Until the late 1990’s, the Sunshine Coast‘s hospitals were operated by public health services. As a result of a growing population and an increasing number of people requiring high-level hospital services, the Sunshine Coast‘s hospitals were deemed to be too small and in need of upgrade. In the late 1990’s, the Queensland government embarked on an extensive renovation project to upgrade the health facilities in the region. This project is considered to be one of the largest public-private healthcare collaborations in the country. The project included the construction of a new hospital on the Sunshine Coast as well as an expansion of an existing hospital. It also included the transformation of the existing Buderim hospital to the Buderim Private Hospital.

Early hospitals of the Sunshine Coast

During the early years of settlement on the Sunshine Coast, injured people needed hospital attention. These people were often found in isolated logging camps or fishing camps. They were then transported to a hospital in Brisbane by a Gympie.

After World War I, fundraising for the Maroochy District Hospital began. It was built on a hill overlooking Nambour. Despite the building’s modest size, it proved an important health facility. The local community and local business leaders raised money to build the hospital. The hospital opened on May 13, 1948.

The Maroochy District Hospital was not the first hospital built on the Sunshine Coast. The first was St. Mary’s Hospital, which was built by the St. Mary’s Anglican Church in 1930. It was a 12-bed facility, with one doctor and two nurses. The hospital later moved to Sechelt.

Change of name to Buderim Private Hospital

Located in the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, Buderim Private Hospital has been delivering innovative medical services for more than 25 years. The hospital boasts over 190 beds and 700 locals. The hospital is a member of UnitingCare Health and is operated by Ramsay Health Care.

Buderim Private Hospital has a nod to innovation in the form of the Buderim Medical Imaging Centre. In fact, the hospital is the latest addition to the Sunshine Coast Health Institute. While the hospital has been a pioneer in the field of cancer treatment, it is also a leader in cardiac care. In fact, it was the first hospital in Australia to introduce an advanced cardiac catheterisation centre.

Investment of more than $70 million on new infrastructure and equipment

During 2013-14 the Coalition Government will invest more than $70 million on new infrastructure and equipment at the Sunshine Coast private hospital. This includes a new train station, a multi-million dollar MRI, new equipment for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and a number of other upgrades to the facility.

The new station features a 160-metre platform and on-road bus bays, a public announcement system, and even a ticketing system. It will also leverage $500 million in private sector investment at the Eastland Shopping Centre, and will provide a modern transport hub for residents in the area. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Coalition Government is also investing in a number of other projects including a new Bendigo hospital, which is a national leader in regional health services.

Engagement of high-quality emergency specialists and project management and advisory teams

Developing a quality emergency department is no mean feat. However, a new facility is being built that will have some interesting gizmos on display. In the grand scheme of things, the new facility will cost about $4 million, but will address a growing need in the Sunshine Coast. One of the major attractions will be an IMAX-style Emergency Department, which will be the only one of its kind in Queensland. The facility will also boast some interesting medical technologies, including the latest in medical imaging.

In addition to being the first emergency department of its kind on the Sunshine Coast, the facility will also have one of the most comprehensive ranges of medical imaging technologies in Australia. These technologies will be used in a variety of applications, including in-house diagnostics, which will allow the hospital to be more responsive to patients’ needs. Moreover, the facility will also be the first in Queensland to use the latest in digital radiologist imaging to provide enhanced diagnostics.

Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions

Across the globe, the world’s leading health provider, Ramsay Health Care, is committed to Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The company has put together a sustainability strategy to focus on stronger communities, thriving planet and healthier people.

One of the ways the hospital meets these targets is by investing in technology that reduces energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, a solar hot water system is used to reduce energy consumption. The installation of energy efficient lighting also contributes to a reduction in energy use. In addition, a state-of-the-art operating theatre ventilation system ensures that potentially infected air is removed from the surgical environment.

The hospital also incorporates outdoor areas which contribute to a reduction in the urban heat island effect and provide respite for patients and staff. In addition, the building’s design has been developed to reflect the climate of the Sunshine Coast. In particular, there are external hospital areas which provide views of the surrounding bush and water.