Record health budget boost for the Sunshine Coast

Almost $1.2 billion will be invested in healthcare in 2018-19 on the Sunshine Coast, 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 across Queensland.

“No matter where on the Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will have an operating budget of $1.196 billion in 2018-19, a 3.6 per cent growth on the previous financial year.

“We are providing $41.4 million in growth funding to meet increased demand for emergency serviced, elective surgery and outpatients,” Mr Miles said.

Priorities for the region in 2018-19 include:

• $35.5 million in new and expanded services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital,
• Continuation of the $86.2 million Nambour Hospital redevelopment,
• Continuation of the $17 million Caloundra Hospital redevelopment; and
• $2.7 million for community mental health treatment services.

Mr Miles said the Sunshine Coast HHS, which operates six hospitals and health facilities, excelled in providing high-quality healthcare to more than 400,000 people in an area spanning 10,000 square kilometres.

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