Longreach Plus More

29/11/2023

Testing for cholesterol made easy in the Outback

All Central West Hospital and Health Service primary health centres have been supplied with hand-held devices that can quickly and accurately test for signs of coronary artery disease (CAD).

The roll-out of the Accutrend devices started in April this year and have been used to test between 40-50 people across the Central West region. The hand-held devices allow staff to test a person’s cholesterol levels with a simple finger prick and have the results available immediately.

Previously, testing for cholesterol levels required the taking of blood samples requiring full laboratory analysis before results became available. The less invasive finger prick test enables swift follow up actions, mitigating the risk of adverse outcomes due to delayed interventions.

The introduction of the new hand-held cholesterol measuring devices was a clinicianled initiative driven by Central West Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Suzy Thomas and Specialist Outpatients Clinical Nurse Katrina Humphries.

The pair recognised the need to raise great awareness amongst Outback residents of the need for regular cholesterol checks as part of an overall cardiac care program.

Ms Thomas says that in in the Central West, we have a high-risk demographic for coronary artery disease (CAD).

“So we saw the need to deliver a cheap, convenient and quick service to test for CAD risk factors – such as high cholesterol levels,”

“People in remote Australia are twice as likely to be hospitalised for heart failure than residents in major cities.”

“First Nations people are at even higher risk, as most have never thought to get their cholesterol tested and because they live in isolated areas and only see a doctor in time of illness, it does often get overlooked.”

“However, we have also discovered that the other type of people that get missed are the road workers and council men throughout region.

" They often haven’t felt the need to be assessed or even realised that they were at risk because of the common lifestyle that comes with their job of eating takeaway food, smoking, having very little exercise and often being overweight. “
“As well as offering quick and easy cholesterol finger prick tests at all our primary health centres, I also carry one of the hand-held devices with me as I travel around the region and do random tests on road workers, council workers and patients I may see as well as other staff working in these remote regions”

“In performing a brief, roadside stop at smoko time, it has been very useful and raised awareness amongst these workers that they may be a ‘heart attack’ waiting to happen down the track if they don’t get their cholesterol under control.’’

21/11/2023

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FUN

This years' Council School Holiday program will blow your mind.

It's bigger and better than ever.

Kids can expect to be entertained and amazed:

🎨 Creative Arts & Crafts

🎲 Fun Games & Activities

📸 Photography adventure

💦 Inflatables & Pool Party..and much more!

Limited spots available, so secure your child's spot now! Call (07) 4658 4111 or message us for more details and to reserve a place.

21/11/2023

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FUN

This years' Council School Holiday program will blow your mind.

It's bigger and better than ever.

Kids can expect to be entertained and amazed:

🎨 Creative Arts & Crafts

🎲 Fun Games & Activities

📸 Photography adventure

💦 Inflatables & Pool Party
..and much more!

Limited spots available, so secure your child's spot now! Call (07) 4658 4111 or message us for more details and to reserve a place.

20/11/2023

What a Lot of Grabage.

We all have some- Most of the time...And Longreach Regional Council wants us to help them with Kerbside Collection options ahead of the next program and pick up.

Council says your feedback matters, so they'd like us all to take part in a quick survey

👉

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

20/11/2023

A Jar-ing Chirstmas

The Council's Christmas in a jar competition is in full swing but there is still time to hand in your creations.

Competition closes Thursday 30 November.

All you need do is drop your jar to any Council office or library or send us a picture to [email protected]'s amazing prizes are up for grabs.

And of you want to check out the competition, head to the Longreach library.

20/11/2023

AARON KIELY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF QUEENSLAND FARMERS’ FEDERATION

Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely has been elected President of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), succeeding Allan Di**le who is stepping down following completion of his four-year tenure in the role.

Mr Kiely was elected Non-Executive Director and Vice President of QFF in 2021, and is also the past President of the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association Inc.

Dairy farmer and current Non-Executive Director Kay Tommerup will step into the Vice President position, with Georgina Krieg, a cotton grower, also joining the QFF Board.

Mr Kiely said he is pleased to be continuing his leadership contribution to QFF as he steps into the President role.

