July 23, 2013
South Burnett Regional Council CEO Ken McLoughlin says discussions with Pulse Health to continue running the South Burnett Private Hospital are “progressing well”.
Pulse Health held several meetings in the South Burnett last week to discuss plans for the hospital.
Mr McLoughlin said that if Pulse Health was to remain as the hospital’s operator then Council had a number of things it would like to see addressed, and these were explored during the discussions.
“These requirements were well received,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“I am pleased to report that no matter where this lands, either with Pulse or with Council, we can give our unqualified undertaking that the hospital will continue to stay open and serve the people of the South Burnett.”
Mr McLoughlin said Mayor Wayne Kratzmann and Councillors were all committed to the hospital staying open.
Pulse Health CEO Phillipa Blakey said she had met with staff at the hospital.
“(I) was pleased to hear their views about the past but more importantly their desire to take the hospital to new levels in the future,” she said.
She said the future of the hospital could be exciting and with Council’s support, Pulse should be able to look at expanding services in the future.
“I have only been with Pulse Health for a short time but I can clearly see how important this hospital is to this region,” she said.
“I’m keen to do everything possible to work with Council and local and visiting doctors to ensure that Pulse can successfully provide this important service in this region.”
Ms Blakey said she recognised the difficult circumstances for staff but was confident a final decision would be made in the near future.
Queensland Health conducted a routine audit of the hospital last week.
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