Queensland Health Minister denies any involvement in Whitsunday doctor's hospital ban

The man at the head of the health department has weighed into the debate between Proserpine doctor Paul Joice and the credentialing committee.

Dr Paul Joice, a GP in the community for more than 33 years, has effectively been banned from treating acute patients within the Proserpine Hospital on the grounds his credentialing is not up to date.

Claims in today’s Whitsunday Coast Guardian by LNP candidate Jason Costigan that the ban is politically motivated have been met with disbelief by the Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson.

“I don't know Dr Joice or any role he may have had as a failed political candidate.  I don't believe I have ever met him, and I have no idea what politics he may have.  That is of no interest to me. 

I also play no role whatsoever in any credentialing decision.  I played no role in the decisions relating to Dr Joice,” Minister Wilson said.

“Dr Joice ought to be aware by now of the independent processes by which every clinician in our hospitals has to establish their credentials to an independent expert panel of clinicians.  If he doesn't understand that after several meetings with his local credentialing committee, it beggars belief. 

I'm now advised Dr Joice's credentialing was reviewed by the appropriate expert panel and a decision made on safety grounds.  I'm also advised he has a right to have that decision reviewed.  He has been advised of that.  If he believes he has a case to be heard, he should utilise the proper review process,” he said.

Quota Care Bears bring smiles to Proserpine Hospital

 Last Tuesday a very special delivery was dropped off to the Proserpine Hospital.

Eighty-year-old Dorothy Wilkes has been knitting 'Quota care bears' which she donates to the hospital for a while now, however a recent donation of supplies from a fellow community member ensured the next delivery would come on time.

 After reading an article about Dorothy and her daughter Anne Lowbridge donating the care bears, published in the Guardian in July, Geoff Hunter of Geoff Hunter Coaches wanted to help them out in any way possible.

 "Stuffing is the most expensive, which is what Geoff donated to make the bears," Anne said.

 Geoff said Dorothy and Anne, a Quota service committee member, are working wonders with their quest to make the bears.

 "It's a contribution to the community, and it does a good thing for the hospital," Geoff said.

 After busily knitting 20 colourful teddy bears and six pairs of comfortable bed socks, Anne and Dorothy kindly donated the goods to the Proserpine Hospital last week.

 Proserpine Hospital facility manager and director of nursing Nicole Young said the community has always been very generous to the hospital.

 "It's wonderful. Anything that makes the children more comfortable helps us to treat them better," Ms Young said, "and the children can take them into day surgery to make them feel more comfortable."

 Dorothy said she enjoys making the bears, opting for brightly coloured wool for them and the darker coloured wool for bed socks.

 "I've done so many bears, I don't need a pattern anymore," she joked, "and I'm up to my ears in wool."

 Each care bear is creatively wrapped and include a nice 'get-well' message. If you would like to make a donation, please call Anne on 4945 1884.

Tribute to Whitsunday Nurses

Nurses in the Whitsunday region were congratulated on Thursday, which marked International Nurses Day for the work they do within the local community.

 The Proserpine Hospital hosted an afternoon tea and presented special awards to local nurses to acknowledge the positive influence they have not only patients’ lives but also on the lives of their families and friends.

 Acting director of nursing and facility manager Donna Martin said all nurses should be proud of themselves and International Nurses Day is a time to reflect and pay tribute to them.

 “They go above and beyond the call of duty. It is important they know they are respected and acknowledged for what they do,” Ms Martin said.

 Proserpine Hospital clinical nurse Tina Badenhorst was awarded the Mackay Health Service District Nurses’ Nurse award last week as well as the Peta Watson memorial trophy for the positive work she brings to the hospital staff’s team. 

Hospital clinic threatens GPs

A group of Whitsunday doctors met late last night in Cannonvale to express their anger over the state government's decision to establish a GP clinic in the Proserpine Hospital.
The lack of consultation over necessity for the clinic was the focal point of the meeting, with doctors claiming they only heard about the new clinic on the same day it became operational.
To read more on this and other local news stories pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available now from leading news agencies, service stations, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.