Carolyn Male MP, Government Whip and Bonny Barry MP, State Member for Aspley today welcomed the announcement by the Bligh Labor Government that it will deliver a brand new, dedicated children’s emergency department on Brisbane’s northside by 2012 - ahead of the opening of the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

The new $45.6 million ED will be located at The Prince Charles Hospital at Chermside and deliver 12 new emergency treatment bays and a 20-bed short-stay observation unit.

“This dedicated children’s emergency department will be coming online before the completion of the Queensland Children’s Hospital, which is good news for northside parents,” Carolyn Male MP said. “Being a mother of two young girls, I know the importance of being close to specialised services for my children.”

“Once complete, the Queensland Children’s Hospital will be the cornerstone of child health services for the whole state, but the Bligh Labor Government has always recognised that to be a success, it would need to be supported by dedicated children’s services delivered locally.”

“Today’s commitment is the first part of our response.”

Bonny Barry MP said that these new and expanded services will include dedicated specialist doctors and nurses for kids to treat conditions such as seizures and broken bones and stabilise children with more serious problems for transfer to the dedicated children’s hospital.

“These new services do not mean that children won’t be seen at other hospitals - in an emergency the best place to take a child will always be the nearest emergency department and the Government will run a public awareness campaign to make sure Queensland parents know this,” Bonny Barry said.

“It is also great to see that the Health Minister, Stephen Robertson has given a commitment to the northside people that a children’s emergency department would continue until at least 2014 at the current Royal Children’s Hospital. Upon where this will be reviewed in line with what healthcare is needed at the time for northside families.”