The Department of Education has announced the list of 50 schools that will have GPs based on campus.
The Department said the pilot program would begin in May next year.
Launching the program, Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said one of the greatest barriers for many young people was the difficulty in finding a GP that bulk-billed.
“The past 18 months have affected us all,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Our students, in particular, have had to overcome great challenges throughout the pandemic,” she said.
“This has undoubtedly had an impact on their health and wellbeing.”
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said the initiative was part of a student wellbeing program announced at the last election.
“Originally, the GP pilot program was designed to base GPs at 20 State secondary schools,” Ms Grace said.
“We asked schools to register their interest 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.”
Ms Grace said the $100 million student wellbeing program was an important component of the Government’s record $15.3 billion education budget.
“It will see up to 464 additional psychologists and wellbeing professionals employed in Queensland schools over the next three years,” she said.
“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.
The full list of schools can be found at this PS News link.
