Their efforts, supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), underscored the vital role of primary healthcare in disaster response.
The floods, described as the worst in decades, brought Ingham to a standstill. With water levels surpassing those of the 1967 flood, the town was cut off, power was lost, and communication networks failed.
For Dr Stewart Jackson of Hinchinbrook Health Care and Dr Brett Scott of Ingham Family Medical Practice, the crisis was a call to action.
Both practices faced significant hurdles, including power outages, loss of medical supplies, and the inability to access their clinics due to floodwaters. Yet, their determination to serve their community never wavered.
Hinchinbrook Health Care: Innovating through adversity
Dr Stewart Jackson and his team at Hinchinbrook Health Care were quick to respond, and despite their clinic being without power for a week, they worked tirelessly to restore services.
"We were focused on getting back to work as soon as we could," Dr Jackson recalled. "We wanted to be part of the active recovery."
With a small generator and a fibre-to-the-node internet connection that remained operational, the practice was able to resume consultations within days.
"We managed to get electricians to isolate some computers and started seeing patients," Dr Jackson explained.
The team treated flood-related injuries, managed chronic conditions, and even organised private retrievals for patients needing urgent cancer treatment and dialysis.
"We did our own type of evacuations when it was difficult to rely on other providers," he said.
Telehealth played a crucial role, enabling doctors from Cairns, Townsville, and even Stanford to assist remotely.
"We were doing telehealth from home before we reopened the practice," Dr Jackson noted. The community's response was overwhelmingly positive. "People appreciated that we were open. They knew where to come."
NQPHN's support was instrumental, particularly in securing a generator for the practice.
"We were liaising with the PHN, and they helped us get a generator and navigate telehealth regulations," Dr Jackson said.
Ingham Family Medical Practice: A lifeline in the storm
Dr Brett Scott and his team at Ingham Family Medical Practice faced similar challenges.
The clinic, though flood-free, was without power for days, rendering their computer systems and vaccine stocks unusable.
"The loss of power crippled modern healthcare," Dr Scott said. "We were almost unable to do anything except basic wound care."
Despite the setbacks, the practice remained open, operating in sweltering conditions without air conditioning.
"It was uncomfortable, but we had to be there for the community," Dr Scott said.
The team dealt with a surge in patients needing repeat prescriptions, lost referrals, and mental health support.
"Many people had lost everything - cars, documents, their homes. It was heartbreaking."
One of the most striking challenges was the loss of vaccines due to the power outage.
"We have a reserve system for the storm season, which allows us to run for up to two days on batteries," Dr Scott explained. "But after that, we looked at generator options."
However, even accessing the clinic to use a generator to save the vaccines was no easy task.
"We had to use a boat to access the medical centre as it was pretty dangerous," he said. "The water was chest-deep, and we've got crocodiles in the area. People forget that, but they're there. It makes you think twice."
The practice's resilience was bolstered by the support of local cane farmers, who provided water for cleaning, and the broader medical community.
"The collegiality was amazing," Dr Scott said. "GPs from Tully and Townsville reached out, and NQPHN was there to listen and help."
Telehealth proved invaluable during the recovery phase, allowing doctors to consult with patients while dealing with their own flood-related challenges.
"It helped us get back on our feet," Dr Scott said.
NQPHN: A vital support network
Both practices highlighted the crucial role NQPHN played in their response efforts.
From advocating for generators to facilitating telehealth services and providing priority access to vital vaccines, NQPHN provided the support needed to keep practices operational.
"The PHN was there to help us navigate the challenges," Dr Jackson said.
Dr Scott echoed this sentiment, praising NQPHN's responsiveness and empathy. "It was nice to know people cared," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of community resilience.
"The people of Ingham came together in an incredible way. That's what got us through."
A community grateful for their GPs
The efforts of Hinchinbrook Health Care and Ingham Family Medical Practice did not go unnoticed. Patients expressed their gratitude for the unwavering care provided during the crisis.
"People were shocked to see our doors open," Dr Jackson said. "It gave them hope."
Dr Scott shared similar feedback. "The community knew we were there for them, no matter what."
As Ingham continues to recover, the story of its general practices serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of healthcare providers in the face of adversity.
Supported by NQPHN, these practices not only saved lives but also strengthened the bonds of a community determined to rebuild and thrive.
In the words of Dr Jackson, "We're GPs. This is what we do. We help our community, no matter the circumstances." And in Ingham, that commitment made all the difference.
