A PILOT program for after hours mental health care in Longreach will be launched next January in an attempt to combat a lack of services in the area.
Consultation by the Central and North West Queensland Medical Local (CNWQML) identified three priority areas to startwork on to improve health services.
This also includes promotion and education activities to raise awareness of after hours care across the region and incentives to encourage staff to commit to providing after hours services.
CNWQML chairman Phil Barwick said Medicare Local was working towards filling gaps in the community.
"I wanted to get the message across that there are no reasons why people should be concerned that after hours services would be defunded," he said.
"It's business as usual."
The 12-week pilot program in Longreach will give people in the area a number to ring to access mental health services after hours.
Two new positions to coordinate clinical and mental health after hours services will also be created and advertised.
"We're looking to fill two new positions with people who are keen to help deliver health services to regional Australians," he said.
"But it's also going to take time as we educate people about what after hours care actually is, where to go, and how to make sure their health needs are being met in a timely and appropriate way."
The Australian government introduced the after hours helpline last July.
People who require after hours medical advice, who cannot access their usual GP, can speak to a GP over the telephone when necessary.
