New health care centre opens at Mission Beach

A new health centre in Mission Beach will ensure local residents can receive primary health care in their own community, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson today officially opened the $950,000 Mission Beach Health Centre in Wongaling Beach Road.

“This centre is the first permanent Queensland Health service in Mission Beach,” he said.

“It means, for the first time, Mission Beach residents can access a range of primary care services in their local community.

“It will reduce the need for people from this area to travel to Innisfail, Tully, Townsville or Cairns for some of their health needs.

“Local services will include women’s health, Indigenous health, immunisation, men’s health, disease prevention, health promotion as well as early intervention and management of chronic diseases and decreasing the burden of disease.

“Families will also benefit from child and family health services like child health clinics and parenting classes.

“Visiting services will include mental health and home and community care services.”

Mr Robertson said the new Community Health Centre would service Mission Beach’s 3,500 residents, as well as many tourists who visit the area.

“This new facility will help ensure that people in Mission Beach have better access to safe and quality health care in their own community,” he said.

“It will support existing health services in the area which includes a Queensland Ambulance station, general practitioner and pharmacy.

“It also reflects the Beattie Government’s strong commitment to improving health services for the growing community.”

Queensland Health purchased the building for $700,000 and carried out $250,000 in refurbishments.

The centre is staffed by a registered nurse and administration officer.

Mr Robertson said patients requiring emergency services would still be transported to either Innisfail or Tully hospitals.

MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680