Record health budget on the Gold Coast

Almost $1.5 billion will be invested in health care on the Gold Coast in 2018-19, as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s State Budget – a record investment in health care on the Gold Coast.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the budget reflected the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing quality health services across Queensland.

“No matter where you live on the Gold Coast, 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 last election.

“Our State Budget will include a record $18.3 billion for health services and infrastructure in Queensland in 2018-19.”

Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will have an operating budget of $1.494 billion in 2018-19, almost $103 million more than the previous financial year.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering a record health budget that focuses on strengthening frontline services and managing rising demand.

“We are providing $34.5 million in growth funding to help our hardworking doctors and nurses meet the increase in demand for services including emergency department, elective surgery and outpatients,” Ms Scanlon.

“We’re also investing $2 million for the Winter Bed Strategy, to improve emergency access during the busy flu season and winter period.

“This Budget delivers on our election commitments.

“We promised more support for our health system – and in this budget that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

Other health priorities for the Gold Coast in 2018-19 include:

• $8.7 million to improve gastrointestinal endoscopy services
• $3 million as part of the $12.8 million Medical Imaging Informatics Solution (MIIS) Project.
• $3.9 million for community mental health treatment services
• $2 million for the Winter Bed Strategy, which drives improved emergency access during the winter period and
• $100,000 for additional clinical staff to meet increasing demand for health services in Queensland correctional facilities.

Mr Miles said the Gold Coast HHS excelled in providing high-quality health care to more than 590,000 people in an area spanning about 1800 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