Sunshine Coast health campus expansion adds 200 beds and research institute

The Sunshine Coast University Hospital campus at Birtinya will add 200 beds and a new research institute under a $380 million expansion confirmed by the Queensland government, positioning the facility to keep pace with the region's rapid population growth and establishing a new centre for health and medical research in south-east Queensland.

The expansion will bring the hospital's inpatient capacity to 850 beds, add two new surgical theatres, and significantly expand the cancer care and cardiac services that currently have the longest waitlists. The new research institute, to be established in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, will focus on chronic disease, ageing, and rehabilitation — all areas of growing demand in a region that disproportionately attracts retirees and active ageing residents.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the investment reflected the Sunshine Coast's reality as one of Australia's fastest-growing health catchments. "This is not building ahead of demand — this is building to keep pace with demand that is already here," she said. Current modelling shows the catchment population will grow by 120,000 over the next decade.

The University of the Sunshine Coast vice-chancellor Helen Bartlett said the research institute created an opportunity to establish a distinctive health research identity for the region, building on the university's existing strengths in nutrition, exercise science, and mental health. A joint appointment program will allow researchers to maintain clinical practice within the hospital while conducting their research, a model proven to accelerate translation of findings into patient care.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year, with staged completion over four years.

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