Health Minister officially opens new staff accommodation complex at Cloncurry Hospital

Health Minister Stephen Robertson and State Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan today officially opened a new $2.2 million staff accommodation complex for workers from Cloncurry Hospital.

Mr Robertson said the 14-bed Brisbane Street complex was providing quality accommodation for staff working at the nearby hospital.

“This is a win for hospital staff and a win for local health services,” Mr Robertson said.

“It will make Cloncurry Hospital a more attractive employer for health professionals.

“The new accommodation complex was funded via Queensland Health’s $91 million Regional Accommodation Program.

“This program plays a vital role enhancing health services in rural and remote Queensland, including here in Cloncurry.”

Ms Kiernan said the complex would benefit not only hospital staff but Cloncurry residents who rely on their services.

“Attracting health professionals to live and work in rural and regional Queensland is a real challenge, particularly given the worldwide doctor shortage,” she said.

“We’re tackling this challenge head-on by building new and enhanced facilities, including this new staff accommodation complex in Cloncurry.

“These 14 beds are a vital part of our plan to recruit and retain a sustainable local health workforce.

“We’re also getting on with the job of upgrading other important facilities in the region, with work now underway on a major $65.2 million redevelopment of Mount Isa Hospital.”

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government was continuing to invest in improved and expanded health services for rural and remote Queenslanders.

“We’re upping the ante when it comes to remote and regional health in Queensland,” he said.

“We’re doing this by building and expanding hospitals in remote and regional Queensland under our record $6 billion health capital works program.

“It also includes investing in programs like the $4 million Rural Scholarships scheme, which prepares undergraduates for a career as rural health professionals.

“We’re also investing $35.8 million over four years to support Nurse Practitioner qualified positions and have increased 50 training places for Rural and Isolated Practice Endorsed Registered Nurses.

“But we’re not resting on our laurels and we’ll continue to seek further ways to improve health services for remote and regional Queenslanders.”