Townsville receives funding injection to improve sexual health

The Townsville public system will receive a $481,000 injection over four years to boost sexual health services on all fronts – physical, mental and emotional.

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said the funding would enhance the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s ability to provide psychological support to patients, and test for and treat sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV and viral hepatitis.

“Good sexual health is an important facet of the overall health and wellbeing of Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.

“There are challenges in this area of health, including rising rates of some STIs, issues relating to reproductive health, increasing numbers of people living with HIV, and the discrimination and stigmatisation that is often associated with sexual health-related matters.

“This is why the funding and initiatives as part of the $5.27 million Queensland Sexual Health Strategy 2016–2021 are so important.”

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to ensuring North Queensland had world-class healthcare to address all diseases and conditions.

“It’s important to set aside the traditional taboo that comes with sexual health services and do what’s best for our community,” she said.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart praised the Palaszczuk Government for specifically targeting sexual health in Townsville and the surrounding area.

“This Government has identified a health issue in our community which needs addressing and we are delivering on that,” he said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the funding was vital to addressing the psychological as well as physical needs of sexual health patients.

“Sexual health services should not just address physical issues as any health problem can impact people emotionally and mentally, too,” he said.

Mr Dick said $1.5 million would go towards statewide programs for sexual health education, clinician training and consumer information resource development.

“On top of that, more than $3.7 million will be split across a number of priority regions and services, adding much needed skills and resources,” he said.

The $3.7 million includes:

• $348,125 over four years to Metro South Hospital and Health Service to increase psychologist capacity at the Princess Alexandra Sexual Health Service. This will assist in providing additional psychological services to HIV positive people, enhancing engagement in care and adherence to treatment.
• $201,890 over three years to Metro North Hospital and Health Service to enhance the syphilis surveillance program and to provide support to primary healthcare providers in responding to syphilis cases and informing policy and programs.
• $1,117,183 to Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) over four years to reduce patient wait times regarding access to endocrine (hormone) treatment at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.
• CHQHHS will receive an additional $100,000 in 2017/18 to develop an online orientation and training program focused on the sexual health needs of children and young people. It will enable School Based Youth Health Nurses (SBYHNs) and other health professionals to better deliver school-based relationships and sexuality education programs.

The strategy is underpinned by a $62 million suite of actions targeting sexually transmissible infections, HIV and viral hepatitis, and the North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sexually Transmissible Infections Action Plan.

“Substantially increased funding for sexual health services for the public system and non-government organisations is only one way our Government is increasing Queenslanders’ sexual health,” Mr Dick said.

“We are also leading the nation with the implementation of Australia’s first Sexual Health Strategy and the establishment of a new Sexual Health Ministerial Advisory Committee.”

ENDS