With the start of winter, hospitals across the Southern Local Health District region have again boosted staff numbers and put in place additional measures for the busy period. Andrew Newton, Chief Executive of Southern Local Health District, said extra doctors and nurses are being engaged to manage emergency departments and the expected surge in bed numbers across the Health District. “We have carefully planned ahead for our busy winter season to ensure our patients continue to receive treatment as quickly as possible during periods of high demand,” Mr Newton said. “The Health District is putting extra doctors, nurses and patient transport vehicles in Cooma five days a week, including weekends. “This will support transporting injured or unwell patients from the ski fields and reduce the demand on ambulance services. “We are also working with local GPs and the Primary Health Network, Coordinare, to implement a multi-agency strategy to manage the care requirements for our high-risk patients.” The Health District experienced a significant rise in activity in the 2017 winter period. From July to September alone, more than 26,830 people presented to emergency departments across the District, an increase of over 2,200 or almost nine per cent on the previous year. Mr Newton reminded the community to visit their GP for treatment of less serious illnesses to ensure emergency departments are freed-up for emergencies. To further ensure staff keep on top of patient demand, the Health District invested $17,300 to trial an on-call system for nurses to assist in relieving staffing pressures and manage patient activity. This new measure allows staff to monitor patterns of patient admissions so they can predict when they may need to open additional beds to help avoid delays. The NSW Government is spending a record $22.75 million on state wide immunisation programs in 2017-18. This includes $3.5 million free flu shots for children up to five years of age and a $1.75 million immunisation and influenza prevention campaign. The District has been working with the Primary Health Network and Residential Aged Care Facilities to help them prepare and educate staff and patients about preventative measures to stay healthy during winter. Southern NSW LHD has strongly encouraged its own staff to get their flu shots and so far more than 1,000 LHD staff have been vaccinated. The District recently conducted two highly successful community flu events offering free flu shots, resulting in more than 200 people vaccinated. NSW Health has made the flu vaccine mandatory for staff who work in Intensive Care Units(ICUs) and cancer, transplant, neonatal and birth/labour wards in the state’s public health facilities, to protect our most vulnerable from the flu.Annual vaccination is the best protection against the flu, but the following steps also help prevent the spread of influenza: - Cough and sneeze into your elbow - Clean your hands - Stay home when sick.
Above: Chief Executive, Andrew Newton having his flu shot.
