Blockade forces board to backdown

The voice of the Moura community has been heard this afternoon with the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services Board putting off a meeting with staff planned for tomorrow following community feedback.

The Moura community came together on Facebook today creating an event to form a blockade at the hospital tomorrow.

Over 450 people had been invited to the event with 133 confirming their attendance and up to five businesses notifying customers they would be closed for the event.

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Board Chairman Charles Ware said the

Service would meet with staff and the Moura community next Thursday to discuss the

future of the Moura Hospital.

"We have met with community leaders and received feedback from the community about

the future of the hospital," Mr Ware said.

"It is appropriate that we take that on board and carefully consider it before briefing staff

and meeting with the community.

"At that time we will endeavour to provide a full paper outlining the future directions for

health services in Moura."

Community advocate Jim Pearce said it was a win for the community.

"The community deserves a pat on the back for their efforts," he said.

"It's a win for the community to know that someone is listening.

"But we still have a long way to go.

"We will need to rally together at the meeting next week as well."

Mr Pearce said at this stage the blockade would no longer be happening tomorrow.