My husband and I retired to the Granite Belt one year ago. When we left Brisbane, friends and family were very concerned about what would happen if we got sick and needed urgent medical attention.
As it happened, within two months of us moving here, my husband got very sick and our local doctor was on his case immediately. After several tests which were ordered by our doctor, he was referred to Brisbane specialists and diagnosed with cancer.
He has since had several operations, but most recently, after complications from his last surgery, I had to take him to Stanthorpe Hospital Emergency early one morning. He was in severe pain and within half an hour, Tina and her team in Emergency had him on a drip, x-rayed, blood tests done and everything in motion to find out what the problem was. It was deemed necessary after viewing x-rays and blood tests that my husband needed to go back to the Brisbane hospital urgently and Tina organised for the Royal Flying Doctors to transport him. By 6pm he was at the Mater Hospital with a team of surgeons waiting for him. All this efficiency was thanks to Tina and her staff at Stanthorpe Hospital. They got my husband stabilised and comfortable so he could fly and, in our opinion, helped save him from a life threatening problem.
Please do not underestimate the great service of the Stanthorpe Base Hospital and the staff that work there. They are a great team of doctors and nurses. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful service in our town. Also, please give generously to the Royal Flying Doctors. They operate independently of government funding and need all the support they can get to keep their wonderful service in the air. Our grateful thanks to all concerned in our recent medical drama.
Gene & Cheryl Rodgers,
Glen Aplin