“I would like to thank QFF’s members for trusting me to take on this important position not only for QFF but for the Queensland agriculture sector,” Mr Kiely said.

“There are many opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture sector and I am looking forward to continuing to work with QFF members and industry to look at ways we continue working together to build a strong future for Queensland agriculture.

“I would also like to thank outgoing President Allan Di**le for his service to the sector and his leadership of QFF during the past four years.”

QFF CEO Jo Sheppard also extended her gratitude to Allan for his contribution to QFF and the membership during his time in the President position.

“QFF continues to maintain its position as a strong advocate for the future of the Queensland agriculture sector and I would like to thank Allan for his service to the organisation and farmers across the state,” Ms Sheppard said.

“I am proud of what has been achieved however there is still so much work that needs to be done and I am looking forward to working alongside Aaron and the QFF Board to ensure we can continue working for our members and industry to strengthen the future of Queensland agriculture and regional communities.”

20/11/2023

Katter applauds Twiggy for roping AKUBRA back into Aussie hands

AUSTRALIA’S most famous Akubra-wearer and KAP MP Bob Katter, has applauded Andrew (Twiggy) Forrest’s purchase of the iconic Aussie hat company, labelling the acquisition a historic moment.

The purchase follows Mr Forrest’s acquisition of the equally-Aussie-loved RM Williams brand in 2020.

“God Bless Andrew Forrest,” Mr Katter said.

“This is a man whose forebears created Western Australia.

“Some people use their wealth for their own aggrandisement. Others, like Andrew, have a much bigger picture and I’m certain God will give him a high place in heaven.

“Of all the darkness of what is, Andrew gives us a bright shining light of what should be.

“And to have these companies back in the hands of a truly great Australian, is very heartening.”

“What sort of country buys its electricity from China,” he asked in reference to where the majority of solar panels are manufactured.

“What sort of country buys almost all its fuel from overseas, all of its motor vehicles and all of its clothes. I could go on all day with this list.

“Has anyone looked at where all our water pumps are built?”

Mr Katter said a recent survey he conducted showed while Australia had the capability to assemble water pumps, most parts were manufactured overseas.

“The most simple of requirements – water – and we can’t build our own pumps.”

20/11/2023

Another Health Warning

Health authorities are urging Central West residents to be mindful of the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses in the area.

Central Queensland Public Health Unit D irector Dr Gulam Khandaker said there had been an increase in notification of gastrointestinal illness in the Central West.

“In particular, we’ve seen evidence of rotavirus circulating in the Longreach area,’’ he said.

“Rotavirus is highly contagious and can cause outbreaks among children in childcare.

“Drinking plenty of fluids is important to keep someone with rotavirus or any form of gastroenteritis hydrated.

“Most rotavirus infections resolve without treatment.

“Anyone with concerns should talk to their GP or get free advice from a qualified health professional by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

“Age-appropriate vaccination also can reduce the risk of developing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, especially in young infants, but will not prevent all cases.’’
Rotavirus vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program and is recommended for
infants at 2 months of age (but can be given from 6 weeks) and four months of age. Doses are given orally.

Dr Khandaker said rotaviruses could be passed from person to person very easily.

“The virus is in the faeces of a person while they have diarrhoea and for some days after the diarrhoea stops,’’ he said.

Rotavirus infections are spread when:

 infected people do not wash and dry their hands adequately after going to the toilet.

 contaminated hands spread the virus to other people and surfaces that may be touched by others.

 hands can become contaminated while changing the nappy of an infected infant.

Dr Khandaker said good overall hygiene could prevent the spread of rotavirus.

Hands should be washed thoroughly with warm soapy water, rubbing them together for at least 20 seconds and dried horoughly on a disposable or clean towel after going to the toilet, before
preparing or handling food and after changing soiled linen.

Diluting 5 ml of bleach in a 10-litre bucket of soapy water and using this to clean the house also can help stop belly run.

Dr Khandaker said gastroenteritis generally may be caused by bacteria, such as with campylobacter, salmonella and shigella, or viruses in the cases of rotavirus or norovirus, or parasites as in cases of giardia and cryptosporidium.

“Gastroenteritis of any kind is highly infectious and can be passed from person to person very easily,’’ he said.

