Team effort to keep you safe
HEALTH professionals across Townsville are now working closer than they ever have before.
The health response to the COVID-19 pandemic needs to cover the sickest of patients in an ICU bed all the way across to providing baby checks and routine childhood vaccinations in a safe manner.
Responding to these needs requires complex planning and execution.
Pharmacies are working closely with general practices to ensure continuity of supply of scripts while protecting the vulnerable patients from having to come in. Scripts are being sent from GPS direct to pharmacies and many pharmacies now deliver medicines to homes or even to carpark pick-ups.
There is no fear of shortage of medications and while these delivery options are available it means there is no need to stock up or prepurchase any medications so please only fill scripts you need now. It is important we leave as many medications on the shelf for those who need them now.
Maintaining optimum physical and mental health is crucial to protect your body and your sanity in the coming months of restrictions so it is important you maintain your appointments with your allied health providers. Most are now offering Telehealth solutions for most services so just contact them for advice on how to meet your needs.
The Townsville University Hospital has been engaging with the Mater Private Hospital, general practices and other primary health services in the city regularly, keeping them abreast of changes and asking for feedback and advice on what else needs to be done.
Weekly interactive videoconferences from the public health team have kept Townsville GPS up to date with case reports, local policy changes and clinical support.
This engagement between the hospital and GPS builds on what we saw after the Townsville floods and it certainly surpasses what is happening in many other towns.
Health threats of this nature prompt extraordinary responses across all levels of health provision.
The collegiality and enthusiasm among all providers to work together to protect our Townsville community from harm is inspiring. Your Townsville health workforce continues to turn up to work each day, frequently in the face of personal risk to themselves, to provide the community with the health care it needs and deserves.