Primary health centre opens on Palm Island

Palm Islanders will have access to a bigger and better medical service with the official opening of the Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre today.

Health Minister Steven Miles said the $16.5 million centre, funded by the Palaszczuk Government, was vital to the health and wellbeing of people on the island.

“Today is the culmination of a significant investment by the State Government in the health of Palm Islanders,” he said.

“This centre will expand and improve Palm Islanders access to general medical services, oral, maternal and child health as well as a hub for social and emotional wellbeing.

“This is a historic and important day in our ongoing commitment to Close the Gap in health outcomes for our Aboriginal community.”

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said a letter of intent would be signed between the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and the Palm Island Community Company to fast-track the facility being operated by a community-controlled Board.

“It is important to the community that the service transitions to a community-controlled board as soon as possible,” said Ms Trad.

“We have worked closely with the local council and other members of the community to make sure the centre delivers the important healthcare they need.”

Infrastructure Minister Cameron Dick said all Queenslanders, no matter where they live, should have access to the same world-class healthcare.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises how important good local healthcare is to remote communities,” Mr Dick said.

“This new centre will harness the latest technology, such as telehealth, to give residents high-level care without them needing to travel long distances.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the centre would meet the healthcare needs of Palm Island well into the future.

“Expanding the service to offer more than just general medical care will make a world of difference for people on the island,” Mr Stewart said.

“The centre is currently operating with two general practitioners, 16 Aboriginal health workers, one dentist and one dental assistant, two child health nurses, two midwives, a mental health clinical nurse consultant and a drug and alcohol clinical nurse consultant.”

The Primary Health Care Centre is the jewel in the crown of the Palm Island Health Action Plan 2018 – 2028 that charts a clear, community-driven path to improve the health outcomes of Palm Islanders.

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey said the opening of the Primary Health Care Centre was a pivotal moment.

“This is a brilliant new facility to support the health of the Palm Island community,” he said.

“Today is the start of a new way forward and community control is the best way forward.

“Community control represents the best way we can support of community to lead long, healthy and proud lives.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney said the Primary Health Care Centre would be run by Palm Islanders for Palm Islanders.

“It was more than three years ago that we started this journey with the community and the Council for Palm Islanders to take control of their own primary health outcomes,” Mr Mooney said.

“Today is not the end, it is just an important step as we transition the delivery of primary health services from the Townsville HHS to community control.

“Initially, the Action Plan charted a 10-year plan for primary health services to be run by the community but today’s letter of intent is about doing everything we can for that transition to happen as soon as possible.”

The Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre was funded through $8.5 million from the State Government’s Significant Regional Infrastructure Project program, $4.7 million from the Making Tracks Indigenous Health Investment Strategy and $3.3 million from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS).

The Palm Island Health Action Plan 2018-2028 was launched on April 20, 2018 on Palm Island and charts health priorities for Palm Islanders over a decade. The plan is underpinned by a statement of intent endorsed by all levels of government, the Townsville HHS, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.

The Townsville HHS and Palm Island Community Company have established a joint working group as the first step in moving towards the transition to community control of primary health care services on Palm Island.

ENDS

Media contact:           Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903