Super Clinic for Blue Mountains

Minister for Healthcare and Aging
Nicola Roxon Media Release

The Rudd Government has signed a contract with Balance! Healthcare to run the $5 million Blue Mountains GP Super Clinic.

Balance! Healthcare will also make a significant private investment in the development of the GP Super Clinic across ten individual sites.

The main hub will be located in Springwood, with additional general practice and allied health services in Katoomba and Blackheath. Six further sites offering allied health services will be located across the mountain between Blackheath and Blaxland. In addition, medical specialist services will be provided at Katoomba.

The facilities will bring together GPs, specialists, allied health professionals, pharmacy, radiology, pathology, rehabilitation, dental, physiotherapy and psychology all connected through a single IT system.

The Blue Mountains GP Super Clinic will have a focus on chronic disease management amongst the local community.

It is also anticipated that the GP Super Clinic will help to take pressure off the Emergency Departments in the Nepean and Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospitals.

The GP Super Clinic will increase access to general practitioners, specialists and allied health professionals to meet the needs of the local community. The GP Super Clinic will have a strong focus on education and training for general practitioners, allied health professionals and practice nurses, as well as a commitment to continuing professional development and research.

Construction of the buildings and IT infrastructure is scheduled to start by mid-2009, with the main hub at Springwood to operational early in the second half of 2010.

GP Super Clinics will play an important role in improving frontline health services in communities across the Blue Mountains. GP Super Clinics are a top priority for the Rudd Government and I thank the community and local health professionals for getting behind the Blue Mountains GP Super Clinic.

GP Super Clinics are a $275 million commitment of the Rudd Government, providing primary health care services when and where they are needed.

They are a key part of the Government's plans to improve Australia's health care system.