Health Minister Steven Miles visited Ipswich today, with $49 million in his back pocket and praising the work of doctors, nurses, paramedics and medical professionals in the West Moreton Health region.
The money is extra funding from the State Government to ramp up COVID-19 preparations.
The minister revealed that West Moreton Hospital and Health Service is currently managing two positive cases of COVID-19 with one patient currently being treated in Ipswich Hospital.
There have only been 37 cases in the region and no new ones since the start of April.
Mr Miles was joined at Ipswich Hospital by local Ipswich MPs, Charis Mullen (Jordan), Jennifer Howard (Ipswich) and Lance McCallum (Bundamba) and visited the ICU unit.
“Every one of our hospital and health services has a comprehensive plan in place but pandemics by their very nature are unpredictable and apt to change rapidly so it’s critical they have our full support,” Mr Miles said.
“Even though right now, Queensland has been successfully flattening the curve, we need to remain agile and prepared in case that situation changes.”
Ms Mullen said West Moreton Hospital and Health Service had invested in a virtual hospital program to support COVID-19 patients recovering at home.
“MeCare allows clinicians to remotely monitor and support the care needs of patients who can remain in the comfort of their own homes and leave hospital beds available for those who need it most,” she said.
“This is a great example of how the heroes on the frontline are able to adapt and implement innovative and socially distanced appropriate technology to benefit patients.”
Ms Howard said Ipswich Hospital staff had done an amazing job.
“We are in extraordinary circumstances and I would like to wholeheartedly thank our health heroes on the frontline who have been working around the clock to care for and manage patients who have fallen ill to COVID-19,” she said.
“They have done such a wonderful job from the beginning in planning and responding to COVID-19 in their community.”
Mr McCallum said the majority of patients in the West Moreton region had recovered from COVID-19 symptoms.
“It is so great that almost every single person who contracted COVID-19 in West Moreton has recovered,” he said.
“I want to thank each and every person who played their part, either as a nurse or doctor on the frontline, or by staying home as much as possible to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.”
Minister Miles did not have time to meet new Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding but communicated with her during the afternoon to update her on state assistance.
Read More
>>> Rates assistance provided for Ipswich community in wake of pandemic