Patients Question Travel for Treatment Due to High Fuel Prices

Topic: Health

Paige Edgar with her sons Wiley and Digby.

In short:

Rising fuel costs are affecting regional health support services.

Some patients cancel appointments due to travel costs.

What's next?

Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders calls for a review of the IPTAAS scheme.

Paige Edgar's son Wiley has brain cancer and needs regular treatment in Sydney.

The family's five-hour trip to Sydney is now harder due to high fuel costs.

They can give Wiley his trial drug at home, but need to travel to Sydney for check-ups.

Rising fuel prices have changed their travel plans.

They now consider flying instead of driving to Sydney.

Wiley has been traveling to Sydney for treatment since he was six weeks old.

Paige Edgar is supported by the charity Country Hope.

Country Hope helps families with children who have cancer or life-threatening illnesses.

Paige Edgar's story is not unique.

Many regional families are seeking help from charities due to high fuel prices.

Families are stressed due to the high cost of travel for medical care.

Little Wings flies children from regional areas to cities for treatment.

Charities are stretched due to the high demand for help.

Families who could afford travel before now need help due to high fuel costs.

Some patients ask if they really need to travel for treatment.

Charities won't let families skip vital treatment, but the financial pressure is high.

The high cost of travel affects regional health care, especially for those who need specialist treatment.

Aeromedical charity Little Wings provides free flights for sick children.

Little Wings is affected by the 50% rise in aviation fuel prices.

The charity has cut flights by 40% due to the high fuel costs.

About 36 families a week are affected by the reduction in flights.

Macquarie Homestay in Dubbo feels the strain of high fuel prices.

Some people cancel their stays due to the high cost of fuel.

Macquarie Homestay provides subsidized accommodation for rural patients.

More assistance is required for regional patients.

Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders calls for a review of the IPTAAS scheme.

The last review of the IPTAAS scheme was in 2022.

The scheme no longer covers the true cost of travel, and charities fill the gap.

Dugald Saunders says the IPTAAS scheme needs to be reviewed.

It's a difficult situation, and people may opt out of treatment without help.

NSW Health says the government is monitoring fuel prices and updating the IPTAAS scheme.

The IPTAAS scheme provides financial support for travel and accommodation.

ABC Western Plains provides local news.