Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says the appointment of a community health nurse to the township of Kilkivan twice per week is confirmation of the high level of need for better access to health care in the region.
Mrs Frecklington said this is a huge boost for the community and it was only through the tenacity and determination of the community that the service was finally provided.
“The community first came to me in February this year to highlight the need for a community health nurse, but when we asked the Minister for Health for support, he showed no interest and rejected our request,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Instead, this Labor Government has been more focussed on renaming hospitals in Brisbane, than realising the health needs of people in regional areas.
“This didn’t stop the people of Kilkivan though, and with the support of the community, we tabled a petition in State Parliament with 354 signatures, which was a significant achievement for the small township of Kilkivan.
“In June, following the tabling of the petition, we saw a Health Forum held in Kilkivan and finally the evidence became too strong and a three month trial of a Nurse Navigator was announced.
“I will always push for better services our regional areas and I will always support better access to health services for people in the country. The need for a Community Health Nurse in Kilkivan has now been validated and I’m very pleased the township will benefit from the services of the visiting nurse practitioner, Jenny Doherty. I welcome her to her new role and I know the community will greatly appreciate her experience and support,” Deb said.
“Once again, I applaud the Kilkivan community for their determination and assistance in pushing for better community health services in their township,” she said.
“Congratulations must go to Mavis O’Neill, Jan Kirby and Joyce Koy who first raised this issue with me and then worked very hard to coordinate the petition in Kilkivan and Goomeri. It goes to show that if you believe in something strongly enough, you can create change,” Deb said.
Photos – Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with Kilkivan community members, Mavis O’Neill (right) and Jan Kirby.
