Play your part in easing burden on hospitals
TASMANIA’S overburdened hospital system has seemingly weathered the storm once again - or at least gained something of a reprieve from the considerable challenges facing it. The Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital have de-escalated to Level 2 of their Covid Escalation Management Plans, after both hospitals had been operating at Level 3 since mid-December.
The situation reached crisis point before New Year, when the RHH called a “Code Yellow” – an internal emergency due to staffing shortages.
Health Department Secretary and State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said this week the deescalation was as a result of a reduced number of Covid-positive patients in both major hospitals and reduced community transmission of Covid.
She quite rightly praised the dedication of staff that ensured the continued delivery of services during what was a crisis period.
On Friday, representatives of the health department, including Ms Morgan-Wicks and Tim Jackson, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Tasmania chair, held a briefing on the COVID@homeplus program and its value in assisting patients to access virtual healthcare at home. Ms Morgan-Wicks says our hospitals are always busy, and wants to get the message across there are alternatives and other resources the public could use to ensure they use the right health service for their needs.
She urges also using the 24-hour Healthdirect service to speak to a Registered Nurse who can provide advice on whether people should manage their condition at home, book an appointment with a GP or go to the ED. Other care options include visiting a community pharmacy for minor ailments and illnesses, using an after-hours GP service or walk-in clinic and booking an appointment with a local GP – although we know appointments to some GP clinics can be difficult.
Overall though, it is a sound message on non-urgent care that we would do well to heed. Each action could make a positive impact on the pressure in our hospitals.