July 29, 2015
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann has hit the road in search of a new operator for the South Burnett Private Hospital.
He spent Monday and Tuesday in Toowoomba talking with health industry representatives, and will be returning there on Friday.
Mayor Kratzmann said Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio had been “incredibly supportive” about the issue, even offering him the use of an office and staff while he was in the Garden City.
“Mayor Antonio believes it’s also in Toowoomba’s interests to see the South Burnett retain its private hospital,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
“Most surgical referrals from the South Burnett are being sent to Brisbane at the moment, and only a small number are being referred to Toowoomba.
“It would be better for both South Burnett residents and Toowoomba if those percentages could be reversed.
“Toowoomba is closer than Brisbane, and it’s a lot less crowded.”
The Mayor said he’d spent the last two days talking to a range of potential operators.
“I’ve learned a few things and been given a good reception, but so far no one has put up their hand for the job,” the Mayor said.
“I guess that means I’m going to be living out of a suitcase for a while yet.”
