We can all help ED crisis

The Easter holiday weekend is a time eagerly anticipated by most as a break from work and a chance for a well-earned rest. Unfortunately for our troubled health system, the opposite is true. Holiday weekends can see demand spike and place the system under additional strain.

The Health Department has urged people to acquaint themselves with the options available should they need medical attention over the Easter break. There are a range of alternatives rather than what, for some people, has become a default decision to visit the nearest public hospital emergency department.

Hobart, Devonport and Launceston are now blessed with urgent care clinics, which will be open over the long weekend, and which offer excellent services that are bulk billed. The Health Department also points out that calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse is a great place to seek initial advice. After-hours GPs and pharmacies may also be able to assist.

The Tasmanian health system was a focus of much political attention during the recent election campaign, with much discussion from the various political parties about how to ease pressure on hospitals. The problem of ambulance ramping was the focus of a recent parliamentary inquiry, which was unfortunately truncated by the election. It is clear that there are problems that will require serious attention from the incoming government. It is also clear that we all have a role to play in reducing the pressure – particularly in our emergency departments.

No person should be dissuaded from seeking emergency assistance for a genuine emergency, but taking the time to be aware of the options available for the treatment of less urgent conditions can mean not only receiving faster and cheaper attention for minor ailments, but also that those who most need it have timely access to the care they need. We all have a role to play.