Dr Khandaker said the same rules of good hygiene that applied to rotavirus also applied to other cases of gastroenteritis.

Although most people recover well from gastrointestinal illness in a few days, medical advice should be sought if:

 symptoms are very severe or persist

 there is blood in the diarrhoea

 the ill person is an infant, an older person or has other conditions (as loss of fluids can have more severe impacts in these groups).

Dr Khandaker said as early childhood settings were prone to rapid spread of gastroenteritis, now was the time for centres to review infection control practices and promote prevention
messages.

Children, staff and family members with vomiting or diarrhoea need to stay home (and away from others where possible) for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

20/11/2023

Pertussis precautions

Better known as Whooping Cough, pertussis) cases are on the increase across Queensland, with 440 confirmed and Central West Hospital and Health Service is urging us to take precautions.

Executive Director of Medical Services Dr David Walker says while we have had no recorded cases so far in the Central West, this is not necessarily an accurate reflection of the situation as many cases may not be tested to confirm they have whooping cough.

"Whooping cough is a highly infectious illness that is spread by coughing and sneezing. The illness can affect people of all ages but is particularly serious in infants."

Symptoms of whooping cough may include:

 Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a "whooping" sound.

 Sneezing.

 Nasal discharge.

 Fever.

 Sore, watery eyes.

 Lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells.

DR Walker says vaccination is the best protection.

"Pertussis vaccination in pregnancy is recommended from 20 weeks gestation and has been shown to prevent whooping cough in infants during the first six months of life."

"Protection against whooping cough also is included in the routine vaccinations given to children at two months, four months and six months of age and boosters given at 18 months and four
years of age, as well as Year 7 at school."

He says it's very important that all young children are up to date with their vaccinations.

"As well as vaccination, all Central West residents can play an important role in limiting the spread of infectious diseases This includes practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and
sneezes with a tissue or inside of your arm and staying at home when sick. "

14/11/2023

Now you Can Make a Difference.

No need to sit around complaining- noiw you can have some input .
For young people there's exciting news on the horizon.

If you're between 14-25 and ready to roll up your sleeves for some community action, here's your chance.

Introducing the Longreach Regional Council Youth Council.

It's where you can bring your ideas, your passion, and your voice to the table.

Environmental enthusiasts, arts aficionados, sports stars, education advocates, and anyone with a burning desire to make our region shine can now step jup.

But that's not all! We're kicking things off with a bang at our 2-day Youth Retreat on February 17th and 18th. Yep, mark your calendars!

📆 This is where the magic begins.

📣 Step 1: Tag a mate who's just as stoked as you are about making a difference.

📣 Step 2: Nominate now via:

https://www.longreach.qld.gov.au/youth-council?fbclid=IwAR2VuY1gewC-remPT8-Kh7_cbA6cIBgq-RPVxrCj-bV3ByxCYEFvDK7fngM

14/11/2023

Start the Practice NOW

14/11/2023

Remember:
Level 2 is upon us.

14/11/2023

Hot Tip for Hot Months
Watch your water useage.

Did you know that keeping an eye on your water usage can make a big difference in conserving this precious resource?

Learn to read your water meter: It's the first step towards becoming more water-conscious.

1. Write your usage down for a week: For the next seven days, jot down your water usage daily.

2. By doing this, you'll gain a better understanding of your water consumption patterns, and it'll help you identify areas where you can make adjustments to save water.

Share your experiences and tips with your friends and family! Let's work together to conserve this valuable resource and make a positive impact on our environment. 🌍💧

For more tips and tricks visit longreach.qld.gov.au/water.

14/11/2023

Nominate Your Community Heroes for Australia Day Awards

As we approach Australia Day, it's time to shine a spotlight on those incredible individuals and groups who make our community special. It's your chance to nominate deserving candidates in the following categories:

-Citizen of the Year

-Senior Achievement of the Year-sporting, cultural, individual or
team

-Junior Achievement of the Year (sporting, cultural, individual or team)

-Community Event or Community Group of the Year

To nominate someone you think deserves recognition, please visit https://www.longreach.qld.gov.au/australiaday and tell judges their story.

