URGENT upgrades are required to rural hospitals and associated medical facilities if Queensland is to meet its obligations to people in rural and remote areas of the state.
Rural Doctors Association of Queensland president John Hall said while major spends on large hospitals including Roma were very welcome, the majority of facilities need to be brought up to speed as a matter of urgency.
“Even with the necessary goodwill and motivation we have to address the run-down that has occurred during the past 20 years,” Dr Hall said.
“The country needs to stand up for itself and not put up with it on the basis it is resilient. It cannot rely on the the people in Charlotte Street to deliver what is required.”
Dr Hall said it was also essential that rural hospitals had the capability to deliver emergency medicine.
“There is a belief that very you are the chopper is going to save you,” Dr Hall said. “But there are cases where you have to be treated there and then. Even if the chopper reaches you, you will not survive.”
Maranoa councillor Cameron O’Neil said the delivery of health care was major factor in attracting people to live rural to regional areas.
“The $70 million that is being spend at Roma Hospital is tremendous,” Cr O’Neil said.
“But there are health care facilities across the south west that must be improved if we are going to bridge the urban/rural divide. People who live here tend to put up with the way things are. People who come to these areas are not willing to stay if basic services including health care are not up to scratch.”
