Outback mothers demand return of specialist pelvic physiotherapy after provider departs

Central West Queensland lost its lone public pelvic floor physiotherapist when the practitioner left the area in July after several years at Longreach Hospital. Local mothers, including Leanna Testa, Antje Dekruyf and Jade Miller, report that the absence forces them to travel up to eight hours to Rockhampton for follow-up appointments, a burden made harder by young children. The Central West Hospital and Health Service is seeking to hire a new physiotherapist, but officials admit they cannot guarantee the recruit will possess the same pelvic health qualifications.

Regional health director Craig Carey highlighted the broader challenge of attracting specialist allied-health professionals to remote locations. Pelvic Pain Australia’s Alexandra Diggles and the Australian Physiotherapy Association warned that a generalist may lack the necessary skills for internal pelvic examinations and effective treatment. Community advocates stress that growing birth rates in Longreach make such specialised care essential for women’s health in the outback.