Record health budget boost for Townsville and North Queensland

More than $980 million will be invested in healthcare for Townsville and North Queensland, 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 Queensland.

“No matter where in North Queensland 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.”

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will have an operating budget of $983.8 million in 2018-19, almost $50 million more than the previous financial year.

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was investing in vital medical services for North Queensland.

“This includes $4.7 million to provide a second MRI unit at the Townsville Hospital Medical Imaging Department,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“An additional MRI unit will ensure all patients can be imaged onsite and will significantly reduce wait times for medical imaging services.”

Member for Townsville Mr Scott Stewart said there would be a funding increase of $3.3 million for the new Townsville Hospital Children’s Ward which opened in 2018.

“Closing the Gap is another key priority for our region so $16.5 million will be spent to open the Palm Island Primary Care Centre, improving primary health services for residents,” he said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said care closer to home is a key goal for the local health service.

“$5 million will be spent extending the Townsville Renal unit which will increase the number of haemodialysis chairs from 17 to 30,” he said.

Other priorities for Townsville Hospital and Health Service in 2018-19 include:

• $820,000 in gastrointestinal endoscopy services

• $470,000 in community mental health treatment services
• $1.1 million for additional clinical staff to meet increasing demand for health services in Queensland correctional facilities

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