I’m calling on Metro South Health, the Central Referral Hub, and Queensland Health to urgently reform the process for patients who need iron infusions especially those who have had severe reactions and cannot tolerate oral iron. No one should be left waiting months while living with debilitating iron deficiency, or forced to risk another life-threatening reaction just to feel well enough to function.

My Story

I have been suffering from critically low ferritin levels for many years. I once experienced a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction to an iron infusion. Since then, trying to access safe iron treatment in Queensland has been incredibly frustrating. I also cannot tolerate oral iron supplements they simply don’t work for me.

Recently my iron was 17 and my ferritin was 41 (previously 14 and 30). While technically considered “normal” by lab ranges, I could barely function: dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion made everyday life nearly impossible. Yet I was told repeatedly that these levels were “within normal” and that there was no urgency.

My GP referred me for a monitored iron infusion. The referral went to the Central Referral Hub, which then sat unassigned for months. Metro South Health hospitals have no control until the Hub sends it to them, and only after a hospital finally accepts the referral does a doctor consult get scheduled long before any treatment actually happens. Even after one hospital eventually accepted my referral as Category 2, I waited another month with no action.

Why This Matters?

The current referral pathway causes critical delays:

GPs send referrals to the Central Referral Hub.
The Hub holds the referral until a hospital accepts it.
Only then is a doctor assigned and a consultation scheduled before treatment is even considered.

This slow process leaves patients who are severely iron-deficient — some unable to tolerate oral iron or with a history of severe reactions — waiting months without care.

Iron deficiency isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious health risk.

Low ferritin can cause:

Chronic fatigue & weakness
Dizziness & fainting (risking injury)
Heart palpitations & rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Impaired cognitive function (“brain fog”)
Depression & anxiety
Fertility & pregnancy complications
Slow wound healing (risk of infection/sepsis)
Tinnitus, headaches, irritability, insomnia
Pica (cravings for non-food items)
Hair loss, dry skin, pale complexion
Cold extremities, dark circles, and more

These symptoms affect the ability to work, care for family, and live a normal life.

What Needs to Change:

Faster referral processing: The Central Referral Hub should urgently triage severe iron deficiency and not leave patients in limbo.
Direct, timely hospital assignment: Stop long waits before a hospital even reviews the case.
Patient-centred care: Recognise that “within normal range” does not mean patients can function.
Safe infusion access: Those with a history of reactions or intolerance to oral iron must have monitored infusions available quickly and safely without being forced to go private or take dangerous risks.