The LNP has committed to an additional $400,000 for the Fortitude Valley RAPID HIV and sexual health service, if elected next month.
This boost in funding will allow the RAPID clinic to expand its services by not only increasing the hours of operation but also by introducing on-the-spot medical treatment and prevention options for HIV and STls, ensuring that vital sexual health services are more accessible to our community. Currently, RAPID undertakes testing but positive results requiring treatment necessitate a referral to a medical or nursing practitioner.
LNP candidate for McConnel Christien Duffey said the commitment would deliver easier access to essential health services for inner-city Brisbane's diverse community.
"The LNP will restore health services when you need them with the Right Plan for Queensland's Future," Christien Duffey said.
"This much needed funding will ensure more individuals, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, have access to crucial sexual health services.
"Our plan will heal Labor's Health Crisis by diagnosing the issues from within our health system, treating the causes and delivering long-term solutions to care."
"Time is up for Labor's Health Crisis, which has left nearly one in two Queenslanders ramped in ambulances, more than 60,000 Queenslanders waiting for elective surgery and nearly 300,000 on the waitlist to see a specialist."
Queensland Positive People, the organisation which operates the RAPID sexual health service, welcomed the announcement and said the extended hours and expansion into medical treatment and prevention would significantly benefit those in need of these services.
"This funding boost would provide a sustainable foundation on which peer-led community and clinical partnerships can keep innovating. We will be able to provide peer-led prevention, testing and support with a seamless transition to treatment and care, ensuring that vital HIV and sexual health services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community," Melissa Warner, CEO of Queensland Positive People said.