PUSH TO EASE STRAIN ON EDS
Residents who need medical assistance out of hours are encouraged to: >> Access the Health Direct online symptom- checker >> Phone 13 HEALTH >> Find a GP using the National Health Service Directory >> Plan for next time someone in their household needs medical help and advice. Learn more at sickafterhours. com. au
HEALTH ADVICE
THE Northern Queensland Primary Health Network has launched a campaign to educate the region on healthcare options other than emergency departments.
The campaign aims to reduce presentations to the ED for non- urgent situations.
Townsville Hospital emergency department director Dr Luke Lawton said the initiative was valuable as ED presentations were increasing by 2- 3 per cent annually.
“This financial year the Townsville Hospital has seen more than 80,000 patients through our front door, that makes us anywhere between the 10th and 15th busiest ED in the country,” he said.
“We know that it’s difficult for people to know where to turn and our doors are always open, but we’re busy, and we welcome the initiative to educate the community about what other options they have.”
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network executive director Townsville Therese Cotter said the ED was the right place to go for urgent help.
“This is about providing consumers with other options that are available,” she said.