The Queensland Children’s Hospital has opened a new surgical outpatients clinic, paving the way for more than 14,000 appointments for Queensland children and their families each year.
The new clinic space on Level 6 will provide care for children and young people with complex gastroenterology conditions and those requiring plastic and reconstructive surgery.
The $4.14m redevelopment project includes 13 consultation rooms, a treatment area and a dedicated telehealth suite.
Artworks and distraction imagery have been thoughtfully incorporated throughout the space to enhance the care environment and patient experience.
Fourteen-month-old Dallas, from Mackay, will be among the thousands patients to visit the clinic in the next 12 months.
Dallas was born with craniosynostosis (where the bone plates of the skull fuse together before the brain is fully formed) and required corrective surgery at the Queensland Children’s Hospital to re-mould his skull and allow for future growth.
His mother, Michelle Quattromani, said they will be back for an appointment in a month and can’t wait to use the new space.
“I think it’s beautiful with really lovely colours, and it’s just a nice area to come to visit,” Michelle said.
Additional specialist doctors, nurses and administrative staff have been appointed to support the expanded outpatient service.
Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive Frank Tracey said increasing outpatients clinic capacity at the Queensland Children’s Hospital was vital to delivering timely specialist care for children and young people across the state.
“Expanding our outpatient service is an important step towards meeting the growing demand for specialist paediatric services - ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality care for children and families, now and into the future,” Mr Tracey said.