Media Statement - 30th October 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will invest $5 million in a new GP Super Clinic in Queanbeyan to improve services for the residents of this community and to take pressure off the Queanbeyan Hospital.
Federal Labor's GP Super Clinics, by co-locating specialists and allied health services such as physiotherapists, mental health counsellors and dieticians with GPs, will enable patients to seamlessly access the range of health services they need to improve their health.
Federal Labor will work in partnership with the local community and the New South Wales Government to finalise the governance arrangements and the suite of services to be delivered at the Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic. This is part of Labor’s cooperative approach to improving health outcomes and avoiding the blame game over health service delivery in this area.
In particular, Federal Labor will work closely with local doctors and health professionals to ensure that services offered at the new Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic will complement and enhance existing health services in the community.
A GP Super Clinic in Queanbeyan will help take the pressure off the Queanbeyan Hospital. After hours services at the GP Super Clinic will assist in reducing non-urgent presentations at the hospital’s emergency department.
Queanbeyan is a growing area with many young families.
Federal Labor’s commitment to a GP Super Clinic in Queanbeyan will help service the health needs of this area and surrounding communities, by helping to attract more doctors to the area.
Once completed, the Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic is expected to provide:
- Private GP services including after hours services;
- Chronic disease management services; and
- A range of allied health services such as physiotherapy, dieticians and podiatry.
Nicola Roxon said:
"I'm delighted to announce that Labor will provide funding for a GP Super Clinic here in Queanbeyan. A GP Super Clinic in this area will help take pressure off the hospital and help provide Queanbeyan families with a greater range of services in the one place."
Labor Candidate for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly said:
"I have been lobbying for this GP Super Clinic for some time and am proud to be part of a Labor team which is so committed to meeting the needs of this community. The petition we have been running in Queanbeyan has received widespread support and I know that a GP Super Clinic here in Queanbeyan will provide a great boost to health services in this area."