Community & Business
16 February, 2025
Tablelands health care pilot plan
A NEW health home care service is planning a pilot project to establish clinics in Atherton and Mareeba staffed with nurse practitioners as a way of reducing wait times at hospitals.
Sunbird Home Care is a registered NDIS service provider operating under parent company Call My Doctor.
It has operated throughout Queensland for the past four years, including in Cairns and extended services to Kuranda, Sunbird Home Care director Lindsay Stewart said.
It specialises in 12-14 hour in-home personal and medical care, tailored services to support those living with disabilities, hospice support, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and occupational and speech therapy.
The pilot program was “still getting all of its ducks in a row,” Mr Stewart said.
However, Tablelands communities can access Sunbird’s services through its website.
“Hospitals in the area are overflowing, it can take 6-8 weeks to get a doctor’s appointment for non-life-threatening conditions,” Mr Stewart said.
“Our goal is to significantly reduce these wait times and bring Mareeba and Atherton residents the care they need.”
Mr Stewart also noted the growing challenges faced by vulnerable members of the community.
“Several disabled residents in Mareeba are at risk of displacement due to housing issues,” he said.
He is calling on State and Federal governments to support the program, through subsidising staff numbers, as it had the potential to be replicated in other towns across Australia.
“This isn’t just about Mareeba and Atherton – it’s a solution that could transform healthcare delivery in regional and remote communities nationwide,” he said.
For more information visit the Sunbird website: https://sunbirdhomecare.com.au/
