Nurse home visits put Queensland kids first

• The Miles Government has launched a new child health nurse home visiting program on the Sunny Coast to support children’s healthy development.
• This vital program is part of a more than $65 million investment to support families in need from pregnancy until their child’s second or third birthday.
• The Maternal Early Child Sustained Home Visiting program underscores the Miles Government’s commitment to delivering services closer to home, particularly for children and families experiencing vulnerability.

The Miles Government is investing $65.52 million to extend the Sustained Health Home Visiting Program, enhancing support for Queensland families. 

This funding is part of the broader $501.9 million "Putting Queensland Kids First" initiative, which is assisting children from conception through to their second or third birthday.

The program aims to enhance child health and wellbeing and assists families in managing challenges during their formative early years.

By offering additional support, this investment will lay a strong foundation for children’s healthy development.

Families can access support from before baby is born, to help prepare for their arrival, and visits can continue until the child is two to three years old.

As part of this program, about 100 clinical staff across Queensland will be employed over four years, including health workers, clinical nurses, and social workers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“I’m thrilled for Sunny Coast families who can now access this crucial support from within the comfort of their own homes.

“Everybody know how challenging it can be becoming a new parent, especially when you’re already experiencing tough times.

“It’s why we’re investing now to ensure our youngest Queenslanders get the support they need to have the best possible start to life. 

“We always say we’re committed to delivering services closer to home for Queenslanders - and now we’re going one step further and delivering healthcare to the home for Sunny Coast families.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan:

“We’re prioritising investments that matter for Queensland’s future.

“This program provides essential support from the earliest stages of a child's life, promoting their wellbeing and helping families through critical early years.

“By expanding this program, we’re providing families with crucial support and setting a foundation for healthier futures.

“The program has been operational in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Central Queensland, and Sunshine Coast is the next health service rolling out this important service.”

Quotes attributable to Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:

“I have been a strong advocate for implementing measures which support young people on the Sunshine Coast.

“We’re seeing immediate benefits to Queensland families thanks to this program, and it has shown that at six years of age, children have shown improvements to mental health, social skills, and developed a stronger understanding of important reading and writing skills.

“The expansion of the program to the Sunshine Coast will make a real difference in the lives of young people and their future potential.”

Quotes attributable to Nicklin MP Rob Skelton:

“Our focus is on ensuring every Queensland child, including those on the Sunshine Coast, has a strong start.

“This new investment reflects our dedication to giving Sunshine Coast children every possible support.

“By investing in programs that support our children, we are investing in their future and the community’s.”

Quotes attributable to Sunshine Coast Health Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies: “It’s important that we continue to invest in the next generation of children in our region, and as always, we are committed to providing care as close to home as possible.

“Whilst this program is nurse led, we have a multidisciplinary team of health workers, clinical nurses, and social workers working together to ensure children are equipped with the strong foundation they need for healthy development.

“This additional support will benefit families and improve outcomes for children in our region and ensuring that we can support a quality start in life.”

ENDS