$80m health plan speeds up patient discharge in Queensland hospitals

Hospitals will add 30 treatment spaces amidst rising bed gridlock.

The Crisafulli Government has announced the second phase of its hospital transit lounge expansion, adding 30 new treatment spaces across Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Rockhampton Hospital.

The move aims to improve patient flow, reduce ambulance ramping, and free up acute beds for emergency care.

Under the $80m Easier Access to Health Services Plan, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital will receive a major refurbishment, creating a total of 46 treatment spaces under their purview.

The Prince Charles Hospital’s existing lounge will expand to 24 spaces, whilst Rockhampton Hospital’s lounge will be relocated and enlarged to 20 spaces.

Transit lounges provide a dedicated area for patients medically ready for discharge but awaiting medications, transport, or final test results, allowing hospitals to turn over acute beds more efficiently.

This phase complements seven previous projects announced in September 2025, with new or expanded lounges set to be operational by the end of 2026 at Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Logan, Redland, Townsville, and Ipswich hospitals.