Mornings With John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Peter Scott, Mayor of Cook Shire, about yesterday's visit by Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services due to Cooktown still having no birthing services available for pregnant mothers. Mayor Scott was disappointed when Minister Fentiman did not even get in touch with him to discuss the return of the service to the region's hospital.   "The emergency chopper... comes in probably four or five times a week, costing $35,000 bucks each time it comes in... you're looking at seven or eight million dollars [over one year]" Mayor Scott explained. Birthing Services in Cooktown ceased in February 2022. Difficulties in recruiting staff are being blamed as the primary cause.