The Queensland Government in Australia has allocated funding from the Building Rural and Remote Health Program to upgrade hospitals in Jandowae, Laidley, and Boonah.

These refurbishments are part of an A$1bn ($650.91m) investment in healthcare infrastructure in rural and remote areas.

The aim is to enhance the quality of care, create jobs, and support staff retention.

As part of the overhaul, existing facilities in Boonah will be modernised to meet current clinical standards and services will be expanded in line with the local community's needs.

Laidley Hospital's improvements are expected to support the area's anticipated growth, ensuring that healthcare facilities remain adequate.

Jandowae's master plan includes facelift to enhance functionality and align with contemporary care models.

Construction on the facilities is scheduled to begin in the middle of next year.

Minister for health, mental health and ambulance services Shannon Fentiman said: “Our rural health facilities do an incredible job serving their community, but some are ageing, and the time is right to update, replace and refurbish them to continue meeting the growing needs of these communities.

“The addition of Laidley, Boonah, and Jandowae hospitals to the Building Rural and Remote Health Program demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to the health of rural and regional Queenslanders.

“These improvements will meet growing demand for services and be built to last for generations.

“They will incorporate contemporary, practical clinical spaces that utilise the latest in medical technology so that our health care workers can continue to deliver the best care possible.”