GPs will be based at 50 schools throughout the state as part of a pilot program being introduced by the Palaszczuk Government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the list of schools selected to participate in the program from May 2022.
“Every Queenslander deserves to be able to book a doctor’s appointment when they need one. But for many young people, getting in to see a GP is often difficult and expensive,” the Premier said.
“We know that one of the greatest barriers for many young people is the difficulty in finding a GP that bulk bills.
“This will make a difference for thousands of students throughout the state.
“The last 18 months have affected us all. Our students, in particular, have had to overcome great challenges throughout the pandemic. This has undoubtedly had an impact on their health and wellbeing.
“This is an important investment. Delivering quality healthcare and education for all Queenslanders is what good Labor governments do best.”
Education Minister Grace Grace and said she expected all clinics to be up and running by May 2022.
“This initiative is part of the game-changing $100 million student wellbeing program which we announced at the last election,” she said.
“Originally, the GP pilot program was designed to base GPs at 20 state secondary schools throughout the state.
“We asked schools to register their interest to participate in this program and we were inundated with requests which is why we’ve expanded it to 50.
“These schools are spread across the length and breadth of the state and I have no doubt the GP service will make a big difference to each and every one of them.
“The Federal Government have dropped the ball on healthcare for our young people.
“This program will help to address that problem.”
Ms Grace said the Government’s $100 million student wellbeing program was an important component of the Palaszczuk Government’s record $15.3 billion education budget.
“At the last election we committed to a wellbeing program, giving every student, in every state primary and secondary school, access to a health and wellbeing professional,” she said.
“It will see up to 464 additional psychologists and wellbeing professionals employed in Queensland schools over the next three years.
“Providing students with access to timely healthcare, at no cost to them or their families, will have a positive impact on students’ health, mental health and their readiness and ability to engage at school, and we want to ensure as many students as possible can benefit.”
Shailer Park State High School is one of the seven Logan schools who will be involved with this new program.
Shailer Park State High School Principal Dorothea Jensen said she was delighted to inform everyone that the school has been selected to participate in the pilot.
“This will give our students access to timely and appropriate healthcare, at no cost to them or their families, will have a positive impact on their health, mental health and readiness and ability to engage at school.
“As a pilot school, we will receive $20,000 to contribute to infrastructure costs of establishing a fit-for-purpose GP clinic.
“I am excited that this initiative aligns to our school vision and values, underpinned by the evidence that wellbeing and learning are inextricably linked.
“I look forward to seeing how this initiative maximises outcomes for our students,” Ms Jensen said.
Schools included in the program
1. North Rockhampton State High School
2. Sarina State High School
3. Gladstone State High School
4. Murgon State High School
5. Charleville State High School
6. Cunnamulla P-12 State School
7. Tara Shire State College (P-12)
8. Harristown State High School
9. St George State High School
10. Gordonvale State High School
11. Trinity Bay State High School
12. Ravenshoe P-12 State School
13. Western Cape College (P-12)
14. Bremer State High School
15. Brisbane State High School
16. Ipswich State High School
17. Bracken Ridge State High School
18. Ripley Valley State Secondary College
19. Brisbane South State Secondary College
20. The Gap State High School
21. Milpera State High School
22. Goodna Special School (P-12)
23. Everton Park State High School
24. Maryborough State High School
25. Bundaberg North State High School
26. Deception Bay State High School
27. Dakabin State High School
28. Morayfield State High School
29. Burnside State High School
30. Nambour State College (P-12)
31. Redcliffe State High School
32. Pine Rivers State High School
33. Kilkivan State School (P-10)
34. Heatley Secondary College
35. Spinifex State College
36. Woodridge State High School
37. Currumbin Community Special School (P-12)
38. Beaudesert State High School
39. Mabel Park State High School
40. Beenleigh State High School
41. Shailer Park State High School
42. Merrimac State High School
43. Marsden State High School
44. Park Ridge State High School
45. Alexandra Hills State High School
46. Helensvale State High School
47. Wellington Point State High School
48. Benowa State High School
49. Loganlea State High School
50. Varsity College (P-12)
