Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme doubled

Premier Campbell Newman and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg have announced the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) will double for Queenslanders living in rural and remote areas, fulfilling another election commitment.

Premier Newman said this meant patients who had to travel long distances to see medical specialists now had more assistance than ever.

“We have committed $106 million over four years to ensure Queenslanders have greater access to the medical care they need,” Mr Newman said.

“We are doubling the accommodation subsidy from $30 to $60 per night per person and the mileage subsidy from 15 cents to 30 cents per kilometre.

“This is the first time since 1987 that the accommodation subsidy has been increased.

“The previous Labor government increased the petrol mileage subsidy by just 5 cents per kilometre in 2007, but this increase truly helps patients who have to drive long distances.”

The PTSS provides financial support for public and private patients to access specialist health services that are more than 50km away from their closest public hospital, with patients from regional, rural and remote locations the main users of the Scheme.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the Queensland Government had acted quickly to improve affordable access to health services for rural and regional Queenslanders.

“This much needed boost will help ease the financial burden and stress of travelling to access health services,” Mr Springborg said.

“This is part of this government’s commitment to revitalising front line services.”

The announcement was made at the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland ESA Village and CEO Mr Bill Petch praised the initiative.

“Today’s announcement will significantly increase the Foundation’s ability to improve outcomes for patients,” Mr Petch said.
“It will alleviate accommodation costs and allow the Foundation to further invest funds into research and finding cures and better treatments for patients.
“Every year the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland provides more than 40,000 nights of free accommodation, which removes the financial burden and offers patients peace of mind during very traumatic circumstances.
“This increase in the PTSS makes an enormous difference to our bottom line; it means accessing more funds which go directly to supporting blood cancer patients throughout Queensland.
“Our free accommodation program is second to none, and we applaud Queensland Health for recognising the need to increase this vital subsidy scheme.”

[ENDS] 9 September, 2012

Contact: Health Minister: Clare Mildren 0417 255 284 
                Leukaemia Foundation Contact: Susie Hunter 0408 337 843