EASIER ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES PLAN
• LNP to deliver eight Neuro Wellness Hubs over five years, providing a coordinated model of care for Queenslanders experiencing neurological health conditions.
• Hubs to be led by an alliance of neurological health professionals including MS Queensland, Epilepsy Queensland and Parkinson’s Queensland.
• New collaborative approach will pool knowledge and resources and deliver comprehensive care to 1.3 million Queenslanders with neurological conditions.
The LNP has today announced a $10.45 million boost to neurological health services, as part of its Easier Access to Health Services Plan.
The game changing investment will deliver a major expansion of services supporting more than 1.3 million Queenslanders experiencing Epilepsy, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Motor Neurone Disease and Acquired Brain Injury.
The LNP’s five-year commitment will deliver eight Neuro Wellness Hubs across Queensland, providing patients with comprehensive and coordinated care and support, specialised therapies and peer support groups, combining the expertise of the sector.
The commitment will also include:
• A new Neuro Community Navigators program.
• A statewide neuro e-gateway program to provide newly diagnosed patients with essential resources.
• A Neuro Action Plan to improve collaboration between patient services and support the alliance of providers delivering the Neuro Wellness Hubs.
• A public awareness campaign to increase awareness for early detection of conditions.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the LNP’s commitment was part of the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future to restore health services when you need them.
“The LNP will deliver a Queensland-first collaborative model of care for neurological health, bringing together the best minds and latest research to boost support for patients,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“For the first time coordinated neurological health treatment will be available across regional Queensland through our Neuro Wellness Hubs, including in Rockhampton, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
“These Neuro Wellness Hubs will be a one stop shop for people to access critical support and services in conjunction with their GP and specialists.
“For the 1.3 million Queenslanders experiencing neurological conditions, including dementia, epilepsy, Parkinsons, MND and MS, this major boost to services will be a gamechanger for their care and connection to supports.”
David Curd, CEO of MS Queensland said one in four Queenslanders and their families are living with a neuro condition.
“Every home, every staffroom, every community group, every organisation has someone living with a neuro condition – we all know someone living with a neuro condition like dementia, epilepsy, Parkinsons, MS, motor neurones, stroke, migraine and acquired brain injury - that’s why neuro matters,” Mr Curd said.
“With this critical commitment, Queenslanders will not need to face their neuro related condition alone and can readily access the information and supports that are needed for this life long and challenging journey.”
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said the LNP was committed to delivering health services when you need them.
“Under Labor more Queenslanders are waiting for elective surgery and to see specialists, including neurologists, and it’s taking a heavy toll,” Ms Bates said.
“Queenslanders deserve world-class health services no matter where they live, which is exactly what this commitment will deliver for patients with neurological conditions.
“This boost to neurological healthcare follows our three-phase plan to Diagnose, Treat and Cure Labor’s Health Crisis, meeting the needs of our growing State.
“Nothing will change unless we change the government this month, but Queenslanders can choose a Fresh Start for Queensland, by voting LNP.
“Labor is desperate to hold onto power, but unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same Health Crisis.
“This is the opportunity for a Fresh Start with the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”