More angst as Aurukun medics quit

THE troubled Western Cape York community of Aurukun faces further hurdles in the fight against coronavirus as both the only long-term GP and the nursing director have resigned.

Cape York and healthcare insiders have painted a picture of whittled-down services being left to cater to the community with more staff reconsidering their positions under the looming threat of COVID-19.

“They don’t want to be fronting a royal commission explaining why so many people in their care would have died,” one Cape York healthcare professional said.

“Coronavirus may have already arrived on a plane, it may not arrive for three months. We won’t know until it happens.” It is understood the Aurukun clinic has 80 face masks, which sources indicate would last one or two days in the event of an epidemic.

Meanwhile stretched Queensland Health staff have been administering flu shots to the elderly.

A locum doctor is expected to arrive in the community next week but the town is still wanting for fly-in healthcare workers including podiatrists, diabetes specialists and dietitians. Those that remain battle with “fear and ignorance”.

“The old people are very worried. They know what the odds are here,” one Aurukun healthcare worker said.

The disturbing state of affairs follows the surprise return of 60 displaced residents to the community this month that resulted in many sleeping on the streets and unwilling to walk across town to temporary accommodation due to residual fears of clan violence due to the January 1 riots. The return was facilitated by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

“All underwent health screenings … before returning to their homes,” a DATSIP spokeswoman said.

But psychologist Dr Tim White, currently in Aurukun, described scenes of returnees finding their belongings strewn in the bush and being left to face the night without food or bedding.

A Queensland Health spokesman said recruiting was under way to replace the Director of Nursing and its facilities had “plans in place” to replace personal protective equipment.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council has been asked for comment.

There are no cases COVID-19 in Cape York. of