Browns Plains to be an innovator in health care

Residents in Browns Plains and surrounding areas will be among the first to be treated in a new innovative model of care being rolled out in Queensland, Health Minister Stephen Robertson and Member for Logan John Mickel said today.

Mr Robertson and Mr Mickel both inspected the site of the new $26.4 million health hub under construction at Hillcrest which will serve as a one-stop shop for a range of services.

Services provided from the centre will include aged care and rehabilitation, children’s health, adult community mental health, drug and alcohol, dental clinics, antenatal clinics, chronic disease prevention and management, and a range of specialist medical, allied health and nursing outpatient clinics.

“This new health centre will ensure we can provide the best health services for this fast-growing community in the Mt Lindesay Highway corridor,” Mr Robertson said.

“The centre will give local residents access to almost all their health needs at one location, providing a one-stop shop for local health services.

“That means more patients will be treated closer to home without having to attend a hospital.

“The new centre will help tackle the increasing need for chronic disease management and preventative health care.

“It will involve a partnership between numerous parties including government, non-government, and private sector bodies.

“The centre has been specifically designed to support new models of care which reflect the latest thinking in promoting good health, managing chronic disease and reducing the need for hospital treatment through early intervention.”

Mr Mickel said the major difference under this model is that many services will be taken to the patients and clients.

“Patients will see doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals as close to their homes as possible.

“When necessary, patients will be able to progress from one service to the other in a coordinated sequence without the need for long-term appointments or additional travel.

“One of the major benefits of the Browns Plains Health Precinct is the potential to substantially reduce the demand on acute hospital services.

“Many patients will be able to avoid hospitalisation because primary care services will be available locally.

“With early detection and care, many health problems will not be allowed to escalate.

“There will be an expansion of disease management care options for patients who frequently attend acute health facilities.”

Mr Robertson said about 120 staff would work from the new precinct, 80 of whom would be filling new positions.

“New positions include eight nursing, seven medical, 16 allied health, 22 mental health and six dental staff.

Mr Mickel said he was very pleased the Department of Communities had decided to co-locate an Early Years Centre on the site.

“The Browns Plains Health Precinct will service one of the fastest growing populations in Australia, stretching from Calamvale and Browns Plains in the north, to Park Ridge and Jimboomba in the south, including rapid growth areas such as Boronia Heights and Regents Park.

“Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year and centre should open early 2009.”

18 January,  2008

MEDIA:

Minister Robertson’s Office: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185

Minister Mickel’s Office: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125