FEDERAL Health Minister Mark Butler has visited Bonner to inspect local healthcare services, including the Carina-Carindale Urgent Care Clinic and the Yulu-Burri-Ba Medical Centre, as the Federal Government highlights its investment in bulk billing and fee-free healthcare.
Joining Mr Butler on the visit was Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook, who said the tour showcased the important role local health services play in the community.
“It is amazing to have Health Minister Mark Butler visit Bonner and see the incredible work our medical centres provide to our community,” Ms Cook said.
The Carina-Carindale Urgent Care Clinic, which is now a permanent part of Australia’s health system, treats more than 50 patients a day, seven days a week, providing an alternative to hospital emergency departments for non-life-threatening conditions.
Ms Cook said the clinic, along with the Capalaba Urgent Care Clinic, had already delivered significant benefits for residents.
“The Carina-Carindale and Capalaba Urgent Care Clinics have had over 10,000 visits since they opened in December,” she said.
“That’s 10,000 people who had access to free healthcare quickly without having to wait at the hospital for a long time or charged at the GP.”
The visit also included Yulu-Burri-Ba Medical Centre, a fully bulk-billing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-focused community health service that supports thousands of people each year across Wynnum, Dunwich, Capalaba and Ganya.
In addition to medical services, the organisation provides wellbeing programs and support covering areas including birthing, women’s health, men’s health and Deadly Choices.
Ms Cook said access to affordable healthcare had improved significantly across the electorate in recent years.
According to Ms Cook, the number of fully bulk-billing GP clinics in Bonner has doubled following recent Medicare investments.
“And the results are staggering, the bulk-billing rate in Queensland has risen four points to 79.5 per cent.”
