July 25, 2024
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has written to Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to find out why the bus which has been providing transport for South Burnett patients to Toowoomba Hospital is no longer running.
Mrs Frecklington said she had received many complaints from residents who had raised concerns the bus was not available.
“The daily hospital bus from the South Burnett to Toowoomba Hospital is an essential service and it is unacceptable that it is currently not running,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“In 2016 I fought for this service to be implemented and since then it has been invaluable in helping people access their specialist and surgery appointments in Toowoomba.
“The bus is used by young families, the elderly, frail and people who don’t have their own transport so they can access essential health care which is not otherwise available in Kingaroy.
“I am very concerned that people may be missing their appointments because the bus isn’t running and I want to see the bus back on the road as soon as possible.
“I have asked for an immediate update on the status of the hospital bus, why it is currently not operating and when the service will be returned.”
Mrs Frecklington asked the Minister for urgent clarification:
- When did the bus service stop operating, and why?
- Will the service return to the South Burnett, and what is the timeframe?
- If the service is not returning, what option do patients have to help them travel to Toowoomba Hospital?
