A GP will be placed at Maryborough State High School from May next year as part of a pilot program introduced by the Queensland Government.
Some 50 schools across the state will participate in the program, which is meant to improve young people’s access to medical care.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said all Queenslanders should be able to book a doctor’s appointment when they need one.
“But for many young people, getting to see a GP is often difficult and expensive,” she said.
“We know that one of the greatest barriers for many young people is the difficulty in finding a GP that bulk bills.
“This will make a difference for thousands of students throughout the state.
“The last 18 months have affected us all. Our students, in particular, have had to overcome great challenges throughout the pandemic. This has undoubtedly had an impact on their health and wellbeing.”
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Education Minister Grace Grace said she expected all clinics to be up and running by May 2022.
“This initiative is part of the game-changing $100-million student wellbeing program which we announced at the last election,” she said.
“Originally, the GP pilot program was designed to base GPs at 20 state secondary schools throughout the state.
“We asked schools to register their interest to participate in this program and we were inundated with requests which is why we’ve expanded it to 50.
“These schools are spread across the length and breadth of the state and I have no doubt the GP service will make a big difference to each and every one of them.”
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Ms Grace said the $100-million student wellbeing program was an important component of the Queensland Government’s $15.3-billion education budget.
“At the last election we committed to a wellbeing program, giving every student, in every state primary and secondary school, access to a health and wellbeing professional,” she said.
“It will see up to 464 additional psychologists and wellbeing professionals employed in Queensland schools over the next three years.
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“Providing students with access to timely healthcare, at no cost to them or their families, will have a positive impact on students’ health, mental health and their readiness and ability to engage at school, and we want to ensure as many students as possible can benefit.”
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