MINISTER WELCOMES JOINT PAEDIATRIC FORUM

Health Minister Stephen Robertson has welcomed today’s announcement Queensland Health and the AMA will jointly convene a forum to assess the best way forward for Queensland paediatric services.

The consultation process will be led by independent paediatric clinicians who will work with all stakeholders to progress the issue.

"The Premier, Director-General and I have previously met with, and will continue to meet with all parties involved,” Minister Robertson said.

“We have been in discussions around this issue with clinicians, and Queensland Health has been proactive in terms of identifying problems and possible solutions in terms of change management.

“However, this announcement recognises the need for wider discussion, and I am looking forward to receiving the consultation report in four to six weeks.

“This Government is committed to planning for the future, and strengthening paediatric services across the State, not just the southeast corner, is a core part of this.

“There has been a lot of confusion around the current proposal in terms of funding and services, and I am hopeful the forum will redress this.

“The children of Queensland must be provided with the absolute best state-wide paediatric services, and the discussion must be broader than bricks and mortar.

“We will deliver on our commitment to the children of Queensland, we will deliver a world-class, state-wide service, and we will deliver it within budget,” Minister Robertson said.

Media: contact Kate Van Poelgeest on 3234 1185 or 0458 449 267.