- The second of four new clinics across the state will open in central Gladstone in September 2024
- The free, nurse-led walk-in will be open every day from 8am to 10pm to offer treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
- The Miles Government's $46 million investment towards the rollout of the clinics will improve access to healthcare with a focus on the healthcare needs of women and girls.
A free nurse-led walk-in clinic will open in Gladstone in September, providing more care, including women's healthcare, for the community.
Many Queenslanders, including women and girls, across the state face a number of barriers to accessing healthcare that is tailored to their specific health needs.
This can include financial challenges, access to transport, as well as being able to attend clinics outside of work and school schedules.
That's why the Miles Government committed $46 million as part of its Queensland Women and Girls' Health Strategy 2032 to deliver four nurse-led walk-in clinics in regions that need it most.
The central Gladstone nurse-led walk-in clinic is the second of four clinics that will open by 30 September for adults and children aged two years and over and located at 189 Goondoon St, Gladstone Central. The first clinic announced was in Adelaide Street, Brisbane City.
Residents won't need a booking or referral to attend the free clinic that will be open every day from 8am to 10pm and located close to public transport for easy access.
Patients will receive clinical assessment, treatment, and advice from qualified nursing staff, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse consultants, and clinical nurses for minor conditions such as colds, sprains, and cuts.
These nurses will be supported by administration and security staff to ensure a safe and well-managed facility.
The clinic will improve access to care for the local community for minor conditions such as:
- Common colds and simple respiratory conditions
- Conjunctivitis
- Cuts, abrasions, bruises, minor burns
- Suture of wounds subject to size, depth and location of wound
- Simple gastroenteritis
- Skin conditions
- Simple limb injuries
- Urinary tract infections
- Contraception, including emergency contraception
- Women's health concerns.
Patients who require care beyond the clinic's capabilities will be referred promptly to the most appropriate service, such as an emergency department, general practitioner, rapid access clinic, or mental health services.
As stated by Premier of Queensland Steven Miles:
"I've heard directly from Queensland women how important it is to have dedicated treatment spaces in their community.
"Our new nurse-led clinics will deliver exactly that, and more.
"I'm pleased that one will be in the heart of Gladstone – open 8am to 10pm for free, walk-in care.
"Queenslanders can trust that a government I lead will continue to do what matters, including developing innovative models of community health care that relieve pressure on the health system."
As stated by the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
"I'm so excited the Gladstone community will soon have access to this free healthcare, closer to home.
"The clinics will be open for extended hours, every day of the week to ensure Gladstone families have access to the healthcare they need.
"Not only will this boost access to treatment and care, it will also help to reduce demand on our emergency departments.
"We heard loud and clear from thousands of Queensland women and girls who told us they need more options to access healthcare.
"That's why the clinics will also offer a range of services to support women's health concerns, ensuring culturally safe, trauma informed and gender responsive care for Queensland women and girls.
"We're committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Queensland families – and that's exactly what these clinics will do.
"David Crisafulli was part of the LNP government that viciously gutted Queensland's health system and we know if they had the chance, they'd do it all over again.
"Only the Miles Labor Government can be trusted to deliver the healthcare services Queensland families need."
As stated by Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher:
"This is the second facility of its kind to be announced in Queensland, and I know the people of Gladstone will benefit from this boost to local healthcare.
"It is so important that we're strengthening women's healthcare in the region, as well as alleviating pressure on Gladstone Hospital for those less severe injuries or conditions.
"I look forward to working closely with Minister Fentiman to address the challenges we face, and I will continue to fight hard for better health outcomes for locals."
