Colin Boyce (Flynn, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I hosted GPs, health professionals and local community advocates for a regional roundtable about health in Gladstone. It was an important opportunity for local professionals to discuss regional health challenges as well as practical solutions and initiatives that can be implemented by both state and federal governments. Gladstone Hospital was downgraded from a level 4 hospital to a level 3 hospital in 2019. Since this decision was made, the wider Gladstone region has seen services deteriorate, including all specialists leaving town. We saw the Gladstone maternity ward bypass end in 2023, after nearly a year on bypass.

From maternity bypasses to the lack of GP specialists, regional health has complex issues that need to be addressed. The Queensland government's plan to centralise health care to larger hospitals has added to the demise of basic health care in smaller regional communities. A good start to correct this course would be to upgrade Gladstone Hospital back to a level 4 facility. As the federal member for Flynn, I will continue to advocate for better regional health services and make sure our local communities are well represented.