NURSES forced to transport patients in wheelbarrows will have access to cars for the first time on some outer islands in the Torres Strait this week.
Queensland Nurses Union assistant secretary Beth Mohle said wheelbarrows had been the only method of patient transfer some nurses had, but negotiations with the State Government meant it was all about to change.
“It has been happening for years up there so this is why we are so excited about the cars,” Ms Mohle said.
“All of these islands will have a vehicle as a result of this.
“The first six are en-route as we speak.”
Ten vehicles – twin cab utilities – are being delivered as part of security and facility upgrades in remote far north Queensland following the alleged rape of a nurse at Mabuiag Island Health Clinic in the Torres Strait on February 5 this year.
Of course the obvious question for those with more green proclivities is why are the nurses not getting hybrid twin cab utes? because the greenies would at least have to concede that wheelbarrows are more environmentally friendly than an normal motor vehicle…
But seriously it is a good thing that the needs of nurses in these remote postings are finally being met but what is the bet that if these utes break down (and that is certain over time) that there will be no one available to fix them and it will be back to the wheel barrow anyway?
Cheers Comrades
Filed under: Indigenous Issues, Living with Nature, Queensland | Tagged: indigenous health issues
