The Navigate Your Health program for children and young people has been expanded to the Far North of Queensland.
The program ensures that those in care or engaged with the youth justice system stay up to date with health checks.
Minister for Health, Steven Miles said four specialist Nurse Navigators would be based at Cairns Hospital.
“The Navigate Your Health program’s Nurse Navigators will deliver outreach services across the Far North in partnership with Child Safety and Youth Justice Service centres,” he said.
Mr Miles said the expansion of Nurse Navigators to Cairns Hospital would also include health support for young adults.
“Navigating the healthcare system can be confusing for anybody, and it can be even harder for young people who might need to visit multiple health professionals,” Mr Miles said.
“Research has shown that young people in care are often likely to have poorer health outcomes than their peers.”
He said the program was an important part of ensuring vulnerable children and young people were getting all the health care they needed by making sure they were connected to the right service.
“This model of care is designed to improve immunisation rates, dental health and access to the specialist services Queenslanders need, regardless of where they live in our vast State,” Mr Miles said.
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, Di Farmer visited the Nurse Navigators in Cairns and welcomed the partnership between the Navigate Your Health program, Child Safety and Youth Justice.
“Prevention is always better than a cure,” Ms Farmer said.
“This partnership gives children in care or the youth justice system the best opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
