodation, education and research facilities,” Professor Hay said.

“Other highlights include the development of an innovative governance model and the ability to conduct further university-supported education, research and training."

Chief Executive Officer of Mater Health Services, Dr John O’Donnell said the signing of an agreement of intent with Springfield Land Corporation is in line with the Mater’s ‘exceptional people, exceptional care’ philosophy.

“To be involved in such a landmark project as Springfield Health City is indeed a positive and will result in a valuable extension of services into this fast growing region,” Dr O’Donnell said.

Springfield Health City will provide services for a greater population catchment of 132,000, with the future greater catchment expected to rise to 236,000 by 2021.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland Professor Paul Greenfield said UQ’s health education included a focus on teamwork across different professions.

“Student doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and others understood the importance of working together to benefit individual patients and communities,” Professor Greenfield said.

“UQ is a leader in health and allied health education and research in Queensland, and nationally, and it looks forward to bringing its expertise and innovative approaches to this world-first health precinct.”

Chairman of Springfield Land Corporation, Dr Maha Sinnathamby, said Australia’s health services have remained stretched despite massive increases in funding over the last decade and government recognises ‘no change’ is not an option. 

“We must act now and that is why I have begun to implement the HMI Plan immediately - the signing of Mater Health Services and the University of Queensland is just the beginning,” Dr Sinnathamby said.

“Both the Federal and State Government understand the demand for health services in Australia is rising much faster than the rate of population growth because of our ageing population and an epidemic of chronic disease.

“The so-called ‘lifestyle’ diseases such as diabetes are affecting younger members of our community and they will live with the consequences of their condition for longer than ever before.

“In addition, Australia’s workforce is ageing and this is placing even more demands on health services, particularly in rural and regional areas. Eighty per cent of the cost of health care is now spent on 20% of the population.

“Springfield Health City will place health and wellness care and the individuals that need it, side-by-side.”

To be situated on 52 hectares within Greater Springfield’s central business district, Health City is based on a set of key principles to ensure services are:

“At the same time, our unique governance model will ensure the hospital operates in a way that establishes and preserves the vision and encourages innovation,” he said.

“In Greater Springfield we will address the chronic disease epidemic by focusing on health and well being, rather than reacting after people are already ill.                                                                          

“We believe, if copied in other centres, our plan has the potential to relieve significant pressure on our hospitals.

“The blueprint also offers the chance to improve hospital performance in key areas including emergency medicine and elective surgery by increasing specialisation and eliminating duplication of services, staff and facilities.”

Media Contact: Shaun Rigby at Sequel Communications on (07) 3251 8140 or 0438 021 936