E-Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the reduction in primary healthcare access in Clermont. Over the past five years, three general practices in Clermont have closed, either by Mackay Hospital and Health Services or as a consequence of a MHHS action. This has resulted in diminished availability of primary medical services and reduced continuity of care.

We further note concerns regarding the recruitment practices and capacity of MHHS to advertise and retain medical practitioners at the Clermont Hospital. Ongoing medical workforce shortages and the reliance on locums have contributed to uncertainty and limited access to essential healthcare for residents. We also wish to express concern at MHHS capacity to deliver an appropriate health care model to Clermont; and express community interest in a locally governed model, including the existing medical surgery to be managed by a locally based entity to ensure sustainable, community-focused primary care services.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

1. Investigate the closure of three general medical practices in Clermont over the past five years providing answers to the community including the role that local administration staff have played in the closures.
2. Investigate MHHS recruitment, and willingness to actively pursue staff specifically for the Clermont Hospital including the role if any that local administration staff have played in this selection and decision making process.
3. Establish a locally-governed primary healthcare model for Clermont, managed by local people for the benefit of the local community.