Queensland is known for its vast and breathtaking beauty. However, this natural advantage doesn't always translate into easy access to specialised healthcare services, particularly for those residing in rural parts of the state.

Fortunately, there is a ray of hope in the form of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), which has long been in place to provide financial assistance to regional Queenslanders who need to travel in order to receive essential medical care.

Fortunately, the Queensland state government has recently introduced the first increase to the PTSS in over a decade! This news has brought relief and optimism to many.

Nevertheless, patients and healthcare advocates are now raising important questions about whether this increase is truly sufficient to cover the ever-rising expenses faced by those living in remote and rural areas.

Health advocates are saying it is time the scheme was reviewed. Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets.

If you're not familiar with PTSS, here's how it works: Eligible patients have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy that helps cover their travel and accommodation expenses when accessing specialist medical services.

Once approved for the PTSS, patients will receive a subsidy to travel to the nearest public hospital or health facility where the required specialist treatment is available. If the patient needs to travel to access private specialist services, they may still be eligible for a subsidy as long as the service is not available within a 50-kilometre radius of their closest public hospital or health facility.

Funded by the Queensland Government and administered through Queensland Health, the PTSS aims to support residents across Queensland in accessing the specialised medical treatment they need, regardless of where they live in the state.

You can register your interest here.

The changes to the PTSS include a nightly accommodation rebate increase from $60 to $70 per night and a petrol reimbursement raise from 30 cents to 34 cents per kilometre. Sounds positive, right? But let's take a closer look.

The average cost of a hotel room in Brisbane, where many critical specialist services are available, ranges from $130 per night to upwards of $250 per night for basic rooms, according to the latest accommodation data. That leaves quite a gap between the rebate amount and the actual cost of staying in the city.

The Palaszczuk government pledged $70.3 million towards the scheme as part of the $1.6 billion cost-of-living relief package announced in this year's state budget. Despite that, some are still sceptical about the increase's impact on rural Queenslanders' lives.

In an interview with a news outlet, health advocate Justine Christerson said: 'I'm grateful because it's better than denying an increase, but let's be honest… September 2012 was the last increase, so it's been a long time between drinks.'

While she agrees that the changes are helpful, Christerson maintains that more could be done.

Similarly, Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar see the scheme as 'seriously underfunded', stating that the increase is insufficient in providing long-term help for rural patients.

​

One such patient, Grant Bunter from Ilfracombe in rural Queensland, faces a 1,100-kilometre journey to Brisbane for his liver cancer treatment. While grateful for the increase, he estimates spending roughly $12,000 on travel expenses for medical appointments in the last year alone.

'Any increase in assistance is great, but every appointment I attend costs me at least $300 out-of-pocket… and it all adds up,' said Bunter.

Even though the PTSS covers his flights, Bunter must pay for other expenses—such as taxi rides, accommodation, and food—out of his own pocket. Although Bunter can afford these costs, he recognises that not everyone has the same privilege.

'I can afford this, but I know other people can't. You can't get accommodation in Brisbane for less than $140 per night, so $70 is disappointing.'

The Queensland government revealed that PTSS funding has grown from $94.8 million in 2021-22 to $97.2 million for 2022-23. However, the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland suggests reviewing the scheme yearly in line with inflation increases.

Justine Christerson's perspective echoes this notion—though the subsidy has assisted many Queenslanders, it fails to keep up with the cost of living. Christerson launched a petition calling for an in-depth review of PTSS.

'Ultimately, I would like to see the government spend $70 million on bringing health care closer to home for the country regions,' she said, adding, 'I would really love to see the single rate go up to $80 per night or $90 per night. We hear about new hospitals popping up on [the east coast] all the time, but rural patients have to travel thousands of kilometres… So where are the priorities?'

Key Takeaways

• Rural Queenslanders welcome the first increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) in more than ten years but say it does not go far enough in addressing health inequity.
• The changes to the PTSS include an increase to the nightly accommodation rebate from $60 to $70 per night and an increase to petrol reimbursement from 30 cents to 34c per kilometre.
• Health advocates Justine Christerson and Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar both believe the scheme is underfunded and that the increase does not provide enough support for rural patients.
• The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland has suggested that the scheme should be reviewed yearly in line with increases in inflation.

