New outreach service keeps Mount Isa patients close to home
A new rehabilitation service is helping Mount Isa residents get the care they need closer to home.
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Joint Release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Geoff Wilson MP
Queensland Minister of Health
14 September 2011A new rehabilitation service is helping Mount Isa residents get the care they need closer to home, Commonwealth Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson said today.
Minister Roxon said the project was another example of the Gillard and Bligh Governments working together to provide better health services for Queenslanders.
“Providing local communities with the resources they need for better health services, closer to home, is a key focus for the Gillard Government’s national health reform,” Minister Roxon said.
“This rehabilitation service will help to reduce the amount of time people have to spend in hospital and give them support and therapies they need so they don’t have to be readmitted.”
Minister Wilson said the project was another example of the Bligh Government doing things differently to help patients in regional and rural areas access services without having to travel.
“A total of $1.94 million will be allocated to this innovative project over the three years which sees researchers from James Cook University and other health professionals working together to help people recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions get back on their feet sooner.
“It means patients can work face-to-face with therapists and ask questions about their individual rehabilitation plans.”
Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said 25 local patients took part in a pilot program last year and were thrilled the service had been made permanent.
“It means these patients no longer have to travel for follow-up and support,” she said.
“I’m also pleased to announce today that a further $260,000 will be allocated over three years to recruit a community health nurse dedicated to the Mt Isa region.
“This nurse will provide targeted support, advice and follow up patients discharged from hospital.
“They will provide coordination for patients who leave hospital and require support in the community.
“This dedicated care and support will reduce the need for extended stays away from family and support networks.
Mount Isa resident Allan McLuckie, 58, took part in last year’s pilot program and said it had been a ‘godsend’ to him.
He spent five months in The Townsville Hospital after a stroke caused mobility, speech and facial problems.
“I was looked after very well at Townsville, but when I returned to Mount Isa, there was no support available. I had been given an exercise and rehabilitation program before I left Townsville but I pretty well had to look after myself once I returned home,” he said
“To have a program such as last year’s pilot rehab run in Mount Isa was an absolute bonus as far as time, logistics and travel were concerned.
“I was able to ask questions and get support. The individually designed stretching exercises I was given have been a great help and are now incorporated into my daily routine.
“But even more important was the psychological support the program gave me.
“When you’ve had a bad stroke and are severely disabled, you have a lot of anxiety issues and problems with self-confidence.
“The social interaction and support the pilot rehab program gave me last year helped me tackle my anxieties and build self-confidence.
“I looking forward to and enjoyed the sessions and all the staff involved really put that little bit extra into helping me and the others who participated.
“It’s just so great to hear that this program will be made permanent.’’
Mount Isa Health Service District Executive Director of Allied Health Barbara-anne Gate said the program also provided great professional development opportunities for staff through collaboration with other health professionals and researchers.
“The Division of GPs, local health staff and researchers from James Cook University are working together on this important project which finds new ways to provide these important rehabilitation services.
“It will boost the capacity of the current health workforce and train our future health workers.”
For all other enquiries, contact Ms Roxon's office (02) 6277 7220
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