April 2, 2026
Telestroke services will soon be available at Kingaroy Hospital following a commitment confirmed this week by Health Minister Tim Nicholls.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the announcement was the result of sustained advocacy for improved stroke response services in the South Burnett.
The Telestroke service will help provide faster diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients, critical for recovery.
Specialists will be able to assess brain scans and view patients remotely via video to diagnose and decide on a treatment plan as quickly as possible.
Mrs Frecklington began lobbying for the Telestroke service after a meeting with South Burnett Stroke Support Group Rishana and Graham Smith in 2022.
She wrote to then-Health Minister Yvette D’Ath calling for Kingaroy Hospital to be prioritised for Telestroke capability.
In 2023, the service looked set to roll out to some parts of regional Queensland but hopes that Kingaroy would benefit faded.
“Alongside local advocates Rishana and Graham, I have pushed for this important service for our region for far too long,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“At the time, Queensland was the only State in Australia without a Telestroke service, a gap that placed regional patients at a significant disadvantage.
“The introduction of this service will deliver lifesaving benefits, ensuring stroke patients receive rapid specialist assessment and treatment guidance when every minute counts.
“I want to thank the Crisafulli Government for their commitment to our region.”
Kingaroy Hospital is expected to begin offering Telestroke support as early as next week, marking a major step forward for healthcare in the South Burnett.