Members, how long have you been aware of the PTSS, and have you or someone you know ever utilised this scheme? What improvements or changes would you like to see? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[steve.bryce]

PATS is funded by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program and is administered by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). It aims to support WA country patients' access to specialist medical services wherever they live in the State.

On average, PATS assists 35,000 country patients access specialist medical services and subsidises 99,000 travel journeys each year.

PATS applications are assessed by regional PATS offices in line with current PATS policy and eligibility criteria.

These easy to follow PATS videos provide more information on the scheme.

Patients eligible for PATS can apply for the following subsidies:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Support person (previously known as escort)

PATS is increased every 12 months according to the cpi, automatically. overnight accommodation is currently up to $102.75 per night. they even pay for you to stay at a private home (family) if you travel far enough to get there ($20 per person, per night).
they will pay for bus, car or coach travel .... certain requirements apply.

WA Country Health Service - PATS subsidies

You may be eligible for travel, accommodation and support person (previously escort) subsidies. This includes family travel and recipients travelling together.

www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au

 

[GranniCaz]

Queensland is known for its vast and breathtaking beauty. However, this natural advantage doesn't always translate into easy access to specialised healthcare services, particularly for those residing in rural parts of the state.

Fortunately, there is a ray of hope in the form of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), which has long been in place to provide financial assistance to regional Queenslanders who need to travel in order to receive essential medical care.

Fortunately, the Queensland state government has recently introduced the first increase to the PTSS in over a decade! This news has brought relief and optimism to many.

Nevertheless, patients and healthcare advocates are now raising important questions about whether this increase is truly sufficient to cover the ever-rising expenses faced by those living in remote and rural areas.

View attachment 22401

Health advocates are saying it is time the scheme was reviewed. Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets.

If you're not familiar with PTSS, here's how it works: Eligible patients have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy that helps cover their travel and accommodation expenses when accessing specialist medical services.

Once approved for the PTSS, patients will receive a subsidy to travel to the nearest public hospital or health facility where the required specialist treatment is available. If the patient needs to travel to access private specialist services, they may still be eligible for a subsidy as long as the service is not available within a 50-kilometre radius of their closest public hospital or health facility.

Funded by the Queensland Government and administered through Queensland Health, the PTSS aims to support residents across Queensland in accessing the specialised medical treatment they need, regardless of where they live in the state.

You can register your interest here.

The changes to the PTSS include a nightly accommodation rebate increase from $60 to $70 per night and a petrol reimbursement raise from 30 cents to 34 cents per kilometre. Sounds positive, right? But let's take a closer look.

The average cost of a hotel room in Brisbane, where many critical specialist services are available, ranges from $130 per night to upwards of $250 per night for basic rooms, according to the latest accommodation data. That leaves quite a gap between the rebate amount and the actual cost of staying in the city.

The Palaszczuk government pledged $70.3 million towards the scheme as part of the $1.6 billion cost-of-living relief package announced in this year's state budget. Despite that, some are still sceptical about the increase's impact on rural Queenslanders' lives.

In an interview with a news outlet, health advocate Justine Christerson said: 'I'm grateful because it's better than denying an increase, but let's be honest… September 2012 was the last increase, so it's been a long time between drinks.'

While she agrees that the changes are helpful, Christerson maintains that more could be done.

Similarly, Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar see the scheme as 'seriously underfunded', stating that the increase is insufficient in providing long-term help for rural patients.

​

One such patient, Grant Bunter from Ilfracombe in rural Queensland, faces a 1,100-kilometre journey to Brisbane for his liver cancer treatment. While grateful for the increase, he estimates spending roughly $12,000 on travel expenses for medical appointments in the last year alone.

'Any increase in assistance is great, but every appointment I attend costs me at least $300 out-of-pocket… and it all adds up,' said Bunter.

Even though the PTSS covers his flights, Bunter must pay for other expenses—such as taxi rides, accommodation, and food—out of his own pocket. Although Bunter can afford these costs, he recognises that not everyone has the same privilege.

'I can afford this, but I know other people can't. You can't get accommodation in Brisbane for less than $140 per night, so $70 is disappointing.'

The Queensland government revealed that PTSS funding has grown from $94.8 million in 2021-22 to $97.2 million for 2022-23. However, the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland suggests reviewing the scheme yearly in line with inflation increases.

