April 15, 2022
Darling Downs Health is reviewing options to provide pain management services from Toowoomba Hospital.
But in the meantime South Burnett residents with chronic pain will continue to travel to either Brisbane or the Gold Coast for help.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath responded this week to two petitions lodged with State Parliament seeking a persistent/chronic pain clinic within the South Burnett.
“As a regional health service in relatively close proximity to Brisbane, there are a range of highly specialised services Darling Downs Health does not offer that are publicly available at larger facilities,” Minister D’Ath said.
“Pain management services are not currently provided by Darling Downs Health; however, consumers from the Darling Downs region may be referred by their general practitioner to the Gold Coast Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Management Service at Robina Hospital or Professor Tess Cramond Multidisciplinary Pain Centre at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
“Queensland Health has a focus on improving access to high quality, cost-effective care for Queenslanders and reducing the economic and life burden that is associated with this condition.
“To demonstrate Queensland Health’s commitment to pain services the Statewide Persistent Pain Management Clinical Network was developed, with a continued focus on improving patient access to evidence-based multidisciplinary care.
“Further, I can advise Darling Downs Health is currently reviewing options which may be available to provide some pain management services from Toowoomba Hospital for consumers within the Darling Downs region.
“Many factors must be considered when commencing a new service, of which an appropriately trained, skilled and sustainable workforce is one.
“Darling Downs Health would need to ensure any service established in Toowoomba could provide consistent and safe care to our consumers.
“I can appreciate the effect pain has on the quality of life for many community members within Darling Downs and I can assure the petitioners we are continuing to review services which are in the best interest of the community.”
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