- Miles Government announces more than $1.4 billion for Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in 2024-25 State Health Budget
- The North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service will receive $4.72 million in funding with transplant assessment clinics to commence mid-2025
- Funding of up to $9.1 million to support mental health initiatives, including establishing a new Intellectual and Developmental Disability Mental Health Team and a free six-week program for new mums in the region
North Queenslanders can expect a significant boost to their healthcare services this year, thanks to a massive investment in the Miles Government's record health budget.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is receiving a substantial 11.9 per cent budget increase for 2024-25, bringing their operating budget to $1.463 billion.
The budget boost translates into multiple improvements for patients: more staff and beds, a stronger focus on mental health and wellbeing, and improved access to care outside of acute inpatient settings.
A 10.34 per cent increase in full time equivalent positions will mean a significant boost in staffing, increasing the workforce from 5,656 to 6,241.
The North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service will receive $4.72 million in funding. This investment will establish governance structures, define models of care, and support recruitment, and onboarding of staff.
Transplant assessment clinics are expected to commence operation in mid-2025.
The Townsville Hybrid Theatre will receive $4.26 million in growth funding to support the delivery of services when the new theatre opens in late 2024.
This expansion will increase capacity by an additional 40 cases per month, focusing on cases like vascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, radiology, and trauma. This will significantly improve access to much-needed specialist care for the region.
Additional budget highlights include:
- $3.07 million will support programs like Eat Walk Engage and Hospital2Home. These programs empower patients to actively participate in their recovery.
- $2.96 million to deliver an additional eight beds through private partnerships. This investment aims to meet growing demand for healthcare services in the region.
- $2.38 million will be allocated for hybrid care pathways. These pathways combine in-person and virtual care, offering patients more flexibility and choice in their treatment options.
- $1 million to the Surgical Rapid Assessment Unit. This funding will expedite patient assessments, potentially leading to reduced surgery wait times.
- $750,000 will be allocated to support remote telehealth clinics. These clinics will allow for initial consultations and specialist outpatient department appointment reviews, improving access to care, especially for patients in remote areas.
- $600,000 to child development services. This investment will increase service capacity and provide more children with access to crucial assessments and support.
Townsville HHS will have access up to $9.1 million in mental health funding for 2024-25 under the Better Care Together plan.
This funding will be used for several initiatives, including:
- Continuation of a Rural Generalist mental health, alcohol and other drug position. This will increase access to these critical services in local communities.
- Creation of a new Intellectual and Developmental Disability Mental Health Team. This team will provide specialised support and improve mental health responses for people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Continuation of a child and youth acute response team. This team provides timely treatment and care for children and adolescents experiencing mental health crisis and suicidality.
- Continuation of an Eating Disorder Team will provide care and support for those experiencing eating disorders.
- An Allied Health Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Graduate Program for eligible allied health graduates to develop and apply their skills in mental health.
- The introduction of 'Together in Mind'. This free six-week program will specifically support the mental health of mothers in Queensland.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
""We are doing what matters for Queenslanders and that means quality healthcare, close to home.
"Our hardworking health staff in north Queensland looked after more than 35,650 people in the first quarter of this year.
"My upcoming budget will deliver the biggest investment to Queensland Health services, infrastructure and personnel in the state's history.
"I'm doing what matters to Queenslanders and delivering more frontline workers, upgraded facilities and bigger investment in this state's health than ever before."
As stated by Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
"I am so proud to be delivering the largest ever investment in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service budget.
"Townsville is one of the busiest regional areas in the state for healthcare, which is why we're increasing Townsville's HHS budget by a massive 11.9 per cent this year.
"I'm thrilled that funding will enable the transplant assessment clinics to begin by mid-2025, offering a life changing option for patients in the region.
"We are also committed to providing long-term sustainable mental healthcare to regional Queenslanders to help future generations.
"This budget underscores our commitment to growing and improving our public health system for Queenslanders, no matter where they live."
As stated by Scott Stewart MP, Member for Townsville:
"We're delivering a Labor health budget for Townsville, more beds, more staff and better services.
"As our city continues to grow we're delivering the funding that will see better care, closer to home for every family in Townsville."
As stated by Aaron Harper MP, Member for Thuringowa:
"We're fulfilling our commitment to delivering better services, this 10.4% increase in FTE positions is equivalent to 585 new jobs in our community.
"We'll always back our frontline and ensure that our hard-working health workforce get the support they need."
As stated by Les Walker MP, Member for Mundingburra:
"Our new hybrid theatre is getting a $4.26 million injection to ensure it keeps delivering the world class services our community deserve.
"We're also investing in services to help detect health issues sooner with $750,000 for telehealth services to improve access for patients in our regional areas.
