A new $7.5million GP Super Clinic, servicing Logan and Brisbane's south side, will help fill health service gaps, particularly for high-need groups.
The facility will be operated by The University of Queensland (UQ) in collaboration with Mater Health Services, Medihealth Meadowbrook and APHS Pharmacy.
Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon announced the funding today at Brisbane's Mater Hospital, as part of the Federal Government's GP Super Clinic Funding Program.
It is the largest grant awarded to date for a Super Clinic in southeast Queensland.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the Government's investment would ensure a more sustainable health workforce for these areas, as well as vital patient care.
"UQ and Mater Health Services have been partners for more than 60 years, and have shown that we deliver high-quality health care and excellent education, training and research," Professor Greenfield said.
The Super Clinic will operate from two facilities - Annerley, expected to open in 2010, and Logan, in the suburb of Meadowbrook, to begin operation in 2011. It is intended that the majority of services will be bulk-billed.
Several satellite practices from around the region will be linked to the Super Clinic. Around 50 health professionals, including over 30 GPs, some in part-time positions, are expected to work from the Super Clinic once it is fully operational.
Mater Health Services CEO, Dr John O'Donnell said Mater was delighted to be working with The University of Queensland to deliver the new GP Super Clinic.
"Mater is committed to meeting the needs of the community and this was an excellent opportunity to partner with The University of Queensland to provide an integrated health care service in these local areas," he said.
UQ's GP Super Clinics Director, Associate Professor Jared Dart said both sites were planned with local health needs in mind and collaboration with the existing health care community would be important.
"These regions have areas that need more health services. They also have a high number of patients with complex or chronic health issues. These are the most frequent users of health services and the most in need of integrated care," he said.
Both hubs will provide chronic disease and pain management, mental health, musculoskeletal, palliative care and pharmacy services. Annerley will also offer aged, residential and domiciliary nursing support. Logan will provide:
- a refugee and disadvantaged persons service
- a maternal and women's health service
- a paediatric and early intervention clinic, and
- dental services.
Associate Professor Dart said patients of the new super clinic can expect an innovative team approach to their care.
"People with a chronic disease often need to see several different health professionals. This facility will offer a co-ordinated approach, with health professionals working closely together to provide the best patient care, and involving patients in self-management of their condition," he said.
"This type of integrated health care model has been used successfully at Inala Primary Care, which is operated by UQ and Queensland Health.
"Importantly, this model works with local GPs, specialists, pharmacists and allied health professionals to care for their patients.
"The practice was recently recognised with the 2009 Queensland GP Practice of the Year award by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners."
The University is also involved in super clinics, at Ipswich and at Redcliffe, in partnership with the Redcliffe Hospital Foundation.
Contact: ipswichsuperclinic@uq.edu.au
Media inquiries: UQ Health Sciences Faculty Communications Officer Marlene McKendry 0401 99 6847 or
For more information: http://www.uq.edu.au/health/index.html?page=118116
