Whitsunday Medical Bus service a step closer
The commencement of the Whitsunday Patient Transfer medical bus service moved a step closer today with a driver safety presentation and first aid course for the volunteers held at the Proserpine Community Centre.
Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate said the volunteer training was one of the last hurdles to overcome before the medical bus could start servicing the Whitsunday region.
“The bus will be based at Whitsunday in Cannonvale, and we hope to kick off with three services per week in late June and then increasing the schedule over the following months,” she said.
“We had six volunteers attend the driver safety presentation and the first aid course and they are all chomping at the bit to offer their skills and time to help the community.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall has been a strong advocate for the medical bus saying it will be a valuable service for patients needing to travel long distances for medical care.
“Council contributed $20,000 to the Mackay Hospital Foundation several years ago towards providing a community medical bus service to transport patients from Proserpine and Airlie Beach to Mackay Hospital and the Icon Cancer Centre for medical appointments.
“The Mackay Hospital Foundation also contributed financially to the project and will also maintain the bus and help coordinate the volunteers,” Mayor Hall said.
“The medical bus service will provide transport for 8 people each day it operates with pick-ups from Whitsunday Community Health, Proserpine Hospital and Bloomsbury.
“This project represents a collaborative effort to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to receiving the medical care they require.
“No one should have to choose between their health and their ability to access medical care,” she said.
“The Whitsunday Community Medical Bus Service will bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, providing a lifeline for those who may face challenges in reaching medical facilities.
“By investing in a medical bus service, we are investing in the health and vitality of our community.
“I like to thank both Kristi and the Mackay Hospital Foundation for their efforts to work through the red tape of running a community medical bus and Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm who has been a strong advocate for the service.”
Mayor Hall said she was very aware that there is a massive need for a similar service to operate and service Bowen and Collinsville.
“Our Economic Development team are working to explore potential funding opportunities for a community minibus for Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds to transport patients to Townsville for regular medical appointments,” she said.
“Access to this service for regional communities is so important, but it will be no quick fix as there are multiple funding, legal and operational logistics to be negotiated.
“I welcome the announcement that a private operator has started up a regular daily service Bowen to Mackay return as an option for medical patients.
"Mackay Whitsunday Buses will provide a transport option for Bowen patients needing treatments in Mackay which is great,” Mayor Hall said.
“However there remains a need for Bowen/Collinsville Patient transport Service as the new option would only be suitable for reasonably active patients and does not cater for those patients with appointments in Townsville.
"The service also does not solve the issue of those with serious medical needs or patients with mobility issues and needing medical support during the journey.”
For media enquiries, contact:
Greg Martin, Communications and Marketing Manager
07 4945 0617 or Email: communications@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au