February 28, 2019

The Goondiwindi Meditrans service is up and running after a successful twelve month trial period. The service provides volunteer drivers for people in the community who have trouble getting to medical appointments in Toowoomba.

The project is offered by Goondiwindi Regional Council and collaboratively supported by the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, Tait Motors, and the Darling Downs Health.

Goondiwindi Regional Council’s Co-ordinator for Centre and Community Care Sue Salisbury was keen to emphasise that many specialist services are now more available to their community right here in the region - and without the drive time.

Ms Salisbury co-ordinates the Meditrans service along with numerous other healthcare services in the region. Meditrans has grown significantly since Ms Salisbury took on the role. December 2018 was the busiest month on record.

Ms Salisbury emphasised just how important accessibility to medical services is in a regional area -  especially when patients become too unwell to drive or do not have family available to take them to appointments in other centres.

The Meditrans service complements visiting, phone and teleconference services accessible to the local community which include:

• Vital Health Darling Downs offers podiatry and speech pathology, with occupational therapy coming soon. These services can be accessed through Medicare GP referral, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, Work Cover, NDIS, or privately.
• NewAccess is a free, confidential program developed by Beyond Blue to assist people struggling with day-to-day pressures. A specially trained and experienced coach will offer support to help people get back on track. Appointments can occur face-to-face or over the phone. This service is also funded by the PHN. 
• Lifeline is a free service that visits Goondiwindi once a month to offer information, support or counselling to individuals, families or friends of people affected by gambling. Face to face or telephone counselling is available.
• Carers QLD Australia represents the diverse needs and interests of carers. Carers QLD advocates for carer rights and to improve services and support and develop programs and policies that assist carers to perform their caring role.

For enquiries about the Meditrans service, please contact Sue Salisbury on 0436 668 763.