Patient failed on skin therapy

TOWNSVILLE Hospital patients are being redirected to Cairns and Brisbane for dermatology treatment, despite it being the largest hospital in Northern Australia.

One patient took his concerns to the Health Minister Stephen Miles, calling for a permanent dermatology unit after being told there was no one at the hospital qualified enough to prescribe the treatment required to manage a severe skin condition.

The Townsville Bulletin has seen an email addressed to Mundingburra MP Coralee O’rourke, Mr Miles and Premier Annastasia Palazscszuk outlining the patient’s distress and frustration that he had undergone five years of disrupted treatment and remained using a drug for 18 months without any monitoring, despite the recommended use to be no longer than six weeks.

It is understood Ms O’ROurke and the Premier responded to the patient that his concerns had been directed to the minister responsible: Mr Miles, who is yet to reply.

The patient claimed to have seen four dermatologists in five years, going for extended periods with no appointment availability, and the only option to be referred to Cairns or Brisbane where there are qualified staff to provide the level of care needed.

After receiving no response from Mr Miles, the patient raised the issues with Dawson MP George Christensen.

“One of my Townsville constituents contacted my office because they were not getting any help from the State Government in relation to his health concerns and inability to access dermatology services at the Townsville Hospital,” Mr Christensen said.

“I understand his state MP and the Premier passed his correspondence on to the Queensland Health Minister, and the Health Minister does not even bother to respond.”

The Townsville Hospital confirmed it had a fully funded dermatology unit and rather, staffing was the issue, stating it would not have a resident specialist dermatologist until February 2020.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said creating a fully functioning dermatology unit was now a priority.

“Dermatology is a very difficult specialty to attract to regional centres like Townsville,” he said.

Mr Miles was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.

Since making inquiries to the Townsville Hospital an appointment has been made available to the patient.