Justine Christerson's perspective echoes this notion—though the subsidy has assisted many Queenslanders, it fails to keep up with the cost of living. Christerson launched a petition calling for an in-depth review of PTSS.

'Ultimately, I would like to see the government spend $70 million on bringing health care closer to home for the country regions,' she said, adding, 'I would really love to see the single rate go up to $80 per night or $90 per night. We hear about new hospitals popping up on [the east coast] all the time, but rural patients have to travel thousands of kilometres… So where are the priorities?'

Key Takeaways

• Rural Queenslanders welcome the first increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) in more than ten years but say it does not go far enough in addressing health inequity.
• The changes to the PTSS include an increase to the nightly accommodation rebate from $60 to $70 per night and an increase to petrol reimbursement from 30 cents to 34c per kilometre.
• Health advocates Justine Christerson and Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar both believe the scheme is underfunded and that the increase does not provide enough support for rural patients.
• The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland has suggested that the scheme should be reviewed yearly in line with increases in inflation.

Members, how long have you been aware of the PTSS, and have you or someone you know ever utilised this scheme? What improvements or changes would you like to see? Share them with us in the comments below!

Remote Australians in general are brutalised and discriminatory by an underfunded Health “Care” system and consequently the PTSS …… we are simply victims of our minimal voting power ….. our health and welfare measured and meted out accordingly.

 

[Penny4]

It's very unfortunate, but it's never been any different ... health care to see a medical Specialist/treatment, if people don't live in cities around Australia. For children, there are Ronald McDonald places to stay, however there's a gap for adults. I'm sure there is Medistays for accommodation assistance in Qld. You still pay, but patients get subsidy.

 

[Judith1946]

when my husband was treated in Peter Macs here in Melbourne and we lived over a 100 kilometres away at the time we were privileged to stay in the hospital accomodation and if they were booked up the leukaemia charity found me a room nearby. Sometimes we had to stay for a month at a time, but it was always two weeks at least. If this hadn’t been available for us I don’t know what we would have done. I think it cost about $10 a night, I can’t remember exactly but we could afford it. Is there no such accommodation in Brisbane, and if not why not build a block of flats or some sort of units even a share house. Surely that would be really helpful. If we hadn’t had the hospital accomodation I wouldn’t have been able to be with my husband over the 11 months of his illness which would have been devastating for us both.

 

[Gaena]

While I can sympathise with anyone living in regional or remote areas who struggle to find affordable medical care and the costs associated with any diagnosis for cancer or other serious illness treatment I have only good things to say regarding the scheme operating in WA.
My husband was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago, he needed to undergo radiation therapy as well as Chemotherapy, at the time of his diagnosis Radiation therapy was not available at our local Hospitals and he was told he would need to go to Perth, to attend The Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital where he would receive both the radiation and chemotherapy, he was advised that he would be away from home for 6 weeks, of course panic set in, how would we be able to afford all of the travel and accommodation expenses. his surgeon told us about the PATS system in WA and gave us a refferal to the local office, which is conveniently located in our hospital precinct.
The stress involved with a cancer diagnosis was lessened considerably by the help given to us by PATS, travel expenses, including air fares were paid for and accommodation at Crawford Lodge which is within the Sir Charles Gardiner hospital grounds was organised, the lodge was built to house Cancer patients who have to come to Perth for treatment, most of the rooms are similar to a motel with a small kitchenette, Free WIFI and a TV, extensive Laundry and kitchen facilities are available through out the complex, with staff available to help with just about anything that may be needed by the patients.
While it was a difficult time, for us both, especially the time we had to spend apart, PATS and the Crawford Lodge helped us hugely, the lighter side of being apart for so long was a few long weekend holiday's we had together when I was able to travel up to Perth to stay with him. He also enjoyed being able to cook his own meals, something he is not able to do at home, being banned from our own kitchen LOL.
I am grateful to report his treatment was a success and that his tumor was effectively banished.

 

[Peeky]

Queensland is known for its vast and breathtaking beauty. However, this natural advantage doesn't always translate into easy access to specialised healthcare services, particularly for those residing in rural parts of the state.

Fortunately, there is a ray of hope in the form of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), which has long been in place to provide financial assistance to regional Queenslanders who need to travel in order to receive essential medical care.

