Nine months of train service cuts has left Bundaberg and Burnett residents in the lurch.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has hit out at the Transport and Health Ministers for failing to communicate these cuts and change the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme policy to take into account a diminished rail service.
“Nine months ago we pleaded with the Transport Minister to replace the lost rail services with buses or find a suitable alternative for those patients who must travel to Brisbane for specialist appointments,” said Mr Bennett.
“Labor didn’t listen.
“Today patients are being informed that the PTSS will not cover their car travel because technically they could have travelled well in advance of their appointment via rail.”
Mr Bennett tabled a Question on Notice to the Minister for Health this morning:
Can the Minister please explain why (a) rural and regional patients using the PTSS Scheme are being directed to utilise train travel as the first priority to reach specialists appointments regardless of suitable rail service availability? (b) train travel is still considered ‘the most economical mode of transport’ when some patients are required to travel days in advance of their appointments and pay for additional accommodation?
Mr Bennett said residents have approached his office as a last resort after being told the PTSS would only subsidise train fares.
“We are sick and tired of being treated like the poor relations in Regional Queensland,” he said.
“The PTSS policy states ‘At a minimum, eligible patients and their approved escorts are subsidised for the most economical mode of transport to access their specialist health service.’
“It also states it’s a ‘Patient-centred approach—the health and wellbeing of patients is integral to the PTSS decision-making process and decisions are made with empathy’
“But when trains aren’t running seven days a week forcing patients to travel days early and then find extra accommodation, this is quite obviously NOT the most economical decision, nor empathetic.
“All I’m asking for is for the PTSS policy to take Labor’s train service debacle into account.
“Don’t force patients to have to make the decision between traveling days in advance to their appointments or not receive assistance from the PTSS.”
A Bundaberg local resident said she was shocked to learn the PTSS wouldn’t cover car travel to Brisbane for her husband’s specialist appointment.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” she stated.
“They are pulling the wool over patients’ eyes.
“People don’t go there because they’re well, they’re sick, and yet we’re treated disgustingly.
“It was only after intervention from several of our doctors and Mr Bennett, that the PTSS office finally backflipped on their decision.
“I don’t want this to happen to other people and encourage them to speak up, ask questions and share their experiences.”
The Minister for Health has 30 days to respond to Mr Bennett’s Question on Notice.
ENDS.
17/04/2024