While Health District hospital Emergency Departments have been busier than ever this holiday season, they have excelled with their delivery of care.
On New Year’s Day almost 450 patients were treated in Emergency Departments (EDs) across Southern NSW Local Health District, including 50 arriving by ambulance.
“Despite this large number of patients, more than 80% were seen, treated and discharged within the four hour benchmark which is a great credit to our fantastic ED teams,” Andrew Newton, Chief Executive, Southern NSW Local Health District said.
“Our Emergency Departments are doing a magnificent job to manage the busy Christmas, New Year and holiday period.”
The results are in line with recent findings from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which revealed last month that NSW is the only jurisdiction to meet the target benchmark for all triage categories.
NSW also leads with the shortest median waiting time for patients starting clinical care in the ED at just 15 minutes, compared to 46 minutes in the ACT.
“Not only are we leading the country in many ED performance measures but we have improved our performance for the community in our Health District,” Mr Newton said.
To reduce unnecessary burdens on busy EDs, people who are feeling unwell are reminded that where the matter is not of a serious or life-threatening nature, they should see their local GP or medical centre.
“For any advice or concerns, the public should remember that Healthdirect is always able to assist with medical advice.”
Mr Newton said it was also important to make sure medications and prescriptions are also in order before heading off on holidays, and urged families to keep the 24-hour Healthdirect helpline in their phones.
“In the case of a health emergency, people should call Triple Zero (000) but for other health concerns Healthdirect is an excellent source of assistance.
“By calling the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222, anyone can receive health advice from registered nurses on the line, at any time of day or night,” he said.
Everyone is encouraged to take simple measures and precautions to ensure a happy
and healthy holiday season by:
• Moderating the consumption of alcohol during gatherings and celebrations; • Visiting their GP before going away and ensuring they have an adequate supply of prescription medications;
• Taking additional care on the roads and when participating in outdoor recreational activities;
• Keeping a close eye on elderly relatives with impaired mobility in unfamiliar surroundings;
• Maintaining regular contact with the socially isolated;
• Taking precautions on very hot days, such as maintaining hydration, minimising
physical activity, wearing light clothing, avoiding alcohol, and staying indoors
between 11am and 5pm, ideally in air conditioning, and
• Supervising and keeping a watchful eye on children, particularly around water.
In 2018-19 the NSW Government is investing a record $22.9 billion in health, representing a $1.1 billion increase over the 2017-18 Budget, including $19.2 billion towards improving services in hospitals in NSW this year.
An investment of $759 million dollars for acute patient services will fund an additional 40,000 emergency department attendances in addition to 2.9 million already provided, and 3,200 elective surgeries in addition to the 225,500 already provided.
