Bennett, Pitt, challenge Labor on Bundaberg Hospital cardiac ‘crisis’

Hospital staff are fearing the worst as Bundaberg is at risk of having just one cardiologist to service its population of more than 200,000 people.

MPs Keith Pitt and Stephen Bennett want answers on the state of cardiology services in the region, while WBHHS's Debbie Carroll says action is being taken.

Queensland MPs say they’re fearing the worst as the number of cardiologists in the Bundaberg region dwindles.

Latest Census data shows 35 per cent of Bundaberg’s population is aged 50 or older, but the availability of cardiology services has continued to decline with one specialist resigning and another considering retirement.

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett says should one of the two available cardiologists retire, it will leave just one in charge of 204,000 people.

In parliament on Thursday, Mr Bennett tabled a Question on Notice to Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath about what efforts were being made to attract more cardiologists to the area.

He asked the minister to confirm how many cardiologists are at Bundaberg Hospital, what processes were being put in place to recruit more cardiologists and how many are expected to be recruited for the hospital.

“This is serious, we need more heart doctors before lives are put at risk,” Mr Bennett said.

“A number of doctors and hospital staff have contacted me fearing people will be harmed, or worse die unnecessarily, if something is not done urgently.

“Our local cardiology service has been reduced to two, with one looking towards retirement. Queensland Health cannot seriously expect one person to look after the hearts of 204,000 people?”

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has fears there will be just one public cardiologist to service more than 200,000 people.

Mr Bennett said red tape was preventing overseas cardiologists from working in the area.

“There have been reports that overseas trained cardiologists have been turned away due to bureaucracy, in the meantime our two remaining cardiologists are being worked to the limit,” he said.

“I’m asking all levels of government to do everything in their power to bring more cardiologists to the Bundaberg region before it’s too late.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said it had been radio silence from the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler.

“I submitted a question in writing to the Federal Health Minister on September 26 and have had no response,” he said.

“I wrote to the minister on October 20 to request an urgent meeting with Dr Hermann Wittmer and myself, and are yet to receive a response.”

Mr Pitt said it wasn’t just heart patients who would be impacted by the shortage of cardiologists, but also any patient who needed a cardiac assessment prior to surgery.

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt claims his concerns are falling on deaf ears.

“The federal health minister needs to realise the serious consequences to patient safety and health outcomes for the people in our community if he won’t make chances to the District Workforce Shortage program,” he said.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the organisation was committed to delivering world-class health care to the communities of the Wide Bay and Burnett.

“We are working closely with our cardiology partner Genesis Care following the resignation of their Bundaberg cardiologist to address local workforce challenges and to ensure continuity of care for our patients,” she said.

“WBHHS uses a mixed model to provide cardiac care, using local services and partners, as well as referral to Metro North Hospital and Health Service for tertiary level care.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service CEO Debbie Carroll says cardiology is a priority.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure seamless cardiology pathways and care for our community.”

Ms Carroll said the health service saw cardiology services as a priority.

“We are prioritising this matter to ensure a high-quality and safe service continues to be delivered to patients needing cardiac care and interventions,” she said.

The health minister’s office was contacted for comment, but a response was not received in time for publication.

Comment has been sought from Mr Butler.

A petition has been launched to address the shortage of cardiologists.

It can be found here.

Originally published as Bennett, Pitt, challenge Labor on Bundaberg Hospital cardiac ‘crisis’