Summary
An expanded Transit Lounge at Rockhampton Hospital will improve patient flow and ease pressure on the Emergency Department.
Central Queensland Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Blackler welcomed the announcement this week of an extra eight treatment spaces at Rockhampton Hospital Transit Lounge, from 12 to 20. This complements the recent launch of an eight-space Gladstone Transit Lounge.
Since Gladstone Hospital’s new Transit Lounge opened in November 2025 it has helped more than 130 people a month and has improved Emergency Department access and improved access and flow across the hospital.
The Transit Lounge has comfortable chairs, beds, TVs and tea and coffee facilities, allowing patients to rest in a comfortable and safe space while their discharge paperwork and medications are finalised.
Ms Blackler said Rockhampton Hospital Transit Lounge contributed greatly to faster patient discharge, and the planned expansion will further improve patient flow, allowing better access to inpatient beds, and the Emergency Department.
“Our Transit Lounges are open seven days a week and are staffed by nurses who constantly receive great feedback about their caring and welcoming nature from patients who are grateful for this comfortable space,” she said.
“The extra eight treatment spaces in Rockhampton will be an extremely valuable resource as we work hard to ensure the right patient is in the right place at the right time.”