14/11/2023

Light Up Our Lives.

Tis the season to get festive...And again this year Council is keen to have all of us shining brightly for Christmas.

Closing Date for the Annual Christmas Lights Competition is November 24.

longreach.qld.gov.au/christmas

Go on, fill out a nomination form for the chance to win amazing prizes and light us up.

14/11/2023

A HEADS UP

All residents in ILFRACOMBE, ISISFORD and YARAKA should have received a letter with information in regard to the “Water Main Cleaning” in their towns commencing 23 November.

Lomngreqch Regional Council asks however that we please disregard the date on the letter as the contractor had a change in their schedule and will already start with the process on 15 November.

Council says the new dates are still flexible and subject to change depending how quickly ClearFlow is able to finish the work in each town.

Ilfracombe: 15-17 November

Isisford: 17-18 November

Yaraka: 18-19 November

There are only slight interruptions to the water supply expected while the work is taking place.
The cleaning of the Longreach water mains has been scheduled for early 2024 and we will inform the community once the days are confirmed.

07/11/2023

GP practice fees and charges: Updated and standardised across the Central West
Central West Hospital and Health Service General Manager Primary Health Mr Craig Carey has announced that service fees are being updated in the following Central West Hospital and Health Service operated general practice clinics from 1 January 2024:

 Barcaldine Medical Practice
 Longreach Family Medical Practice
 Alpha Private Surgery
 Winton Medical Practice
 Blackall General Practice

"General practitioner service fees at our operated general practice clinics will be consistent while providing safeguards for vulnerable community members who may be struggling financially."

"This includes bulk-billing with a safety-net policy to ensure care is available for those who require this support."

He says patients under the age of 16 and patients who hold a valid Pension Card, Concession Card, Healthcare Card or DVA Card, or who have been registered for Closing the Gap, will not incur any costs for consultations.

Other patients will still receive bulk-billed services for the purpose of:

 Reviewing results

 Chronic Disease care plans

 Health assessments

 Mental health care plans

"Community members are encouraged to discuss the likely fee when making their appointment as well as financial concerns they may have."

07/11/2023

Warning over gastro cases

Health authorities are urging Central West residents to be mindful of the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses in the area.

Central Queensland Public Health Unit Director Dr Gulam Khandaker said gastrointestinal illness was on the rise in many parts of Queensland, including the Central West.

“Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines,’’ Dr Khandaker said.

“It may be caused by bacteria, such as with campylobacter, salmonella and shigella, or viruses in the cases of rotavirus or norovirus, or parasites as in cases of giardia and cryptosporidium.

“For instance, we are seeing an increasing number of cases of Cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as Crypto."

“This is a parasitic infection causing gastroenteritis with diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting."

“Gastroenteritis of any kind is highly infectious and can be passed from person to person very easily."

“The organisms that cause illness may also be found in contaminated water or food."

“Gastroenteritis usually spreads when hands, food, objects, and surfaces become contaminated with faeces or vomit and the infectious organism is transferred to the mouth when eating,
drinking, or touching the mouth.""

“The spread of some viruses can also occur via small airborne particles circulating in the air during or after vomiting attacks.’’

Dr Khandaker said people with diarrhoea or vomiting should not prepare food for others.

Regular hand-washing and good hygiene practices in particular can help stop the spread of the illness,’’ he said.

Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 15 seconds and dried thoroughly on a disposable or clean towel before handling food and after going to the toilet.

Diluting 5 ml of bleach in a 10-litre bucket of soapy water and using this to clean the house also can help stop belly run.

Although most people recover well from gastrointestinal illness in a few days, medical advice should be sought if:

 symptoms are very severe or persist
 there is blood in the diarrhoea
 the ill person is an infant, an older person or has other conditions (as loss of fluids can have more severe impacts in these groups).

Drinking plenty of fluids is important to keep someone with gastroenteritis hydrated.

Anyone with concerns should talk to their GP or get free advice from a qualified health professional by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Dr Khandaker said as early childhood settings were prone to rapid spread of gastroenteritis, now was the time for centres to review infection control practices and promote prevention messages.

