Hospital‘s warning to avoid busy emergency
GEELONG hospital is advising patients to avoid its overrun emergency department where possible as it experiences an unexplained busy period.
Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby said there was no common theme to the influx of presentations, but it included some “complex” conditions that demand greater time and resources.
“The University Hospital Geelong emergency department has experienced a busier than normal period, averaging more than 200 daily patients for several days,” she said.
“These have included some patients with complex conditions requiring complex care, which can create a high demand on our staff.
“We encourage the community to choose from the alternative available options for non-life threatening treatment in our region.”
For the second time in as many days Barwon Health yesterday issued a statement on its Facebook page warning of long waiting times and urging non-emergency patients to visit a GP.
“We advise that the University Hospital Geelong Emergency Department is extremely busy,” it said.
“Some patients could face a long wait time while the most seriously injured and sick people are seen first.”
They advised trying emergency rooms at St John of God Hospital Geelong and Epworth Geelong.
“If your condition is not an emergency, visiting a GP or using a home doctor service is advised.”
It followed a “very busy day” on Monday when a similar message was sent. More than a dozen respiratory related calls were made to 000 in the 24 hours between 9am Monday and the same time yesterday. It’s understood they came from right across the region including Bell Park, Grovedale, Ocean Grove, Lara, and Whittington.
In September the State Government unveiled the final eight locations of its 20, 24hour Supercare Pharmacies, aimed partly at reducing the pressure on emergency departments, with Geelong, or it’s northern suburbs, failing to make the list.