A RAPID expansion medical ward was craned into place at Logan Hospital on October 12 as part of the $460 million hospital redevelopment.
The $9 million ward will open early next year and allow for 28 extra beds at Logan Hospital.
Overcrowding has plagued Logan Hospital for years with Queensland Health data showing 40 per cent of Logan Hospital ambulance patients waited at least 30 minutes before receiving emergency treatment in 12 months up to November 2018.
Earlier this year, former Metro South Health chief Stephen Ayre said there had been a sharp rise in urgent and complex cases this year.
In February this year, Metro South emergency departments treated 10 per cent more patients requiring immediate life-saving care compared to the same time last year.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the new ward was the first step towards easing crowding concerns.
"This new ward will help manage demand as part of our planned $460 million major expansion, which will see an additional 206 beds and treatment spaces added to the hospital," he said.
"Once commissioning work is complete, it will open in the new year with 73 new full-time employees including doctors, nurses, health professionals and support staff."
Waterford MP Shannon Fentiman said the new ward meant patients would be cared for sooner and spend less time waiting in the emergency department.
"It's fantastic that this redevelopment is one of the state's largest ever hospital expansion projects," she said.
"The project will also include a major refurbishment and expansion of existing clinical support services in Buildings one and two."
Logan MP Linus Power said the state government would also expand the emergency department to include a Mental Health Decision Unit.
"Which will provide a safe and quiet area for patients experiencing a mental health crisis to be triaged and treated," Mr Power said.
"The Palaszczuk government is delivering on its commitment to expand the hospital to meet the needs of this growing population, so the people of Logan can receive the high-quality healthcare that they need, close to home."
Woodridge MP Cameron Dick said once the Logan Hospital would have nine operating theatres, four endoscopy suites and 650 beds once the expansion project is complete.
"Logan Hospital is situated in one of Queensland's largest growth corridors, and we're supporting that growth with the services our community needs," he said.