Fortunately, the Queensland state government has recently introduced the first increase to the PTSS in over a decade! This news has brought relief and optimism to many.

Nevertheless, patients and healthcare advocates are now raising important questions about whether this increase is truly sufficient to cover the ever-rising expenses faced by those living in remote and rural areas.

View attachment 22401

Health advocates are saying it is time the scheme was reviewed. Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets.

If you're not familiar with PTSS, here's how it works: Eligible patients have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy that helps cover their travel and accommodation expenses when accessing specialist medical services.

Once approved for the PTSS, patients will receive a subsidy to travel to the nearest public hospital or health facility where the required specialist treatment is available. If the patient needs to travel to access private specialist services, they may still be eligible for a subsidy as long as the service is not available within a 50-kilometre radius of their closest public hospital or health facility.

Funded by the Queensland Government and administered through Queensland Health, the PTSS aims to support residents across Queensland in accessing the specialised medical treatment they need, regardless of where they live in the state.

You can register your interest here.

The changes to the PTSS include a nightly accommodation rebate increase from $60 to $70 per night and a petrol reimbursement raise from 30 cents to 34 cents per kilometre. Sounds positive, right? But let's take a closer look.

The average cost of a hotel room in Brisbane, where many critical specialist services are available, ranges from $130 per night to upwards of $250 per night for basic rooms, according to the latest accommodation data. That leaves quite a gap between the rebate amount and the actual cost of staying in the city.

The Palaszczuk government pledged $70.3 million towards the scheme as part of the $1.6 billion cost-of-living relief package announced in this year's state budget. Despite that, some are still sceptical about the increase's impact on rural Queenslanders' lives.

In an interview with a news outlet, health advocate Justine Christerson said: 'I'm grateful because it's better than denying an increase, but let's be honest… September 2012 was the last increase, so it's been a long time between drinks.'

While she agrees that the changes are helpful, Christerson maintains that more could be done.

Similarly, Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar see the scheme as 'seriously underfunded', stating that the increase is insufficient in providing long-term help for rural patients.

​

One such patient, Grant Bunter from Ilfracombe in rural Queensland, faces a 1,100-kilometre journey to Brisbane for his liver cancer treatment. While grateful for the increase, he estimates spending roughly $12,000 on travel expenses for medical appointments in the last year alone.

'Any increase in assistance is great, but every appointment I attend costs me at least $300 out-of-pocket… and it all adds up,' said Bunter.

Even though the PTSS covers his flights, Bunter must pay for other expenses—such as taxi rides, accommodation, and food—out of his own pocket. Although Bunter can afford these costs, he recognises that not everyone has the same privilege.

'I can afford this, but I know other people can't. You can't get accommodation in Brisbane for less than $140 per night, so $70 is disappointing.'

The Queensland government revealed that PTSS funding has grown from $94.8 million in 2021-22 to $97.2 million for 2022-23. However, the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland suggests reviewing the scheme yearly in line with inflation increases.

Justine Christerson's perspective echoes this notion—though the subsidy has assisted many Queenslanders, it fails to keep up with the cost of living. Christerson launched a petition calling for an in-depth review of PTSS.

'Ultimately, I would like to see the government spend $70 million on bringing health care closer to home for the country regions,' she said, adding, 'I would really love to see the single rate go up to $80 per night or $90 per night. We hear about new hospitals popping up on [the east coast] all the time, but rural patients have to travel thousands of kilometres… So where are the priorities?'

Key Takeaways

• Rural Queenslanders welcome the first increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) in more than ten years but say it does not go far enough in addressing health inequity.
• The changes to the PTSS include an increase to the nightly accommodation rebate from $60 to $70 per night and an increase to petrol reimbursement from 30 cents to 34c per kilometre.
• Health advocates Justine Christerson and Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar both believe the scheme is underfunded and that the increase does not provide enough support for rural patients.
• The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland has suggested that the scheme should be reviewed yearly in line with increases in inflation.

Members, how long have you been aware of the PTSS, and have you or someone you know ever utilised this scheme? What improvements or changes would you like to see? Share them with us in the comments below!

