April 30, 2018
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington is pressing for the appointment of a Community Health Nurse for Kilkivan and Goomeri, but says the State Government isn’t listening.
Mrs Frecklington recently met with concerned community members who said both towns used to have a Community Health Nurse but lost this service when the townships were moved into the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service district.
“I have written to the Minister for Health requesting that Community Health Nurse services be re-introduced on a fortnightly or monthly basis, however it seems he just doesn’t understand the needs of rural communities,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Both Kilkivan and Goomeri have a significant number of community members who are 50 years or older who would benefit from the services of a Community Health Nurse.”
In his written response to Mrs Frecklington, Health Minister Steven Miles noted there were a range of medical practices in Gympie that could provide wound care.
Mrs Frecklington said the community felt so strongly about the need for the service that they were co-ordinating a petition on the issue.
“I’d like to thank Mavis O’Neill, Jan Kirby and Joyce Koy who will be organising the petition and will take it around through both communities,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I’d encourage everyone to consider signing the petition, which I will then table in Parliament so we can demonstrate the need for this service in our region.”
