Media Statement - 9th November 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will invest $5 million in a GP Super Clinic in Cairns to provide better health services to the Cairns community.
Once completed, the CairnsGP Super Clinic is expected to include:
- GP services including after hours services;
- chronic disease management services;
- a range of allied health services such as physiotherapy, dieticians and podiatry; and
- community health services provided by the Queensland Government.
Federal Labor’s commitment to a GP Super Clinic in Cairns will help service the health needs of the Cairns community. It is a practical example of how our GP Super Clinics policy can benefit families and improve health services by:
- helping to take pressure off the Cairns Base Hospital; and
- working co-operatively with the Queensland Government to help the health system respond to the community’s needs and avoid the blame shifting and cost-shifting that now goes on.
Federal Labor's commitment will mean a better range of health services and better integration between health services – including public and privately provided services – for the people of Cairns.
Federal Labor will work with local doctors, health professionals, and the local community to finalise the site for the GP Super Clinic and the precise suite of services to be delivered.
Federal Labor's policy for GP Super Clinics forms part of Labor's $2.5 billion National Health Reform Plan to improve health and hospital services around the country.
Nicola Roxon and Jan McLucas said:
"We’re delighted to be able to announce that Labor will provide funding for a GP Super Clinic in Cairns. A GP Super Clinic in this area will help take pressure off the local hospital and help provide a greater range of services in one place for Cairns families."
Jim Turnour said:
"A GP Super Clinic here in Cairns will provide a great boost to this area. I am proud to be part of a Labor team which is so committed to meeting the needs of the Cairns community."