Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is today calling on the Queensland Premier to reconsider the suspension of services at Mungindi Multipurpose Health Service (MPHS).
Over the weekend, Mr Coulton was made aware that a range of services at Mungindi MPHS have been suspended, relocated or substantially amended because a majority of staff live on the New South Wales side of town and are unable to cross the border to work at the hospital which is located in Queensland.
While the emergency department remains open and telehealth services continue with available staffing, all inpatient and community-based health care services have been temporarily suspended. Aged care residents are also being temporarily relocated.
Mr Coulton said this is unacceptable and is urging Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to amend this decision.
“The community of Mungindi is extremely resilient and united, having gone through more than their fair share of adversities over the past few years,” Mr Coulton said.
“Mungindi is a unique town, with an artificial line through it separating New South Wales and Queensland. The town’s CBD is in New South Wales, however the hospital and health services are located on the Queensland side of the border.
“This decision to suspend hospital services by the Queensland Government will not only be a huge imposition for the community, who will have to travel more than 150 kilometres to Moree to access medical services, but could have serious consequences.
“I’m calling on the Queensland Premier to overturn this draconian decision immediately.
“It is absolutely vital that the Mungindi MPHS be reopened.”
Mr Coulton is working with his NSW counterparts, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and Moree Mayor Katrina Humphries to resolve this situation for the Mungindi community.