Disaster plan in gear as hospitals stock up

at all of its facilities across the region as tropical Cyclone Debbie looks to become an increasing likelihood in the next 48 hours.

The health service’s disaster plan has been activated and its Health Emergency Operation Centre, based at Cairns Hospital, is in standby mode.

Various representatives from across the health service met yesterday to develop contingency plans.

Disaster co-ordinator Ben Ryan said staff had acted to ensure all facilities within the health service had stocks of sufficient medications, equipment and other necessities to maintain services.

“At this time, we request that all patients and residents in the community engage with their doctor or pharmacist to ensure they have what they need to maintain continuity of care for around seven days during the course of this event,” he said.

“We encourage all residents in the area to be prepared and have their cyclone kits ready; a stock of necessary medication and prescriptions and a maintained first aid kit.”

The health service carries out regular simulation exercises in preparation for potential disasters, including cyclones. For regular updates of the impact of the cyclone on the health service, head to facebook.com/ cairnsandhinterland