It’s been 12 months since a Multi-purpose Health Service (MPHS) was touted in Agnes Water and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said residents can’t afford to wait any longer.
Mr Bennett spoke in parliament this week to put the focus back on the lack of health services and infrastructure in the Discovery Coast. *
“There’s no health infrastructure for 125 kilometres with no Queensland Health facility in the region,” he said.
“Almost exactly one year ago Minister D’Ath advised that the department supported an application from Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service to the Commonwealth Department of Health for the establishment of a Multi-purpose Health Service.
“This Multi-purpose Health Service could quite frankly be a life changer for residents.
“They currently have no choice but to travel a three-hour round trip to Bundaberg or Gladstone for hospital care or specialist treatment.
“Residents in Agnes Water and 1770 deserve access to health care just like everyone else.
“We’re lucky to have two very hard-working local doctors who support a population of up to 6,000 that grows to over 11,000 during peak times.
“But it’s no secret that they very rarely get any time off.
“We also know that for around 20 years, there has been very little change to the level of service delivery in Agnes Water.
“We cannot afford a delay on this Multi-purpose Health Service and I will continue to fight for it until it becomes a reality.”
Mr Bennett said a huge thanks must go to IMPACT Community Services who provided urgent care over Easter.
“Managing Director Tanya O’Shea and Practice Manager Pamela Mackie saw a serious problem emerging with both local doctors closed for the weekend, so they acted quickly,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for their Pop Up Care Clinic, the community would have been in serious trouble.
“They treated more than 70 patients’ over just four days.
“On behalf of the Agnes Water community, thank you.”
IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O’Shea said their recent Pop Up Care Clinic evidenced the strong community need for access to urgent health care in the Discovery Coast region.
“The clinic was co-designed with local health professionals and emergency services,” she said.
“IMPACT Community Services will continue to work closely with the community, stakeholders and government through our Discovery Coast Model of Care Project, which aims to address the lack of appropriate and timely access to medical care in the region.”
* https://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/?reference=0Mba20230510_192609
11/05/2023
ENDS.