Metro North patients will benefit from a nearly $10 billion Health Budget that delivers on the Bligh Government’s commitment to investing in more services and employing more clinical staff to treat Queensland patients.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Metro North patients will benefit from a nearly $10 billion Health Budget that delivers on the Bligh Government’s commitment to investing in more services and employing more clinical staff to treat Queensland patients.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas said Queensland Health’s $9.99 billion budget for 2010-11 would address growing demand on emergency department services, reduce waiting lists for elective surgery, and support a significant upgrade in cancer services.
“The Queensland Government is investing $140.4 million capital and $90.5 million operational funding over four years from 2009-10 to upgrade and expand emergency departments at the State’s busiest hospitals to provide faster emergency care, including at the Prince Charles and Caboolture hospitals,” Mr Lucas said.
The Bligh Government’s commitment to improving access to emergency department services will also be augmented by Commonwealth funding of $30.5 million this financial year.
“Queensland is the nation’s most decentralised State in terms of health service delivery, so ensuring more Queenslanders have access to more services, closer to home is our core priority,” Mr Lucas said.
“What’s more, we are committed to working with the Rudd Government to deliver faster care in our hospitals.
“This includes $132.9 million operational and $27.6 million capital funding over four years to cut waiting lists for elective surgery in Queensland.
“Funding for the Queensland Government’s innovative Surgery Connect program has increased by $30 million this financial year enabling patients who’ve waited too long for surgery to be treated within the private sector.
“Since its inception in 2007, the Surgery Connect program has facilitated the treatment of more than 17,000 Queensland patients.”
Mr Lucas said the 2010-11 State Budget cemented the Bligh Government’s commitment to its massive $7.33 billion health infrastructure program – the largest ever undertaken in the nation’s history.
“This investment in health infrastructure supports jobs and communities across Queensland; the total capital program is expected to provide close to 40,000 full-time equivalent construction-related jobs.”
The 2010-11 State Health Budget sets a new record for expenditure on health infrastructure, with a commitment of more than $1.63 billion for health infrastructure projects around the State, including $3.4 million this financial year towards completion of the Prince Charles Hospital upgrade at a total estimated cost of $139.6 million.
In addition, $45.6 million has been allocated to build a dedicated paediatric emergency department at the Prince Charles hospital by 2012. The new services will provide 12 emergency treatment spaces, 20 short stay beds and additional outpatient services for children.
The Budget also provides funding towards the $5.2 million upgrade of the Caboolture Hospital’s emergency department.
“High-quality, safe and sustainable health care for patients is a priority for the Queensland Government, and this physical infrastructure is the most tangible evidence of this response to community requirements,” he said.
“But it’s not just about bricks and mortar, we need to ensure we have the clinical staff to treat Queensland patients and staff these facilities.
“That’s why the Bligh Government went to the last election with a commitment to employ 3,500 extra doctors, nurses and allied health professionals over three years.
“I am pleased to announce that we will exceed this target ahead of schedule.
“Since March 2009 we have employed 2,827 extra doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
“And that’s why we have set ourselves a new target to recruit an extra 1,200 clinical staff in 2010-11.
“What’s more Queensland Health took on 556 medical interns this year, with funding in the budget to increase this to 644 next year.
“And since 2005 the Queensland Health has employed more than 14,900 extra doctors, nurses and allied health professionals across the state.
“That’s an extra 3332 clinical staff in the Metro North Health Service District alone.”
The 2010-11 Budget also provides $8.5 million over four years towards a mental health strategy to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, as well as $5.5 million for children’s hearing services to increase the number of cochlear implants, boost early intervention, and expand therapy services.
“The Bligh Government’s core priority has been, and always will be, focusing on funding essential services such as health care, and ensuring more Queenslanders can access better health care closer to home,” Mr Lucas said.
“The 2010-11 State Budget demonstrates that commitment.”
ENDS
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