After-hours GP service available on Bribie Island

Bribie Island residents will have better access to healthcare with an after-hours GP service starting today (10 October) through Bribie Doctors Banksia Beach.

With forty per cent of the population on Bribie Island over the age of 65, the need for a dedicated after-hours GP service has been consistently flagged by Federal Member for Longman Mr Terry Young MP and the health sector.

Dr Raahul Vaid of Bribie Doctors Group was selected to run the pilot Bribie Island after-hours GP service following an investment from the Australian Government and a tender process run through Brisbane North PHN.

The service will initially operate from Monday to Wednesday, 6.00 pm –10.00 pm, with bulk-billing available for children under 16 years of age, and pension, healthcare and DVA gold card holders. The need for the service will be regularly reviewed with the aim of extending opening hours to include other weekdays, weekends and public holidays as needed.

“I am so pleased this service has finally come to fruition,” Mr Young said. “I secured the funding from the then Health Minister Greg Hunt back in 2020 and after an extensive process involving co-design with the PHN and several GP practices, I am delighted this much needed service will now be operating on Bribie Island.

“My thanks go to the PHN and Dr Vaid who I have worked closely with over the past two years to ensure residents have healthcare beyond normal business hours. I will continue to work hard and ensure Bribie residents receive the Federal Government services they need.”

People who have acute illnesses, minor accidents or medical concerns requiring urgent after-hours primary care, can access the service by booking an appointment or presenting to the clinic and will be triaged to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care.

Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan said prior to selecting a provider, the PHN consulted with key local stakeholders, consumers and general practices to co-design a solution for after-hours care.

“The PHN is committed to partnering with the community, government and health sectors to ensure people in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region can stay well and access excellent primary healthcare close to home when they need to,” said Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan.

“The PHN team have worked closely with Dr Vaid to guarantee a high level of primary care will be available after-hours to residents of Bribie Island.”

“Bribie Doctors Group is committed to the care of residents of Bribie Island and visitors,” said Dr Vaid. “There has been a long-term need for after-hours primary care at Bribie. We feel privileged to participate in this pilot project.”

Pilot after-hours service information

Location:

Bribie Doctors Banksia Beach
37 Sunderland Drive
Banksia Beach Qld 4507

Hours of operation: Monday – Wednesday, 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm

Call 3450 0741 to make an appointment.

Bulk-billing is available for children under 16 years of age, and pension, healthcare and DVA gold card holders.