Homeless crisis Qld: Social housing push denies hospital patients accommodation

Rural patients and their families travelling to the city for vital healthcare such as brain surgery or transplants are losing discount accommodation, as the apartment blocks have been bought up by the government for the homeless.

Rural patient advocate Justine Christerson

Rural patients and their families travelling to the city for vital healthcare such as brain surgery or transplants are losing discount accommodation, as the apartment blocks have been bought up by the government for the homeless.

Rural patient advocates say this is a serious blow to rural Queenslanders, as some are already sleeping in their cars near hospitals as they cannot afford a mortgage at home and rent in the city.

Justine Christerson, who runs community group Breaking Down the Barriers For Rural Patients in City Hospitals, said: “How ironic that while the government attempts to ease the homeless crisis this could push more people who are sick and vulnerable into sleeping in cars.

“The right hand of the government has no idea what the left hand is doing.

“It seems like the Housing Department has got their hands on a list of the accommodation centres that provide a place to stay for rural patients. Why can’t they look elsewhere? They are stealing from Peter to give to Paul.”

The long-serving patient advocate claims that the government has purchased the PA Apartments and two other facilities near the Princess Alexandra Hospital, all of which had special cost deduction arrangements with Queensland Health.

PA Apartments near the Princess Alexandra Hospital

“Patients who are required to travel to access medical care that is not available close to home are able to access patient travel subsidy scheme, but these apartments have an arrangement with Queensland Health where the subsidy can be claimed as a deduction off a nightly rate rather than patients having to wait up to six months to get their money back,” Ms Christerson said.

A nightly stay for two at the PA Apartments is then reduced from about $170 per night to $30. Many apartments in the city charge more than $300 per night.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said there were hundreds of providers under the patient travel subsidy scheme, and 43 hotels were used by patients accessing care at PA Hospital.

“There are no reported issues with availability of hotel accommodation,” she said.

But Ms Christerson said: “How many of those 43 offer the special deals where payment is not required upfront?”

A bedroom at PA Apartments. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Premier Steven Miles announced the purchase of the PA Apartments on Instagram at the weekend.

“This was one of the most popular stay for patients due to the cost-cut deal with Queensland Health, but also because of its proximity to the PA Hospital,” Ms Christerson said.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon told The Courier-Mail strategic purchasing of existing properties helped deliver more homes faster for Queenslanders in need.

“Like any other purchaser, government considers properties put on the open market by sellers who are seeking to sell short-term accommodation,” Ms Scanlon said.

“We work closely with the sellers to ensure that any tenants or residents can continue to have a safe place to live.”

However the Breaking Down the Barriers patient advocate said that with the expansion of the hospital and specialist services at the PA Hospital over the next two years, accessible accommodation will be a nightmare.

“Within immediate walking distance of the hospital, there are few providers remaining, half of what there was this time last year,” Ms Christerson said.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: Steve Pohlner