Children, staff and family members with vomiting or diarrhoea need to stay home (and away from others where possible) for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

 Health advice is available at 

18/10/2023

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September 2024
Longreach Showgrounds

18/10/2023

Queensland’s vegetation management framework to be strengthened

The State Government is stepping up management of native vegetation in Queensland.

The move comes after the Government appointed Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel found there is a need to improve management of native vegetation.

The Panel, established in March 2022 to review the land clearing data following the release of the 2018-19 Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) has made a series of recommendations that will now be adopted.

The panel’s ten recommendations which they say will enhance the implementation of the existing native vegetation management framework and further support landholders to take advantage of emerging carbon and natural capital market opportunities.

Recommendations include maintaining regulatory stability, launching an environmental stewardship program, enhancing carbon market opportunities and better regional planning.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard says recently-released tree clearing data shows laws are working, with a 70% reduction in regulated vegetation clearing over three years, and a further 59,654 hectares of vegetation regrowth detected.

“However, the expert panel has identified opportunities to enhance our laws and has set out a path toward a more harmonised approach to native vegetation management in Queensland that better engages, incentivises and recognises the important work of landholders to conserve our forests and habitat on their properties.”

“Landholders play an important role in the conservation of habitat on their land, and actively manage the risks posed by fire and invasive species that can have a devastating impact on our native vegetation.”

The Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel’s report and the Queensland Government’s response can be viewed at:

In March 2022, the Queensland Government established the Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel to independently review native vegetation management in Queensland.

04/10/2023

Central West enjoys a year packed with achievements

The Regions'Health Service has released it's latest Annual Report.

It shows Central West Hospital and Health Service celebrated a strong 2022-23, with achievements including meeting all emergency care performance targets, making strong improvements in planned care performance, and launching a First Nations health equity strategy.

The Report outlines that HHS also opened the new $12.4 million Windorah Primary Health Centre, and acquired general practices in Longreach and Barcaldine in the financial year.

Board Chair Jane Williams paid tribute to the unwavering dedication of Central West Health staff.

“We are grateful for every single team member whose tireless efforts have ensured we excel in the delivery of rural and remote health services,” Ms Williams said.

“Our frontline health staff are remarkable. Last financial year all ED presentation targets were met, including 100 per cent of category 1 patients being seen within two minutes.

“Also, 94 per cent of category 1 patients were treated within the clinically recommended time.

“We will continue to provide world-class care to the Central West Queensland region under the strong leadership of Anthony West, who was appointed HHS chief executive in January 2023.”

Ms Williams said a financial year highlight was the posting of a $2.34 million operating surplus.

“This was attained partly thanks to the Delivering Sustainable Healthcare program, which addressed cost pressures and improved operational management, while still enhancing frontline services,” she said.

Ms Williams said the launch of the Central West First Nations Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 in November last year was another significant achievement.

“This strategy is a commitment to the way we engage First Nations communities in health service delivery,” she said.

“It provides both a mandate and an opportunity to genuinely sit and listen to our communities to make sure the strategic priorities of the health service reflect their needs and improves health
outcomes.”

Central West HHS also opened the new Windorah Primary Health Centre in February this year.

“The Windorah PHC is a state-of-the-art facility that allows for the fullest use of the latest technology, as well as allowing for future technological developments,” Ms Williams said.

“The replacement PHC is the result of a wonderful partnership between local health services, Barcoo Shire Council, Ausco Modular Building Solutions and the community.”

Central West HHS also acquired GP clinics in Longreach and Barcaldine following the departure of a private health provider.

“This decision supports continuity of primary care for both of these communities and ensures residents have access to Medicare-funded GP services,” Ms Williams said.

“We will strive to maintain the exceptional standards of care delivered by Outback Medical Services over several years.”

Ms Williams said 2022-23 was not without its challenges, with the HHS experiencing ongoing workforce shortages.

“Recruiting skilled permanent clinical staff has been a recurrent issue in the past few years, not just for Central West Health but for all rural health services across the country,’’ she said.

“That is why we rely on locum medical staff and agency nursing staff to fill vacant roles while we continue to recruit for permanent staff.”

Ms Williams praised the ongoing support of the community and other agencies, in particular Metro North HHS, Western Queensland Primary Health Network, Royal Flying Doctors Service,
CheckUP and North West Remote Health.

