The Heroes Of Hinchinbrook

When disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967.

Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.

Hinchinbrook Healthcare was among the first to respond, despite losing power for almost a week, they refused to wait for outside help and sprang into action. Under the leadership of Dr Stewart Jackson, the team acted swiftly, after obtaining a generator with the help of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network  and leveraging their miraculously intact internet connection, they were able to resume consultations within days. The clinic provided invaluable urgent medical care for flood related injuries, chronic conditions, even going above and beyond to arrange private retrievals for patients requiring vital cancer or dialysis treatments.

Hinchinbrook Healthcare however, was not alone in rising above the flood waters to meet the challenge. Nearby, Ingham Family Medical Practice contended with similar battles. Despite their facility being spared the floodwaters, prolonged power outages handicapped essential medical infrastructure, putting vaccine supplies in jeopardy and crippling computer systems. The practice however, remained unfazed and persevered, continuing to deliver basic services amid the sweltering summer heat due to the lack of air-conditioning.

Throughout the crisis the steadfast and unwavering dedication of both Hinchinbrook Health and Ingham Family Medical Practice, along with the instrumental support North Queensland Primary Health Network provided indispensable reassurance to the residents of Ingham enduring personal hardships. The presence and resolute persistence of the Heroes of Hinchinbrook became a symbol of hope and stability in an otherwise tempestuous period.

Their deeds laid the foundation for the emergence of community resilience as neighbour supported neighbour, exemplifying the intrinsic strength which resides within collective community action. As the floodwaters cleared and recovery began, residents of Ingham expressed their profound appreciation for the efforts of the medical teams, acknowledging their sacrifices made to deliver critical care in tumultuous times.

Today, as the community recovers, the actions and experience of these two medical practices underscores the key role primary healthcare providers play in disasters. Their adaptability, ability to collaborate and continue delivering care whilst staring down immense challenges serves as proof of their commitment, underpinning the utmost value of local healthcare during emergency situations and disasters.