Tim Nicholls announces $8.31m upgrade to Queensland Ambulance Service Clinical Hub

Queenslanders will get greater access to paramedics, specialist doctors and registered nurses following the announcement of a $8.31m health centre upgrade.

Renders of the QAS Clinical Hub following the announcement of the upgrade.

Queenslanders will get greater access to paramedics, specialist doctors and registered nurses following the announcement of a $8.31m health centre upgrade.

The LNP government on Saturday confirmed a multimillion-dollar expansion to the Queensland Ambulance Service Clinical Hub at Kedron.

Work has started on an emergency call centre, the Clinical Hub, which will be staffed by paramedics, specialist doctors, registered nurses, mental health and social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.

The Clinical Hub refurbishment will provide additional offices and training spaces.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said – unlike Labor who oversaw the worst ramping on record – the government was providing facilities like the expanded QAS Clinical Hub to alleviate pressure off the health system.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls says the LNP is looking out for Queenslanders. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a world-class health system for all Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The expanded $8.31 million QAS Clinical Hub will ensure more patients can be linked into the most appropriate care for their needs, allowing frontline paramedics and ambulance vehicles to be available for emergencies, and support relieving pressure in the broader health system.

“We are proud to be investing into increased access to specialist medical advice for more Queenslanders, and to empower frontline staff to implement local health solutions.”

QAS Assistant Commissioner, Statewide Planning and Coordination, Alex Thompson said the expansion includes additional telehealth capacity and will mean more Queenslanders can be helped in their time of need.

Renders of the QAS Clinical Hub following the announcement of the upgrade.

“The QAS Clinical Hub undertakes up to 1700 daily patient interactions across Queensland, ensuring patient safety and where appropriate, identifying alternative healthcare pathways for patients,” Mr Thompson said.

“The specialist, multi-disciplinary team within the Clinical Hub virtually engage with and assess patients, prior to the dispatch of an ambulance vehicle.

“This ensures that specialist programs such as the Mental Health or Falls Co-Responder units are able to provide the right healthcare for patients regardless of location.

Originally published as Tim Nicholls announces $8.31m upgrade to Queensland Ambulance Service Clinical Hub