Healthcare Accessibility: What’s going on?

The Fraser Coast has experienced significant growth in population over the past 3 years. Our region is more mature in its population and with this has increased chronic disease burden. Healthcare accessibility is one concern that often brought up. Factors affecting access include:

• Geographical distribution
• Cost
• Time
• Workforce availability

The population is based in Hervey Bay and Maryborough; however, it does spread north to Burrum Heads and south past Bauple. Residents may need to travel significant distances to access healthcare, some of which might not be available on the Fraser Coast. This is particularly challenging for elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those without reliable transportation.

Reduce healthcare accessibility invariability increases cost to the individual, whether it be travelling expenses, lost productivity, and increased costs of access. Similarly, we know that that delivery of healthcare in regional areas due to reduced efficiencies are more costly.

Like across the state of Queensland, the Fraser Coast also faces a shortage of health care professionals. Recruiting and retaining doctors, nurses, and specialists can be difficult, leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to certain types of care.

The challenges described above are not new. However, we are seeing innovative models of care to improve access and choice to residents for the Fraser Coast. As a clinician it is refreshing to see our local services including the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, St Stephen’s Hospital, Hervey Bay Surgical Centre, and Ramsay Health in collaboration with primary care providers to provide a wide range of services.

Improving access to healthcare is not an easy fix, but investment into workforce, innovation and collaborative models of care are essential. Expanding transport options (which includes improved flight options), increasing funding for regional health services, and enhancing telehealth capabilities can help bridge the gap in health care accessibility on the Fraser Coast. We have seen a rise of visiting medical specialists and telehealth models such as Virtual ED and Tele-Stroke.

The Fraser Coast does have challenges, but given the growth there is an opportunity to shape healthcare for the region. This needs to ensure that there is a more equitable and accessible health care system for all.

Dr Nick Yim - GP Torquay Doctors