Record health budget boost for Mackay and Whitsundays
Published Monday, 11 June, 2018 at 12:03 PM
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services
The Honourable Steven Miles
More than $441 million will be invested in healthcare in the Mackay and Whitsundays region, with the Palaszczuk Government delivering a health budget that focuses on strengthening frontline services and managing rising demand.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the budget reflected the Government’s commitment to providing quality health services in regional Queensland.
“No matter where in the Mackay region you call home, you will have access to high-quality healthcare,” he said.
“Tomorrow’s State Budget will deliver on the healthcare commitments we made to Queenslanders at the election.
“Our State Budget will include a record $18.3 billion for health services and infrastructure in Queensland in 2018-19.”
Mr Miles said Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will have an operating budget of $441.7 million in 2018-19.
“We’ve increased Mackay’s budget by $26.6 million from last financial year – that’s almost 6.5 per cent more funding to meet the increased demand for health services in the region,” Mr Miles said.
Assistant Minister for State Development and Member for Mackay Mrs Julieanne Gilbert said $14.7 million in growth funding will be used to support the projected growth in demand for services including emergency department, elective surgery and outpatients.
“An additional $2.8 million will be invested in important capital works such as mechanical and electronic upgrades at Proserpine Hospital,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“A further $400,000 will spent upgrading Bowen Hospital’s infrastructure.”
Significant investments for Mackay in 2018-19 include:
- $2.1 million for community mental health treatment services
- $2.8 million for mechanical and electrical upgrades at Proserpine Hospital
- $290,000 in increased funding to support projects identified under the Mental Health Connecting Care to Recovery Plan continuation of the co-located services pilot program and support for the adult Step-up, Step-down facility being established.
In this year’s State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government is investing in Health’s operating budget by a record $17.3 billion in 2018-19, an increase of $729.3 million from the 2017-18 budget.
The Government is boosting health infrastructure. The capital budget will be $985.5 million in 2018-19, an increase of $69.4 million from 2017-18.
ENDS
Media contact: Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903 / Amy Hunter - 0423 651 484