Northern NSW patients requiring specialist treatment in Queensland have been given a ray of hope with the Queensland Government watering down drastic quarantine restrictions that saw patients on both sides of the border being denied lifesaving care, according to Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest.
“It is going to get a little easier for NSW residents outside Queensland’s “border zone” now able to apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass to obtain essential medical care not available at their place of residence,” Mr Provest said.
Patients can enter Queensland from outside the border zone, or travel to health providers in Queensland located outside the border zone with special quarantine requirements now set in place.
Residents should apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass (General) at www.qld.gov.au/border-pass and select the option “Entering Queensland to obtain specialist health care”.
Patients will also need to provide proof of the appointment or procedure in writing when crossing the border and must return to NSW directly and immediately once this is complete. More information is available on the website or by calling 13 42 68.
“It is a welcome step forward in what has become a cross-border nightmare for critically ill people who need specialist treatment.”