Vital support flowing for grass roots health care providers

The Palaszczuk Government has injected more than $30 million into more than 130 Queensland’s community-based health service groups to ensure their vital services can continue to support Queenslanders during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the grants will help organisations continue to provide services to Queenslanders and in some cases deliver new or extended services.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy around the globe, and Queensland has not been immune,” Mr Miles said.

“That is why the Palazsczuk Government’s plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland is so important that we all play our part.

“It is critical that we back our community support services as they continue to deliver services under changing conditions dictated by the pandemic response.”

Deputy Premier Miles said the COVID funding grants have helped organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) who received grants of $18,090 and $267,860 to deliver a new service offering and enhance existing services.

RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said healthcare services had been stretched greatly this year.

“During the pandemic the RFDS have remained operational, transporting more than 720 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients across the country, including 32 in Queensland,” Ms Staib said.

“Support from the Queensland Government has helped ensure the safety of our staff, as well as continuity of care for patients across the state.

"This funding has supported various RFDS services to transition to telehealth, allowing rural and remote community members to remain connected to care during this critical time. 

“It has also enabled the creation of a purpose-built suite of instructional videos to support the safe use of essential COVID-19 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for a workforce of pilots, medical officers, nurses, dentists and mental health clinicians that are geographically dispersed across nine bases statewide.” 

Deputy Premier Miles said it is heartening to see funding flow to our community healthcare providers, who are responding so well to ensure Queenslanders get vital care.

“Since announcing the COVID-19 Immediate Support Measures NGO grant funding, 171 grants for community health services from across the state have been awarded more than $27.7 million of funding,” Mr Miles said.

“Another 18 mental health community support services from across the state have successfully received funding totalling $2.6 million.

“Other successful recipients deliver community-based health services including mental health services, Indigenous health services, consumer support, primary and integrated care, palliative care and alcohol and other drugs services.”

ENDS

Media contact: Sarah O'Rourke - 0437 781 040