Boost for Ambulance Transport Service on Redcliffe peninsula

Redcliffe residents in need of transport to and from medical appointments and surgeries are benefiting from a new ambulance transport vehicle on the peninsula.

Minister for Health and Ambulances Services Yvette D’Ath says the new $104,000 Mercedes Sprinter Patient Transport Bus was a great addition to the local health and ambulance network and a big win for peninsula residents.

“A lot of people wouldn’t realise what our Queensland Ambulance Patient Transport Officers do, and how valued they are by their patients,” Ms D’Ath says.

“These dedicated professionals safely transport thousands of peninsula residents to their appointments each year. They forge strong one-on-one connections with their patients and know how to put them at ease on their journey to medical appointments.

“With this new vehicle, Redcliffe Ambulance Station and its 22-strong workforce will be able to take local ambulance services to a new level.”

The new Mercedes Sprinter has been converted into a hi-tech ambulance vehicle for non-urgent patient transport services.

“The 12-seat bus contains safety features specifically designed to meet the needs of patients,” Ms D’Ath says.

“It’s a great new addition to an increasingly busy local health and ambulance network. Patient Transport Officers from Redcliffe undertake almost 4500 responses per year, assisting thousands of patients.”

One such patient is Jan Bowman, who has been using the service for about three years.

“I needed to start using it because of the condition I had, I’ve still got it, which is autoimmune and it’s called Multifocal Motor Neuropathy. So, I have weakness in my hands in the nerves and muscles and also my feet, so I have to wear callipers on my legs. It can make me quite weak and I have a risk of falls.”

“It (the service) is absolutely wonderful. Last year, I had a little bit of a setback in October and I had a fall at home, so after two weeks at the Mater I came out and they tried me on a new drug – a chemo drug – and when I went on that it took me a few months to become well again.”

Vital service

Jan says it would have been difficult for her to travel to her appointments at the Mater Hospital’s neurosciences unit without the service.

“All the ambos have been absolutely wonderful. They’re so respectful, professional, caring and you’ll be there and they’ll say, ‘are you OK?’. Every one of your needs is met,” she says.

Patient Transport Officer Maureen Briggs says the new bus is a welcome boost.

“I think it’s fantastic. It’s visible, people know who we are, they know what we do and why we’re there,” Maureen says.

“I think we can transport a lot more patients at the same time and get everyone where they need to be on time and safely as well.”

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