Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recently I hosted the federal Minister for Health in Rockhampton for a series of important engagements. The minister inspected a new three-storey cancer treatment unit at Rockhampton Base Hospital partly funded by a $120 million Australian government grant. Previously, cancer patients had to travel to Brisbane for treatment. I congratulate hospital board chair, Charles Ware, CEO, Len Richards, and their team of dedicated medical professionals who operate the centre.

While in Rockhampton, the minister held discussions with pharmacists and GPs over many important issues. The minister also officially opened a $3 million accommodation block at the Mater Hospital. The units offer low-cost accommodation to the family and friends of hospital patients, aged care residents and visiting medical students and consultants. It was assisted by a $1.8 million Australian government grant and $207,000 in donations from our community. I congratulate Mater CEO, Ian Mill, board chair, Leesa Jeffcoat, and all of their team for this project.

Finally, the minister officially opened the $6.4 million stage 2 health clinic at CQUniversity. Operating as a formal public clinic for North Rockhampton residents, it doubles as a training site for CQUniversity oral health therapy, podiatry, speech pathology and allied health students. CQU is an important university for regional health training.