General News
3 December, 2024
GPs return to seaside town
A MEDICAL centre is returning to Mission Beach after three years since the previous practice closed.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), in collaboration with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and Tully Medical Centre, has announced the opening of Mission Medical this week.
Mission Medical is operated by Tully Medical Centre, a local private general practice, which Northern Queensland PHN has funded to expand its services to meet the needs of Mission Beach residents.
The clinic is the first in Australia to open under the Federal Government’s Thin Markets initiative, designed to service areas with limited access to primary healthcare.
NQPHN interim chief executive officer Ben Tooth said the new general practice in Mission Beach was good news for locals after the town’s only medical centre closed in 2021.
“The opening of Mission Medical is a positive outcome for the community and follows a tender process to re-establish general practice services in the town,” he said.
“We know residents have had to travel outside the area to see a GP and that public transport options are limited.”
A working group, including NQPHN, the council, the hospital and health service, Health Workforce Queensland and the federal Department of Health, was formed in September 2023 to advocate for a general practice in Mission Beach.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the collaborative approach of like-minded partners had delivered a significant win for the Mission Beach community.
“(The) council is very proud to have worked alongside NQPHN and partners over the past two years, strongly advocating for and committing substantial resources to primary health services in Mission Beach as a high-priority need,” she said.
“Mission Medical is a fantastic outcome from a lot of hard work by a lot of dedicated and committed people and organisations.”
Tully Medical Centre’s practice owner and supervisor Dr Kim Favier said “we are delighted to open a satellite practice in Mission Beach to provide more accessible healthcare for residents and reduce the need for lengthy travel to seek medical attention”.
Mission Medical will operate Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. To make an appointment call 4068 1977.
