The Caloundra Health Service Minor Injury and Illness Clinic (MIIC) is set to increase patient care with new funding aimed at expanding evening services.
In response to growing demand, particularly from working families seeking care after 5pm, this funding from the Miles Government will ensure services are available at peak times.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service, and Minister for Women the Honourable Shannon Fentiman said:
“This investment further reinforces our commitment to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders. We understand that many working families rely on our services beyond regular hours, and this funding will ensure they have access to the care they need when they need it most.”
It will allow the MIIC to extend opening hours and increase capacity outside of regular business hours, to better meet the needs of the community. The facility will extend its hours from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
Currently, the MIIC provides essential care to an average of 70 to 80 Queenslanders each day.
The MIIC has seen a notable increase in patient volume, with a nearly 12% rise in daily visits over the past year.
Many of these patients are successfully treated and managed within the MIIC, reducing the need for further transfers.
An additional clinician will be rostered on for each evening shift, to significantly improve patient flow and minimise wait times.
Sunshine Coast Health Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies said:
“The enhanced throughput not only benefits patients by reducing wait times but also contributes to our broader goal of improving health outcomes and community wellbeing.”