The re-introduction of a rural generalist surgeon has doubled the number of elective surgical procedures done in Kingaroy, but there’s still more work to do at Kingaroy Hospital.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the recently released Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Annual Report showed that the South Burnett’s health services have improved over the last year.
“The introduction of generalist surgeon at Kingaroy has meant that in one year (2012-13) the same number of elective surgical procedures performed (96) equalled the total done in Kingaroy for the previous two years,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Plus, these patients didn’t have to travel long distances to access this care.
“Our renal patients also benefitted, with six more people able to access renal dialysis in Kingaroy, bringing the total number of dialysis places in the South Burnet to 18.
“I know the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board and staff have been working extremely hard to improve services throughout the South Burnett and I’m confident we’ll only see more outcomes like these in the future.”
But Mrs Frecklington noted the report highlighted key areas at the Kingaroy Hospital which need urgent attention, including birthing services, emergency department and mental health services.
“While I know our staff do an excellent job to provide the best care for our patients, the infrastructure at Kingaroy is just not up to the job,” she said.
“The report shows that in 2012-13, there were 408 babies born at Kingaroy Hospital, making it one of the busiest non-specialist birthing services in the state.
“The same can be said for our emergency department which looked after 12,056 patients last financial year.”
