Plan maps Magnetic Island health future
Published: 27 July 2023
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network have launched the community-led Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) Health Service Strategy which will deliver better health outcomes for the island community.
Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said the document mapped the decade-long joint commitment to improving health service access and delivery for the unique community situated on Magnetic Island.
The island, located about eight kilometres off the coast of Townsville, is home to about 2400 permanent residents and receives about 30,000 visitors each year.
“This strategy was commissioned by the health service and our primary care partner, the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, to plan, deliver and sustain healthcare services for Magnetic Island residents,” he said.
“While just a short ferry from the mainland, residents on Magnetic Island face a unique set of challenges when accessing private and public health services.
“We know healthcare services are better when designed in partnership with the communities they serve, and this strategy is an example of that.”
Mr Mooney said the strategy outlined a clear 10-year plan to improve primary and acute healthcare delivery on Magnetic Island.
“A pillar of this strategy is about offering care closer to home,” he said.
“Most importantly, one of the key priorities is palliative care and we are committed to working to develop a sustainable model for palliative care which, where appropriate, would allow residents to die at home on their island.”
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said the strategy aimed to enhance health service accessibility.
“NQPHN acknowledges the unique health challenges faced by the Magnetic Island community,” Ms Whyte said.
“Co-commissioning the development of the health strategy with Townsville Hospital and Health Service has provided the community with a road map for the health future of the Magnetic Island community.
“NQPHN will continue to collaborate, and partner with key stakeholders to work towards the implementation of the aims of this strategy.”
The Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) Health Service Strategy 2023-2033 was developed in response to community advocacy as a collaboration between Townsville Hospital and Health Service and the North Queensland Primary Health Network.
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The Townsville Hospital and Health Service acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which our health facilities have been built and on which we meet today.
We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging; and we value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and knowledge.