Elderly patients most at risk after town’s medical centre shuts down

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State Member for Hinchinbrook

Nick Dametto said he was saddened and disappointed.

He said the lack of GPs and support from both state and federal governments were the reasons for the looming closure cited by Ms Edmondson and Ms McKay.

“Cardwell Family Practice has been a cornerstone of the local community, providing essential medical services to locals for many years,” Mr Dametto said.

“Sadly, it will be the patients that feel it the most as they will be required to find another practice that is taking new patients and need to travel approximately 40 minutes to Ingham or Tully to receive medical care from a GP.

“Fortunately, the Ingham Family Medical Practice owner Dr Brett Scott has indicated that he will take over the care of patients at the Churches of

Christ Rockingham Aged Care facility, and Hinchinbrook Health Care, and Tully Medical have advised they can take on new patients.”

State Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said primary health care, including general practice, was the responsibility of the federal government, “however, we are looking at how we can provide support.”

“We’re offering $20,000 for health workers to move here from interstate and doctors who make the decision to take up a job in regional and remote Queensland will be paid up to an additional $70,000,” she said.

“I’ll be travelling to Canberra for the National Health Ministers meeting this week and will raise a number of topics with my state and federal colleagues.”

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network chief executive officer Robin Whyte said “NQPHN has been actively working with peak bodies and stakeholders to assist in addressing the general practitioner (GP) shortages in North Queensland’s rural and remote communities.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) owns the practice building and is working with other general practice providers who may be interested in delivering the essential service.

Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said a meeting with key people would be held in Cardwell in August.