The 2022-23 State Budget delivers record funding for Queensland’s health and hospital system, including $1.944 billion for the Sunshine Coast region, to ensure better, quicker healthcare for all Queenslanders.
Across the state, the record $22.6 billion Health Budget includes investment in new infrastructure and more beds, a larger workforce, a focus on mental health, and innovative reforms to Queensland’s health system.
For the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital Service, this includes additional emergency department capacity, including a new rapid access clinic to reduce hospital demand pressures, and the Nambour Hospital redevelopment, an $86.2 million project that will deliver 118 extra beds.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the State Budget would support strong growth in the health workforce, committing to employ an extra 9475 staff in this term of government.
“Investment in our healthcare workforce is vital – they are our greatest asset and the reason Queenslanders continue to receive first-class healthcare every day,” she said.
Minister D’Ath said the budget included $1.1 billion for the Queensland Ambulance Service, and a focus on improving mental health and wellbeing.
“The investment will help QAS prioritise regional and rural services to ensure accessible healthcare no matter the location, as we recruit more frontline staff and open new facilities,” she said.
The QAS will also commission an additional four Mental Health Co-responder services in the Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs, Mackay and Wide Bay areas.
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