What’s happening?
Construction has begun on the $40 million expansion of Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
The development will relocate Mater’s maternity and renal services from the Hyde Park campus to new purpose-built facilities at the Pimlico site.
The project is scheduled for completion by early 2026.
Why it matters
This move will consolidate all of Mater’s Townsville-based healthcare services into one modern campus.
The investment demonstrates Mater’s ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality care for North Queenslanders.
General Manager Stephanie Barwick said the milestone coincides with a significant anniversary.
“This year Mater Private Hospital Townsville is celebrating its 80th birthday – and eight decades on we are continuing to invest in this city to deliver high-quality, contemporary hospital facilities for our patients and specialists,” Ms Barwick said.
Local Impact
The new maternity unit, Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville, will feature 12 inpatient beds, three birthing suites, six special care nursery cots, and a dedicated lounge for maternity patients.
The renal facility will offer 12 dialysis bays in a refurbished Queensland X-Ray site on Fulham Road, improving convenience for locals and visitors alike.
“Consolidating our hospital and healthcare services at a single site at Pimlico will enhance convenience and accessibility for both medical staff and patients, enabling more efficient delivery of care,” Ms Barwick added.
“This enhancement will significantly reduce wait times and improve access to local dialysis care for North Queensland residents.”
By the Numbers
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$40 million: Total investment into the new facilities at the Pimlico campus.
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12: New dialysis treatment bays at the renal facility.
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12: Inpatient maternity beds, along with three birthing suites and six nursery cots.
Zoom In
Kidney specialist Dr Rahul Dua said the expanded renal services would not only cater to local demand but also support visitors needing treatment away from home.
“Expanding Mater’s renal capacity means not only room for more Townsville patients, but also for travellers who may require ‘holiday dialysis’ – being able to have access to a private renal unit for peace of mind when they are a long distance from home and their usual healthcare service,” he said.
He highlighted the region’s high rates of chronic disease: “North Queensland sees high levels of diabetes and hypertension, as well as high incidence of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Having the services and expertise locally to support this is vital for those patients.”
Zoom Out
The Hyde Park campus has supported Townsville’s maternity needs since 2007. It will continue operating until the new facilities open.
The relocation of maternity services is backed by the Australian Government through the Community Health and Hospitals Program.
What to Look for Next?
Mater expects to complete both the maternity and renal units by early 2026, fully transitioning services to the single Pimlico site.
Patients can expect improved care access and upgraded facilities once open.
