Increased specialist support for the regions
AMA Queensland welcomes the delivery of a new Central West Renal Unit at Longreach Hospital, but more must be done to ensure access to essential services for all Queenslanders.
This program was initially announced in 2022, and we’re pleased to see the Crisafulli Government proceed with its implementation.
“This is a great step towards providing Queenslanders with world-class healthcare services at their front door,” AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim said.
“The unit will offer multiple dialysis sessions to multiple patients three times a week – a service that previously required patients to travel hours to the closest major hospital to receive care.
“The Crisafulli Government has committed to the capital expansion program for our public hospitals, and it is essential the remainder of these initiatives are implemented and continued no matter who is in government.
“This includes the promised 2,200 new hospital beds, and accompanying waiting rooms, operating theatres and equipment.
“But we also need to see more medical staff to operate the new and expanded services.
“Workforce is central to the many challenges currently facing our health system, and without increased support to recruit, train and retain our medical workforce, we simply won’t have enough doctors to meet demand.
“We need more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to reduce some of the pressure our health workers are facing and ensure quality care for every patient.
“Our Workforce Working Group is currently developing sensible solutions to achieve this, with a particular focus on boosting and supporting our regional and rural workforce.
“We are pleased that these patients no longer need to relocate to places like Rockhampton, Townsville and Brisbane to receive renal dialysis care, and look forward to continuing work with the government to ensure other regional and rural communities are afforded the same access.”
