Expanding Hospital Capacity in Regional Queensland

The Mackay Base Hospital has undergone a major redevelopment to support the growing healthcare needs of the region. Located in Mackay, the $408 million project forms part of a broader investment in healthcare infrastructure across North Queensland.

Completed in stages and operational from 2016, the redevelopment significantly increased the hospital’s capacity, expanding from approximately 160 beds to over 300 beds and positioning the facility to meet projected demand.

Modern Facilities Supporting Comprehensive Care

The redevelopment, spanning close to 40,000 square metres, introduced a wide range of upgraded and expanded clinical services designed to improve access to care for the local community.

Key components of the project included:

• Expanded emergency and outpatient departments
• New delivery suites and special care nursery
• Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit upgrades
• Day surgery and operating theatre suite expansion
• Inpatient medical and surgical wards
• Renal support services
• Dedicated dental services unit
• Enhanced mental health facilities

These improvements have strengthened the hospital’s ability to deliver integrated, high-quality healthcare services across a broad range of clinical disciplines.

Supporting Long-Term Regional Growth

Mackay Base Hospital plays a critical role within Queensland’s public health network, servicing a large regional and rural population.

The redevelopment was designed to accommodate population growth and increasing demand for healthcare services through to the early 2020s and beyond. The expanded infrastructure supports improved patient flow, greater clinical capacity and enhanced service delivery across the region.

This investment reflects a continued focus on strengthening healthcare access in regional communities while aligning facilities with modern models of care.

Redback Health’s Role in FF&E Planning and Delivery

Redback Health (formerly RHS) was engaged as the FF&E Consultant and Advisor for the project, working alongside Ranbury Management Group from schematic design through to commissioning.

With an FF&E spend of approximately $27 million, the project required detailed coordination across a wide range of clinical and support areas.

Redback Health’s role included:

• FF&E planning and advisory from early design stages
• Development of detailed equipment specifications
• Coordination with project managers and stakeholders
• Support through procurement and commissioning phases

This involvement ensured that all clinical and non-clinical environments were appropriately equipped to support efficient operations and high standards of patient care.

About Redback Health

Redback Health is an Australian consultancy specialising in healthcare equipment planning, specification and procurement. Learn more about their experience and approach on the About page:
https://www.redbackhealth.com.au/about/

With experience across major hospital, aged care and community health developments, Redback Health supports clients from early planning through to commissioning, delivering practical and efficient solutions tailored to each project.

Meet the team behind these projects:
https://www.redbackhealth.com.au/our-team/

If you are planning a healthcare development and require support with FF&E planning or procurement, contact the team:
https://www.redbackhealth.com.au/contact/