GOLD Coast emergency departments were the real winners in the 2011-12 Queensland Budget.

Gold Coast Health Chief Executive Officer Dr Adrian Nowitzke said Gold Coast residents would soon start to see changes in health facilities thanks to the additional funding.

Dr Nowitzke said more than $2 billion is being spent on health infrastructure in the next couple of years by the Queensland Government to deliver more services to Gold Coast residents.

“The $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital, the $274.3 million expansion of Robina Hospital and the $36.31 million Robina Health Precinct are part of this comprehensive response to boost local healthcare,” Dr Nowitzke said.

“The Gold Coast Hospital emergency department is the second busiest in the state.

“This is one of the areas that will expand. “ Both Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital feature new and expanded services, ensuring timely access to local health care and minimising the need to travel to Brisbane to receive treatment. “

Dr Nowitzke said expanded services will include mental health, special care nursery, birthing suites and support services including intensive care, pharmacy, medical imaging and pathology across facilities.

The introduction of the Gold Coast's first Health Precinct building will help to increase the number of outpatient appointments on offer for Gold Coasters.

“We are delighted that the Robina Health Precinct commenced construction this year, and that the first suspended slab was poured just last week,” Dr Nowitzke said.