Record health Budget for the Ipswich and West Moreton region

More than $600 million will be invested in health care in the Ipswich and wider West Moreton 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 Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing quality health services in Queensland.

“No matter where you live in the Ipswich or West Moreton area, 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.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will have an operating budget of $607.1 million in 2018-19, almost $53 million more than the previous financial year.

“We’ve increased West Moreton’s budget more than $50 million – that’s almost 10 per cent,” Ms Howard said.

“We’re delivering on our commitments. This budget includes $3 million for the planning and business case for the $124.5 million Stage 1A Ipswich Hospital expansion.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the Budget includes $1.5 million for community mental health treatment services in the Ipswich region.

“We want Queenslanders to continue to have access to world-class health services regardless of where they live,” Mr Madden said.

Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said the Budget was about delivering frontline services and keeping up with demand.

“We are providing $17.6 million in growth funding to help our hardworking doctors and nurses meet the demand for services including emergency department, elective surgery and outpatients,” Ms Miller said.

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, which operated six hospitals and health facilities, excelled in providing high-quality health care to 278,544 people in an area spanning 9520 square kilometres.

“We’re investing an additional $300,000 in gastrointestinal endoscopy services, which will help improve wait times and keep up with demand,” Ms Mullen said.

The State Budget also includes:

• $1.5 million for community mental health treatment services in 2018-19
• $1.15 million to support nursing workforce initiatives to improve patient safety and health care in 2018-19
• $2.2 million for additional clinical staff to meet increasing demand for health services in Queensland correctional facilities in 2018-19
• Progress the $124.5 million Stage 1A Ipswich Hospital expansion.

In 2018-19 Ipswich Hospital will also complete the transition to a Digital Hospital.

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