June 3, 2015
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann told Wednesday’s Council meeting that Queensland Health could have a role to play in helping to save the beleaguered South Burnett Private Hospital.
The private hospital is due to close its doors on June 30 when operator Pulse Health pulls out.
Mayor Kratzmann said the decision by Pulse was “a huge blow to the South Burnett community” and could cost people their lives.
He said he had received assurances from Pulse when he flew to Sydney that they would consider changing their decision, but soon afterwards Pulse made a “flying visit” to Kingaroy to tell staff the hospital would close.
“Due to this, we had no other option than to try and find another provider or seek other options to avert the closure,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
“I have spoken to health providers and whilst there is some interest, the time frame for a transfer of the licence is a major issue.
“There may be an option for Queensland Health through the Darling Downs Health Board and the Kingaroy General Hospital to manage the operation in the interim and these negotiations are currently underway.
“Whilst the current operator has stated that it was simply not viable for them to continue to operate the hospital, I firmly believe that there are a number of issues with the current operation which – if corrected – would see the hospital operate efficiently and also be financially sound.”
He said these included:
- None or very little rapport between the current operators and local doctors / specialists
- A lack of communication and awareness about what the hospital offers as far as the community is concerned
- The misconception that the hospital only provides a service for private patients
- A concerted effort by the public system to keep private patients at the general hospital to push their bed numbers up, to the detriment of the community hospital
“I have requested another urgent meeting with the Health Minister and have invited the Chairman of the Darling Downs Health Board Mr Mike Horan to join me at that meeting, which I expect to be held next week in Brisbane,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
“I have also written to all of our local Federal and State Members, including the Deputy Prime Minister, to ask for any assistance they can provide.
“Councillors, there are 70 staff who will lose their jobs in 27 days which will have an impact on our region.
“Add this to the loss of specialists visiting our region which no doubt will not just cost us jobs, but human lives.
“I urge you to do everything in your power and to encourage your electorate to voice their disapproval of this disastrous decision and to seek Government intervention to ensure the Markwell Street doors remain open.”
Related articles:
- Closure Would Be ‘Absolute Disaster’
- Fingers Crossed For Private Hospital
- Mayor Off To Brisbane For Hospital Talks
- Mayor Gutted Over Hospital Closure
- Hospital Discussions ‘Fruitful’
- May Day Call To Save Hospital
- Hospital Renovations Begin Soon
- Glimpse Into A Healthy Future
- Pulse Confirms It Will Run Hospital
- Hospital Talks ‘Progressing Well’
- Pulse ‘Highly Likely’ To Run Hospital
- Pulse ‘Keen To Run Hospital’
- Council To Run Private Hospital
- Talks On Hospital Future