I am in hervey bay and when I have an appointment at the cancer clinic in Brisbane I can claim accommodation only if my appointment is before 9-30am or after 2-30 pm which very rarely happens.
If appointment is at 9-35am or later, I have to get out of bed at 4-30am and drive to Brisbane [approx 41/2 ---5 hrs depending on roadworks and peak hour traffic] and then drive back to Hervey Bay in the same day I am 75 yrs old and this is expecting a bit too much for myself and others in the same situation. Times were changed some time ago it was before 10-00am and after 2-00pm then it was made harder not easier. Please don't say public transport is better it's not!!

 

[Mindygirl12022]

Queensland is known for its vast and breathtaking beauty. However, this natural advantage doesn't always translate into easy access to specialised healthcare services, particularly for those residing in rural parts of the state.

Fortunately, there is a ray of hope in the form of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), which has long been in place to provide financial assistance to regional Queenslanders who need to travel in order to receive essential medical care.

Fortunately, the Queensland state government has recently introduced the first increase to the PTSS in over a decade! This news has brought relief and optimism to many.

Nevertheless, patients and healthcare advocates are now raising important questions about whether this increase is truly sufficient to cover the ever-rising expenses faced by those living in remote and rural areas.

View attachment 22401

Health advocates are saying it is time the scheme was reviewed. Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets.

If you're not familiar with PTSS, here's how it works: Eligible patients have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy that helps cover their travel and accommodation expenses when accessing specialist medical services.

Once approved for the PTSS, patients will receive a subsidy to travel to the nearest public hospital or health facility where the required specialist treatment is available. If the patient needs to travel to access private specialist services, they may still be eligible for a subsidy as long as the service is not available within a 50-kilometre radius of their closest public hospital or health facility.

Funded by the Queensland Government and administered through Queensland Health, the PTSS aims to support residents across Queensland in accessing the specialised medical treatment they need, regardless of where they live in the state.

You can register your interest here.

The changes to the PTSS include a nightly accommodation rebate increase from $60 to $70 per night and a petrol reimbursement raise from 30 cents to 34 cents per kilometre. Sounds positive, right? But let's take a closer look.

The average cost of a hotel room in Brisbane, where many critical specialist services are available, ranges from $130 per night to upwards of $250 per night for basic rooms, according to the latest accommodation data. That leaves quite a gap between the rebate amount and the actual cost of staying in the city.

The Palaszczuk government pledged $70.3 million towards the scheme as part of the $1.6 billion cost-of-living relief package announced in this year's state budget. Despite that, some are still sceptical about the increase's impact on rural Queenslanders' lives.

In an interview with a news outlet, health advocate Justine Christerson said: 'I'm grateful because it's better than denying an increase, but let's be honest… September 2012 was the last increase, so it's been a long time between drinks.'

While she agrees that the changes are helpful, Christerson maintains that more could be done.

Similarly, Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar see the scheme as 'seriously underfunded', stating that the increase is insufficient in providing long-term help for rural patients.

​

One such patient, Grant Bunter from Ilfracombe in rural Queensland, faces a 1,100-kilometre journey to Brisbane for his liver cancer treatment. While grateful for the increase, he estimates spending roughly $12,000 on travel expenses for medical appointments in the last year alone.

'Any increase in assistance is great, but every appointment I attend costs me at least $300 out-of-pocket… and it all adds up,' said Bunter.

Even though the PTSS covers his flights, Bunter must pay for other expenses—such as taxi rides, accommodation, and food—out of his own pocket. Although Bunter can afford these costs, he recognises that not everyone has the same privilege.

'I can afford this, but I know other people can't. You can't get accommodation in Brisbane for less than $140 per night, so $70 is disappointing.'

The Queensland government revealed that PTSS funding has grown from $94.8 million in 2021-22 to $97.2 million for 2022-23. However, the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland suggests reviewing the scheme yearly in line with inflation increases.

Justine Christerson's perspective echoes this notion—though the subsidy has assisted many Queenslanders, it fails to keep up with the cost of living. Christerson launched a petition calling for an in-depth review of PTSS.

'Ultimately, I would like to see the government spend $70 million on bringing health care closer to home for the country regions,' she said, adding, 'I would really love to see the single rate go up to $80 per night or $90 per night. We hear about new hospitals popping up on [the east coast] all the time, but rural patients have to travel thousands of kilometres… So where are the priorities?'