“These partnerships have been key to ensuring the communities of Central West Queensland have access to safe and quality healthcare services close to home,” she said.

 The Central West Hospital and Health Service 2022–2023 annual report can be found at:

Queensland Parliament welcomes all visitors. Find out how to visit the public gallery, take a tour or learn about parliament at one of our educational programs here.

04/10/2023

Seniors have their say on an age-friendly future for Queensland

It's Seniors Month and the Government says it's listening.

Queensland seniors rate healthcare, cost-of-living, independence, mobility, and staying in their own home as what matters most to people aged 65 and over, a state-wide survey shows.

The views of older people have been gathered at Seniors Expos, Seniors Savings Pop-ups and other events across the state, as well as online, to inform the next Seniors Strategy.

Seniors Minister Craig Crawford says the Seniors Strategy Survey, has been invaluable.

“To hear from older Queenslanders about what’s important to them, and their experiences and aspirations. Their input will help our government develop a plan that meets the needs of older Queenslanders now and into the next decade.”

Most seniors (81 per cent) said they could get out and about easily using their own vehicle or affordable, user-friendly transport services in their communities.

Nearly three out of four older people (72 per cent) agreed or strongly agreed that the environment in their community included open spaces, shaded areas, walkways and public buildings that were safe and easy to move around in.

Two out of three seniors (67 per cent) felt confident accessing information they needed to stay informed and connected with their community, family and friends.

Older Queenslanders also identified healthcare as the top priority for 71 per cent of respondents.

Other priorities are the cost of living (67 per cent), maintaining independence and mobility (55 per cent) and staying in their own home (54 per cent).

To find a local Seniors Savings Pop-Up event near you or to find out more information about concessions for seniors visit Seniors expos event calendar.

https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-finance-concessions/seniors-expos/seniors-expos-event-calendar

04/10/2023

Bringing care closer to home

The Central West Hospital and Health Service says it’s dedicated to continue to bring care to Our Towns and beat the distance beast.

Central West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Mr Anthony West says the service has worked hard over the years to build local services for our diverse communities and bring care closer to home.

“Over the past five years, increasing numbers of residents and visitors have been able to access health services within our region, for which they would previously have had to travel elsewhere."

" Our health service has been able to build its capacity to deliver a wide range of specialist surgical services as part of the specialist outpatients and elective surgery programmes.”

Mr West says visiting specialist services include orthopaedic surgery, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology, respiratory, obstetrics and gynaecology, gastroenterology, paediatrics, endocrinology and general surgery.

“We have also built a strong partnership with the Metro North Hospital and Health Service since 2016. This has allowed us to deliver a steadily increasing range of telehealth cardiac care services with the support of specialist Metro North HHS hospitals such as Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital.”

” These include exercise stress tests, holter monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure testing and even sleep study investigations. And since 2018, this partnership has been further expanded with the introduction of telechemotherapy services with the support of Metro North HHS.”

These are all services for which Central West residents previously had to travel outside the region to access, with support from the Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

Mr West says there’s no doubt telehealth is revolutionising the delivery of health services across rural and regional Queensland, including the Central West, by providing specialist care without the need for travel.

“We have been able steadily to increase our telehealth delivery rates in the Central West from 3542 individual service events in 2018–19 to 4306 individual service events in 2022-23 – an increase of about 21.6 per cent."

" Every health facility in the Central West has access to telehealth services and we now offer telehealth services in more than 60 disciplines, with this number growing steadily.”

Since 2018, Central West Health also has been able to offer a full CT scanning service at Longreach Hospital that was previously unavailable within the region and according to Mr West now does more than 1200 CT scans a year on average at Longreach.

“Residents, previously would have had to travel to Rockhampton or elsewhere. While Central West residents will still need to travel outside the region for more complex treatment and specialist services not available locally, our goal is to minimise the need for them to do so as much as is clinically possible. “

“The fewer people who have to travel outside our region for health services, the fewer who will need to access support from the Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.”

PTSS remains available to all eligible people who need to travel outside the Central West to access health services. For information on the PTSS, visit:

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/travel/subsidies