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The Queensland government has announced the development of a new $750 million hospital for cancer patients.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new hospital would be included in next week's state budget.
"This is exactly what Queensland needs," she said.
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"It's like a one-stop shop for the most sophisticated treatment that people need all under one roof."
A similar cancer treatment centre exists in Melbourne.
The premier said the Queensland centre, to be built at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital would be a state-of-the-art, world-leading oncology facility.
It will have 150 beds — 91 new and 59 shifting from other hospitals — and the premier hopes it will alleviate pressure on other hospitals.
"They won't be presenting to emergency. They'll be coming here so they'll be easing the pressure on our emergency departments," Palaszczuk said.
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The wait for the upcoming budget comes as the Queensland government faces increasing pressure to address wait times within the health system.
While the latest Queensland Ambulance Service figures show wait times are decreasing in Brisbane's north, data shows wait times in the south of more than 20 hours.
In Brisbane's north, the longest wait time for an ambulance was 19 hours in December, down to 11.5 hours in March.
In Brisbane's south, the longest wait time for an ambulance increased from just under 15 hours in December to more than 20 hours in January and February and 27.5 hours in March.
The last two state budgets have each included a 13 per cent increase in health spending.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said this year's budget would increase spending again to address these issues.
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"Our budget next week will be focused on better services like better health care," he said.
The cancer centre will begin construction in 2024, the same year as a state election.
The building is expected to be opened to the public four years later.
"This is what health care is all about, saving lives," Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said.
"We have a responsibility to do everything we can to provide the highest quality care and treatment for people who are diagnosed with cancer."
Source: 9News
