The Department of Education is to expand a pilot program that bases GPs at State secondary schools.
The Department said the pilot was originally set to roll out to 20 schools, however, that was to be expanded to 50 State secondary schools throughout Queensland.
Announcing the move, Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said every Queenslander deserved to be able to book a doctor’s appointment when they needed one, but for many young people, getting in to see a GP was often difficult and time-consuming.
“That’s why we announced a pilot program to base GPs at 20 State secondary schools,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We asked schools to register their interest to participate in this program and we were inundated with requests,” she said.
“That’s why we will expand this program.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the Department was finalising the list of schools set to participate in the pilot.
“Once a list is finalised, the Department will establish fit-for-purpose clinics at each of the schools, enabling GPs to provide free consultations to students one day per week,” she said.
“The past 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.”
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said the State’s $100 million student wellbeing program was an important component of the Government’s record $15.3 billion education budget.
“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,” Ms Grace said.
She said schools selected for the pilot would be notified by the end of this month (September).