December 9, 2020
Kingaroy Hospital is again accepting Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme forms face-to-face, a Darling Downs Health spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
southburnett.com.au was contacted earlier this year by a reader concerned a locked box had replaced the face-to-face service.
The reader was worried there could be delays in payment if there were errors on the forms, and feared the box – containing personal details – could be stolen.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington submitted a Question On Notice last week to the Health Minister seeking an explanation for the change.
“Temporary changes were made to the process for lodging Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) forms earlier this year as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Darling Downs Health spokesperson said.
“To help protect patients and staff, we reduced the risk of spreading COVID-19 by finding alternative ways of submitting forms, including a secure drop-box system at hospitals, and accepting scanned or photographed forms sent via email.
“We continued to work hard to help patients with their travel needs and continued to process PTSS applications and claims.
“Staff collected forms from the secure drop-boxes each day and called patients if more information was needed, or if they needed to discuss individual travel requirements.
“As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, our facilities are accepting face-to-face receipt of forms, taking into consideration each facility’s circumstances.
“Forms can also continue to be submitted via the secure drop-boxes, email or post.
“At Kingaroy Hospital, forms can now be submitted at the Matron Farr (Community Health) building via the secure drop box, which is located inside the building, with staff nearby to accept the forms face-to-face if needed.
“This location was chosen because it provides easy access and parking away from construction areas.
“When Stage 2 of the Kingaroy Hospital is completed, the PTSS office will move into a newly constructed building, where it is expected that face-to-face service will again be provided.
“Stage 2 is currently on-track for completion at the end of 2021.
“For more information about submitting a PTSS form at Kingaroy Hospital, phone (07) 4162-9214 or email PTSS-Kingaroy@health.qld.gov.au
“Darling Downs Health PTSS office staff are available during office hours via phone or email to help patients with applications and answer any queries they may have.
“You can contact the Darling Downs Health PTSS team by phoning (07) 4616-6252 or emailing travel_hub_toowoomba@health.qld.gov.au
“Patients can submit their PTSS claim at any Queensland public hospital or health facility in person (depending on COVID-19 restrictions) or via email, fax or post, and the form will be forwarded for processing.”
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