THE State Government has unveiled a major investment in neurological healthcare, with Ipswich confirmed as one of eight regional locations to host a new Neuro Wellness Hub.
Backed by a $10.45 million funding commitment, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 1.3 million Queenslanders by improving access to support services for people living with neurological conditions closer to home.
The hubs will also be rolled out in Townsville, Toowoomba, Caloundra, the northern Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay and the Wide Bay region.
Designed as community-based centres, the hubs will provide tailored therapies, peer support groups and access to information and services, working alongside specialists and GPs to deliver more coordinated care.
The locations were selected following a detailed needs assessment that examined hospitalisation rates, service demand, the prevalence of neurological conditions and gaps in allied health and neurorehabilitation services.
Procurement is set to begin mid-year, with contracts expected to be awarded by the end of June. The hubs are scheduled to be operational by 2027.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said the rollout would make it easier for Queenslanders to access the support they need.
“These Hubs will provide a central space for people living with neurological conditions to access the right support, information and services, when they need them,” he said.
“By partnering with community organisations, we’re building a more connected system that better responds to the needs of Queenslanders living with a neurological condition.”
The government said the hubs form part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare access and address system pressures, pointing to reduced ambulance ramping and a stabilising elective surgery waitlist in recent months.
