The Mareeba community will have continued access to essential GP services with the Coalition Government providing $2 million to help reduce pressure on the Mareeba Hospital’s emergency department.
The funding will support both GP services and local residents with complex or chronic conditions, to help keep them well and out of hospital.
“This is a big win for the local community and something which is extremely important for the entire region,” Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch said.
“Access to GP services is vital and I am pleased to see the community’s concerns have been listened to and that the announcement gives certainty to local residents.
“For all the huffing and puffing about services in Mareeba the Palaszczuk government did not allocate any funding for the hospital in the recent state budget, despite the fact we provided an extra $931 million for Queensland hospitals.
“In stark contrast the Coalition Government is providing funding and taking steps to improve the health of the Mareeba community,” Mr Entsch said.
Minister for Health said the Coalition Government is committed to making sure our health system continues to be one of the best in the world.
“Being able to access the best doctors, nurses, hospitals and medicines is central to that and a key part of our announcement today,” Minister Hunt said.
“I want to pay tribute to Warren’s advocacy of this issue and the importance he has placed on it, not just in Mareeba but for the entire region,” he said.
The population growth of the Mareeba region means the community is now better placed to support local general practice health services.
“We are committed to ensuring health services are available to meet the needs of local residents,” Minister Hunt said.
The Northern Queensland PHN will receive the funding and will work closely with the community to understand their specific health needs and engage local health service providers.