With winter well and truly here, public hospitals across the region will have up to 50 extra beds available on a needs basis for a new, colder season.
Chief executive of South Eastern Local Health District, Gerry Marr, says the beginning of these chillier and busier months means patients need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
“We have a strong winter strategy in place that means we are able to employ extra staff as required over the busy season and to also cover for our workers when they fall ill,” he said.
To further ensure staff keep on top of patient demand, the district invested $600,000 to monitor and manage patient numbers.
This new system enables staff to monitor patterns of patient admissions so they can predict when they may need to open additional beds to help avoid delays.
There was a significant rise in activity in the 2017 winter period in the area.
From July-September, more than 57,345 people presented to emergency departments – an increase of 4,090 or almost eight per cent on the previous year.
District director of public health, Mark Ferson, reminds the community to visit their GP for treatment of less serious illnesses to ensure emergency departments are freed-up for emergencies.
“To help take the pressure off the emergency department and to provide better services for non-emergency patients, the district has provided more appointments for its respiratory clinics,” he said.
“Initiatives are also in place to promote the flu vaccine to members of the community, especially to children under the age of five years and adults over the age of 65.”
The NSW government is spending a record $22.75 million on state-wide immunisation programs in 2017-18.
This includes $3.5 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.75 million immunisation and influenza prevention campaign.
