Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service taking responsibility in 1992, Peel Island was left relatively untouched, as some of the original stigma remained. Much criticism has been levelled at the treatment of the patients on the lazaret. Hansen's disease not only affected the ill but also their families. As infected patients were sent into isolation, many families were left without a breadwinner; some were driven out of communities by fear and ignorance of the disease, and others found themselves unemployed as word spread about disease in the family. Furthermore, by extension, the carers of the island were viewed by many as a "people apart". Carers were viewed as "do-gooders", resented for their ability to come and go from the island at will. Closing of the lazaret Due to the breakthrough in the treatment of Hansen's disease in the 1940s, the need for isolating patients declined and, therefore, so did the purpose of the lazaret on Peel Island. In 1959, the lazaret officially closed, and the remaining ten patients were sent to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane to finish their treatment. By this time, many of the original prejudices about Hansen's disease had been overcome, and fear surrounding the disease had somewhat vanished. Today, several drugs are available that counteract symptoms of Hansen's disease such as nerve damage, deformity, disability and further transmission. Researchers are also working on vaccines to prevent the disease, as well as early detection. Heritage listings In 1993, Peel Island was recognised for its outstanding cultural heritage, and was consequently placed on the Queensland Heritage Register and the former Register of the National Estate. In December 2007, Peel Island was declared as Teerk Roo Ra (Place of Many Shells) National Park and Conservation Park. It is also listed on the Redland City Heritage Register. See also History of Brisbane List of islands of Queensland References Further reading Blake, Thom. "The leper shall dwell alone: A history of Peel Island lazaret". Brisbane: Moreton Bay Matters. 19. (2002): 72–86. Print. Bryce, Rhonda, Ryan, Tracy, and Van Willigen, Gabrielle, eds. Going to the Gums: The Lazaret on Peel Island. Cleveland DC, QLD: Friends of Peel Island Association Inc., 2009. Print. Ludlow, Peter. Peel Island: Paradise or Prison. Stones Corner Queensland. 1989. Print. O'Brien, Anne. "All Creatures of the Living God: Religion and Leprosy in Turn of the Century Queensland." History Australia. 5.2 (2008): 1–40. Print. External links Friends of Peel