THE HON CAMERON DICK MP
QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND MINISTER FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES
THE HON STIRLING HINCHLIFFE MP
QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES, AND STATE MEMBER FOR SANDGATE
THE HON WAYNE SWAN MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LILLEY
Community to Shape Future of Eventide
The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its commitment to consult with the community about the future of Eventide.
After a significant community campaign against the LNP’s program of closures and bulldozing, residential aged care at Eventide is here to stay.
The Eventide site has the capacity to provide services for around 200 residents and patients.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick confirmed that Gannet House will continue to deliver residential aged care. Currently, there are nineteen residents in Gannet House. Overtime this number will be increased to 40.
In addition to Gannet House, there is a significant capacity to deliver residential transition care services for older people, and a rehabilitation unit specialising in neurological physiotherapy, such as stroke rehabilitation.
Since the election, the Government has been consulting with staff, patients, families and connected community groups about the future of Eventide.
A draft vision has been developed and is now it is time to engage the broader community for feedback.
The vision outlines a commitment to residential aged care on the site, as well as shaping Brighton Health Campus into an international leader in the health and wellbeing of older people.
The vision has four themes to guide the enhancement of services for older people at Eventide. The themes are delivering health services, creating a community, social health and wellbeing, and research, training and education.
“This vision has been developed by an independent community-led Steering Committee, chaired by former Councillor for Deagon Ward Denise Herbert, through an extensive consultation with patients, residents, staff and community groups,” Mr Dick said.
Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said he was looking forward to the community having their say.
“For three years, the LNP was a government that did things to people, rather than with people.
“It’s vitally important that the Sandgate community gets a say in shaping the future of this iconic community infrastructure,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Member for Lilley Wayne Swan welcomed the release of the vision and the increase in residential aged care places.
“This is a battle I’ve been fighting alongside the community for nearly 20 years. Eventide must remain a place for vulnerable older Australians to live.
“I’ll never stop fighting to keep residential aged care at Eventide,” Mr Swan said.
Mr Dick said the project will continue to be community-led, with Queensland Council on the Ageing CEO Mark Tucker-Evans heading up the implementation committee.
The community consultation will culminate in a community forum to be held later this year.