Key Takeaways

• Rural Queenslanders welcome the first increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) in more than ten years but say it does not go far enough in addressing health inequity.
• The changes to the PTSS include an increase to the nightly accommodation rebate from $60 to $70 per night and an increase to petrol reimbursement from 30 cents to 34c per kilometre.
• Health advocates Justine Christerson and Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar both believe the scheme is underfunded and that the increase does not provide enough support for rural patients.
• The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland has suggested that the scheme should be reviewed yearly in line with increases in inflation.

Members, how long have you been aware of the PTSS, and have you or someone you know ever utilised this scheme? What improvements or changes would you like to see? Share them with us in the comments below!

Would it be possible to at least have the Government pay for these people's accommodation and subsidise all the rest?

 

[NoNoNoNoNoNo]

Queensland is known for its vast and breathtaking beauty. However, this natural advantage doesn't always translate into easy access to specialised healthcare services, particularly for those residing in rural parts of the state.

Fortunately, there is a ray of hope in the form of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), which has long been in place to provide financial assistance to regional Queenslanders who need to travel in order to receive essential medical care.

Fortunately, the Queensland state government has recently introduced the first increase to the PTSS in over a decade! This news has brought relief and optimism to many.

Nevertheless, patients and healthcare advocates are now raising important questions about whether this increase is truly sufficient to cover the ever-rising expenses faced by those living in remote and rural areas.

View attachment 22401

Health advocates are saying it is time the scheme was reviewed. Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets.

If you're not familiar with PTSS, here's how it works: Eligible patients have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy that helps cover their travel and accommodation expenses when accessing specialist medical services.

Once approved for the PTSS, patients will receive a subsidy to travel to the nearest public hospital or health facility where the required specialist treatment is available. If the patient needs to travel to access private specialist services, they may still be eligible for a subsidy as long as the service is not available within a 50-kilometre radius of their closest public hospital or health facility.

Funded by the Queensland Government and administered through Queensland Health, the PTSS aims to support residents across Queensland in accessing the specialised medical treatment they need, regardless of where they live in the state.

You can register your interest here.

The changes to the PTSS include a nightly accommodation rebate increase from $60 to $70 per night and a petrol reimbursement raise from 30 cents to 34 cents per kilometre. Sounds positive, right? But let's take a closer look.

The average cost of a hotel room in Brisbane, where many critical specialist services are available, ranges from $130 per night to upwards of $250 per night for basic rooms, according to the latest accommodation data. That leaves quite a gap between the rebate amount and the actual cost of staying in the city.

The Palaszczuk government pledged $70.3 million towards the scheme as part of the $1.6 billion cost-of-living relief package announced in this year's state budget. Despite that, some are still sceptical about the increase's impact on rural Queenslanders' lives.

In an interview with a news outlet, health advocate Justine Christerson said: 'I'm grateful because it's better than denying an increase, but let's be honest… September 2012 was the last increase, so it's been a long time between drinks.'

While she agrees that the changes are helpful, Christerson maintains that more could be done.

Similarly, Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar see the scheme as 'seriously underfunded', stating that the increase is insufficient in providing long-term help for rural patients.

​

One such patient, Grant Bunter from Ilfracombe in rural Queensland, faces a 1,100-kilometre journey to Brisbane for his liver cancer treatment. While grateful for the increase, he estimates spending roughly $12,000 on travel expenses for medical appointments in the last year alone.

'Any increase in assistance is great, but every appointment I attend costs me at least $300 out-of-pocket… and it all adds up,' said Bunter.

Even though the PTSS covers his flights, Bunter must pay for other expenses—such as taxi rides, accommodation, and food—out of his own pocket. Although Bunter can afford these costs, he recognises that not everyone has the same privilege.

'I can afford this, but I know other people can't. You can't get accommodation in Brisbane for less than $140 per night, so $70 is disappointing.'

The Queensland government revealed that PTSS funding has grown from $94.8 million in 2021-22 to $97.2 million for 2022-23. However, the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland suggests reviewing the scheme yearly in line with inflation increases.

Justine Christerson's perspective echoes this notion—though the subsidy has assisted many Queenslanders, it fails to keep up with the cost of living. Christerson launched a petition calling for an in-depth review of PTSS.

'Ultimately, I would like to see the government spend $70 million on bringing health care closer to home for the country regions,' she said, adding, 'I would really love to see the single rate go up to $80 per night or $90 per night. We hear about new hospitals popping up on [the east coast] all the time, but rural patients have to travel thousands of kilometres… So where are the priorities?'

