Killarney Memorial Aged Care given $1.4m for a holistic healthcare approach

Killarney Memorial Aged Care has been given $1.4m to trial a holistic team-based healthcare approach for the rural and remote communities of the Southern Downs region in Queensland.

The funding is expected to expand the medical centre to give Killarney locals improved access to mental and physical health services.

The team will include general practitioners, allied health professionals (such as psychologists), and community support workers, as well as students from nursing, counselling, and general practice.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said rural and regional communities in Australia struggled with access to healthcare after years of Liberal government neglect.

"The Albanese Government is investing in innovative models of healthcare to ensure people get the right care, at the right time, by the right team and in the right place," Mr Butler said.

"When we came to government, nine years of cuts and neglect to Medicare meant it had never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor, particularly for people in rural and regional Australia."

"Health teams working together means more people have better access to health care without having to travel too far from home."

The trial of the new holistic model of care is funded through the Government's Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) program, which trials new ways of delivering multidisciplinary primary care in rural and remote communities.

The grant is part of the $24.7m IMOC program, which is spread over four years.

Dannielle Hersant, health care manager at Killarney Memorial Aged Care, said the medical centre can serve as a model for better health in rural regions.

"Our community healthcare initiative aims to transform our rural community, setting a precedent for better health outcomes that can be replicated in communities across the nation," Ms Hersant said.

"We believe that by strengthening community bonds and promoting proactive healthcare, we can serve as a model for better health in rural regions, inspiring positive change far and wide.

"Our strategy is about community engagement, finding innovative ways to bridge service gaps, and ensuring that rural areas can access the resources they deserve."

Planned programs under the holistic model include a comprehensive palliative care program, tailored support groups for mothers, intergenerational and volunteer programs, fitness and nutrition programs, and a Dementia Alliance. The Alliance will bring together local healthcare professionals, caregivers, community organisations, and Dementia Australia

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