Media | Local News

Full story about Hospital flooding still not answered

11th March 2021

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says the Minister for Health’s response to her enquiries about the flooding of the Kingaroy Hospital still leave many questions unanswered.

Mrs Frecklington said the response did not reveal the full story of the ramifications of the flooding, and also made unreasonable claims.

“The Minister for Health claims the flooding was caused by a ‘severe’ rain event. I think most people would question this statement, as it seems extraordinary that a rain event of just 37mm could result in such major damage to a brand new Hospital,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“I had also asked how many beds were closed after the event and how many patients had to be moved.

“Both these questions remain unanswered. Anecdotally, we have heard that 55% of the 66 beds have been closed, severely reducing the capacity of the Hospital.

“The Minister did confirm however that rectification works were due to be completed this week, some seven weeks after the flooding occurred.

“It really is bitterly disappointing and unacceptable that this has occurred.

“The full cost of the damage has also not been revealed. I am pleased however that taxpayers won’t bear the cost, which is being absorbed by the building contractor.

“Thankfully the new CT scanner was not damaged and was back in use by the 28th January. This did affect services for this period however, and I know patients were diverted to Toowoomba again during this time.

“I believe much remains unanswered and the Health Minister is avoiding important questions about what has happened. Let’s hope that the rectification works are done properly and this type of flooding damage doesn’t happen again,” Deb said