Key Takeaways

• Rural Queenslanders welcome the first increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) in more than ten years but say it does not go far enough in addressing health inequity.
• The changes to the PTSS include an increase to the nightly accommodation rebate from $60 to $70 per night and an increase to petrol reimbursement from 30 cents to 34c per kilometre.
• Health advocates Justine Christerson and Gregory MP and LNP member Lachlan Millar both believe the scheme is underfunded and that the increase does not provide enough support for rural patients.
• The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland has suggested that the scheme should be reviewed yearly in line with increases in inflation.

Members, how long have you been aware of the PTSS, and have you or someone you know ever utilised this scheme? What improvements or changes would you like to see? Share them with us in the comments below!

If its anything like the WA version woefully inadequate doesn't even cover the cost of fuel, let alone parking, even overnight accomodation if from further afield, absolutely hopeless

 

[Gaena]

If its anything like the WA version woefully inadequate doesn't even cover the cost of fuel, let alone parking, even overnight accomodation if from further afield, absolutely hopeless

Do you live in regional WA? If you are in the metro area PATS does not cover you, The scheme was designed to assist People from regional areas with transport and accommodation costs, my post above tells how happy my husband and I were with the help that we received, there was no way we could have afforded the cost without the help given to us.

 

[steve.bryce]

It's very unfortunate, but it's never been any different ... health care to see a medical Specialist/treatment, if people don't live in cities around Australia. For children, there are Ronald McDonald places to stay, however there's a gap for adults. I'm sure there is Medistays for accommodation assistance in Qld. You still pay, but patients get subsidy.

the subsidy does not cover nearly anywhere what the accommodation cost is.

 

[mylittletibbies]

PATS is funded by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program and is administered by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). It aims to support WA country patients' access to specialist medical services wherever they live in the State.

On average, PATS assists 35,000 country patients access specialist medical services and subsidises 99,000 travel journeys each year.

PATS applications are assessed by regional PATS offices in line with current PATS policy and eligibility criteria.

These easy to follow PATS videos provide more information on the scheme.

Patients eligible for PATS can apply for the following subsidies:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Support person (previously known as escort)

PATS is increased every 12 months according to the cpi, automatically. overnight accommodation is currently up to $102.75 per night. they even pay for you to stay at a private home (family) if you travel far enough to get there ($20 per person, per night).
they will pay for bus, car or coach travel .... certain requirements apply.

WA Country Health Service - PATS subsidies

You may be eligible for travel, accommodation and support person (previously escort) subsidies. This includes family travel and recipients travelling together.

www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au

Am grateful for the subsidy, just wish they didn't take so long. Am currently waiting for 6/4 and 28/4 to be reimbursed, over 2 months.

While I can sympathise with anyone living in regional or remote areas who struggle to find affordable medical care and the costs associated with any diagnosis for cancer or other serious illness treatment I have only good things to say regarding the scheme operating in WA.
My husband was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago, he needed to undergo radiation therapy as well as Chemotherapy, at the time of his diagnosis Radiation therapy was not available at our local Hospitals and he was told he would need to go to Perth, to attend The Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital where he would receive both the radiation and chemotherapy, he was advised that he would be away from home for 6 weeks, of course panic set in, how would we be able to afford all of the travel and accommodation expenses. his surgeon told us about the PATS system in WA and gave us a refferal to the local office, which is conveniently located in our hospital precinct.
The stress involved with a cancer diagnosis was lessened considerably by the help given to us by PATS, travel expenses, including air fares were paid for and accommodation at Crawford Lodge which is within the Sir Charles Gardiner hospital grounds was organised, the lodge was built to house Cancer patients who have to come to Perth for treatment, most of the rooms are similar to a motel with a small kitchenette, Free WIFI and a TV, extensive Laundry and kitchen facilities are available through out the complex, with staff available to help with just about anything that may be needed by the patients.
While it was a difficult time, for us both, especially the time we had to spend apart, PATS and the Crawford Lodge helped us hugely, the lighter side of being apart for so long was a few long weekend holiday's we had together when I was able to travel up to Perth to stay with him. He also enjoyed being able to cook his own meals, something he is not able to do at home, being banned from our own kitchen LOL.
I am grateful to report his treatment was a success and that his tumor was effectively banished.

