Central Queenslanders will now be able to have their health needs better met with the formation of a regional Hospital and Health Board.

The initiative is part of the Newman Government's commitment to improved health services in Queensland, giving regions across the state the power to lobby for health services most needed in their communities.

CQUniversity's Dr Leone Hinton is excited to be on the CQ Hospital and Health Board

CQUniversity's Director of Corporate Strategy and Planning Dr Leone Hinton is one of five newly-appointed Board members for the Central Queensland area, and is looking forward to drilling down into the specific needs of one of Queensland's most dynamic and diverse regions.

Dr Hinton is joined by Bronwyn Christensen, Kurt Heidecker, Roy (Charles) Ware and Professor Emeritus Bob Miles with QHealth representatives Dr David Shaker and Dr David Austin, and with Maree Geraghty as CEO Central Region.

Dr Hinton is excited to be on the board, and is confident her current role in risk management, quality and strategic planning will complement its work.

"In the past, Queensland Health services have been moderated and administered from Brisbane outwards, using a broad model to be implemented across all regions in Queensland," she said.

"Having these services centralised in the capital has made some things administratively easier, but what's been realised is that the health concerns of people living in regional and far north Queensland are quite different to that of Brisbane and the broader South East corner. Today's Central Queensland has significant growth with the mining boom with FIFO (fly in/fly out), immigrant and Indigenous populations, and a burgeoning aging population, so under the centralised model we haven't been able to quickly respond to these emerging population health trends".

"A key focus area involves the exploration of relieving critical staff shortages in this area and providing quality services and access to all customers within the region.

"We will be looking to build bridges with the private sector to provide better health access to services and better health information for our communities.

"We need to remember who we're serving. If you put the consumer or patient in the middle of the health equation, then all activities and services fall from there.  That's what the Central Queensland Health Board working with the executive managers (through the Chief Executive Officer)  will be doing for its community," Dr Hinton said.

CQUniversity's engagement link with the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board is expected to generate opportunities for students in health-related programs at the University, and assist in retaining more regional health professionals.