Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says she is extremely disappointed that access to Telestroke is still no closer for the South Burnett community.
Deb said she had been fighting for the service since May 2022, and despite assurances from the Labor Government it would be rolled out from June 2024, South Burnett patients will be waiting much longer.
“This week we have heard that the first trial site will be on the coast at Hervey Bay, with others to be rolled out in a phased approach beginning in 2025.
“How much longer will we have to wait? We all know that it is crucial for stroke victims to receive immediate specialist assessment and diagnosis and Telestroke would allow early diagnosis and certainly improve their chances for recovery,” Deb said
“I’ve written to the Health Minister twice, asked Questions on Notice and fought this issue on the floor of Parliament on several occasions.
“It’s just not good enough that our region keeps getting overlooked and delayed.
“I would also like to acknowledge the advocacy of Rishana and Graham Smith of Nanango, who started the South Burnett Stroke Group, and who I have been working alongside to highlight the need for this service in our region.
“There is so much work to do in ensuring our health services in the Nanango electorate are adequate for our growing population and I will keep fighting hard as the local voice for the Nanango electorate”.