Crawford Lodge was a saviour to us also when my daughter was diagnosed with oral cancer some 15 years ago
She had some3 months of radiation and chemo. We were provided with.a two bedroom family unit, with all private facilities for absolutely no cost.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I am in hervey bay and when I have an appointment at the cancer clinic in Brisbane I can claim accommodation only if my appointment is before 9-30am or after 2-30 pm which very rarely happens.
If appointment is at 9-35am or later, I have to get out of bed at 4-30am and drive to Brisbane [approx 41/2 ---5 hrs depending on roadworks and peak hour traffic] and then drive back to Hervey Bay in the same day I am 75 yrs old and this is expecting a bit too much for myself and others in the same situation. Times were changed some time ago it was before 10-00am and after 2-00pm then it was made harder not easier. Please don't say public transport is better it's not!!

I am so sorry that you have to experience such a long trip when you are unwell.
I also have a long trip, albeit not as long as yours. I am 76 and have to make regular 6 hour round trips to Perth for both my husband and daughter. It gets very tiring with the added worry of having to keep an eye out for roos if you are travelling at sunrise or early evening.

 

[NoNoNoNoNoNo]

Do you live in regional WA? If you are in the metro area PATS does not cover you, The scheme was designed to assist People from regional areas with transport and accommodation costs, my post above tells how happy my husband and I were with the help that we received, there was no way we could have afforded the cost without the help given to us.

I live in regional wa. must admit I haven't had to go to Perth for over a year but last time it did not cover the cost of the petrol and accommodation. Have the reimbursements increased over the last year.

 

[Gaena]

I live in regional wa. must admit I haven't had to go to Perth for over a year but last time it did not cover the cost of the petrol and accommodation. Have the reimbursements increased over the last year.

I cannot speak with regards to accommodation as we stayed at Crawford house which is fully funded through PATS, the property is owned and run by the Cancer Council of WA and is available to anyone who has that funding (from PATS), as far as transport costs my husband was flown to and from Perth with no charge to us , the times that I visited him I drove from Albany to Perth and just had to supply fuel receipts to get a refund. The only refund that was rejected was for a parking fine at Charlies, where we were left waiting to see my husbands Oncologist for over 3 hours. PATS said that was my responsibility as I should have taken note of the parking signs, fair enough I thought, so apart from that fine, there were no out of pocket expenses for us throughout the whole time that my husband was being treated. We were so grateful for the help from PATS. We were paid transport costs (fuel) for myself as I was listed as my husbands carer on the forms that were filled out, The same with the Accommodation at Crawford House, they were aware that I would not be in residence all of the time because of work commitments but because I was listed as his carer I was still eligible to stay there. I am sorry that you feel that you were not treated fairly but I can only repeat how grateful that we were for the PATS going out of their way to help us. I do not know if things have changed since my husband and I had to turn to them for help, it is 5 years since my husbands original diagnosis.

 

[NoNoNoNoNoNo]

I cannot speak with regards to accommodation as we stayed at Crawford house which is fully funded through PATS, the property is owned and run by the Cancer Council of WA and is available to anyone who has that funding (from PATS), as far as transport costs my husband was flown to and from Perth with no charge to us , the times that I visited him I drove from Albany to Perth and just had to supply fuel receipts to get a refund. The only refund that was rejected was for a parking fine at Charlies, where we were left waiting to see my husbands Oncologist for over 3 hours. PATS said that was my responsibility as I should have taken note of the parking signs, fair enough I thought, so apart from that fine, there were no out of pocket expenses for us throughout the whole time that my husband was being treated. We were so grateful for the help from PATS. We were paid transport costs (fuel) for myself as I was listed as my husbands carer on the forms that were filled out, The same with the Accommodation at Crawford House, they were aware that I would not be in residence all of the time because of work commitments but because I was listed as his carer I was still eligible to stay there. I am sorry that you feel that you were not treated fairly but I can only repeat how grateful that we were for the PATS going out of their way to help us. I do not know if things have changed since my husband and I had to turn to them for help, it is 5 years since my husbands original diagnosis.

I'm not being treated for cancer I am not eligible for Crawford House, I have to stay elsewhere which is not fully funded by PATS. Crawford house is only for cancer patients