Mental health facility could become flu centre
AN EMPTY space at a mental health hospital could be turned into a functioning ward to help the Toowoomba Hospital cope with an influx of cases during flu season.
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service chief executive Dr Peter Gillies said given the severe flu season in 2017 the service was considering implementing a ward at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus to help cater for more flu cases.
“This ward would be a step-down facility, used to treat sub-acute, less ill, patients in the later stages of recovery,” Dr Gillies said.
“The building being considered was previously used as a residential ward but has been unoccupied for some time.
“It is well-equipped, located in a green, leafy section of the campus, adjacent to buildings which accommodate administrative offices, and is ideally suited for use as a step-down ward.”
Dr Gillies said the service was also developing a forecast for what we might expect for 2018.
“Trends are showing increased numbers of flu cases year-on-year,” he said.
One in 45 people was hospitalised as a result of influenza in the region last year, with 5313 cases reported, up from 1864 in 2016.
“DDHHS offers free flu vaccinations to all staff every year,” he said. “This is strongly encouraged in order to keep our workforce as healthy as possible during flu season.
“We also provide, via the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, the Tackle Flu program, which offers free flu vaccinations to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 and over.”