HEALTH

COMMITMENT: PLANNING FOR A NEW HOSPITAL AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUPS

Doctors and MPs know planning on costing for a new Gold Coast hospital, north of the University Hospital at Parklands, is needed now to meet demand in the fast-growing northern corridor.

The number of people seeking refuge and advice from domestic violence is also increasing. Funding is desperately needed for the Robina Community Legal Centre to back up the only other free legal advice support group at Southport. In nearby Mudgeeraba, domestic violence cases have increased by 94 per cent and despite the demand, southern lawyers have had to shut down the service because it has no government funding.