Gympie Hospital Children’s Ward’s fate unclear

Queensland Health has responded to questions about Gympie Hospital’s paediatric care amid claims from multiple sources the children-focused ward has been shuttered

The status of Gympie Hospital’s Children’s Ware remains unclear with multiple sources saying it has been shuttered.

Queensland Health has declined to directly address questions about staff levels and the alleged closure of Gympie Hospital’s Children’s Ward amid multiple claims the service has been shuttered.

The Gympie Times has been approached by a number of sources wishing to remain anonymous saying the ward has effectively been closed down, with ongoing problems attracting paediatric specialists highlighted as part of the issue.

A number of questions were sent to Queensland Health on Friday seeking to clarify the status of the ward.

These included: whether there was still a designated ward, charge nurse and staff for children at the hospital; whether staffing levels at the ward were the same as this time last year; where sick (non-emergency) children go when they present to the hospital, and if there was a limit on how long they could stay.

Multiple sources have told The Gympie Times the hospital’s children's ward has been closed. Photo Tanya Easterby / The Gympie Times

The State was also asked whether a paediatrician still serviced Gympie Hospital.

In response a Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services spokesman said the hospital continued to provide on-site care but children requiring specialist services are sent south.

“Gympie Hospital continues to provide care to paediatric patients on site,” he said.

“The Women’s and Children’s directorate has oversight of this service along with all paediatric services across the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service region.

“This includes ensuring the availability of specialist paediatric clinical staff at Gympie to care for children.

“In addition to emergency department assessment and care, outpatient and targeted bed-based services are also provided for children at Gympie.

“Children requiring specialist paediatric care are transferred to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.”