Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House during times of serious illness or critical injury, patients who would normally be surrounded by friends and family and support networks when admitted to their local health care facility are isolated from the very people who play an important part in providing care and emotional support, a result of being unable to afford the travel and accommodation, including spending their last days together. 

Eligible patients are required to pay the first four nights of that accommodation (commercial or private) in each financial year, unless they meet the following criteria in which case the patient and their escort/s are exempt:

• Patient is a minor (under 18 years-of-age).

• Concession card holder - if a patient holds one of the following valid cards: Pensioner Concession Card; Centrelink Health Care Card; Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; Department of Veteran Affairs Health Card (blue/white card only).

It is financial inequality. Many do not have a concession card and are enduring financial hardship. The scheme guidelines should ensure equity (the scheme facilitates equitable access to specialist healthcare services across Queensland) and is the causation for financial hardship and cancelled health care. This rule has no place in the scheme. It can be the difference between a patient obtaining the health care they require or not if they are unable to access subsidised accommodation. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to remove 6.2 Payment of the first four night’s accommodation from the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme guidelines.