Hospital ED under strain

People urged to seek help at GPs, pharmacies

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Nick Dalton

PEOPLE are being asked to seek treatment for minor illnesses and injuries at medical practices and pharmacies as Cairns Hospital is being slammed with hundreds of patients.

Up to 1748 people sought help at the hospital’s emergency department (ED) between Thursday, August 3 and Sunday, August 13. On Sunday, August 13, 269 people required help.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said the hospital was experiencing high numbers of patients with viral infections such as influenza and also accident-related trauma requiring surgery.

“We have had a constant stream of people arriving at the emergency department and presenting with injuries and illnesses, alongside a significant number of patients brought in via Queensland Ambulance Service,” she said.

“Cairns Hospital has treated more cases of serious injury in the past 30 days, with 261 injury-related emergency surgeries in the past 30 days compared to 204 injury related emergency surgeries for the same time last year.

“The flu is spreading in our community. Our region has had 128 hospitalisations for influenza since July 1.

“Your best protection is to get vaccinated for the flu. It’s free until August 31”.

“Our triage system means that our patients are prioritised for care to ensure those with the highest need are seen first.

“We would ask anyone with a non-urgent health issue, such as earaches, sprains, and minor aches and pains to please reconsider attending our emergency departments.

“You won’t be turned away from an emergency department, but those in greater need of emergency treatment will al- ways be prioritised, and people with less urgent need will face a lengthy wait.

“It is still not too late to get a flu vaccination. We encourage everyone to continue to practice good hand hygiene and to wear a mask if you are feeling unwell to avoid transmitting the many viruses circulating at the moment.”

Ms Singh stressed the importance of people facing serious illness or a life-threatening situation to come to the emergency department.

Alternative care options include contacting GPs, pharmacies, telehealth and other primary health care providers for non-urgent health issues. For non-urgent health issues:

• If you’re not sure if your medical condition is an emergency, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day. They will advise you on what to do and if you need to go to a GP, pharmacy or emergency department.

• In an emergency, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance

• For non-urgent care please consider Telehealth: Search online for Telehealth GPs. Some offer bulk billing. Telehealth GPs can provide consultations, prescriptions and medical certificates remotely.