ED ready if there's an emergency

Sep 30, 2019

If you have a health emergency you should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or attend the Deniliquin Hospital Emergency Department (ED).

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That is the message from Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) chair Pam Ellerman, who said while nation-wide doctor shortages are impacting on rural areas, local hospitals still have the capacity to treat patients in emergency.

The Deniliquin ED is open 24 hours, seven days and local residents are urged to continue to go there in a medical emergency.

Mrs Ellerman said steps are being taken to ensure continued provision of services in ED.

“If a doctor is not present in the ED, patients will be assessed and triaged by highly trained emergency Registered Nurses,” she said.

“The ED nurses are supported by a 24-hour remote medical consultation service which links them to a senior emergency medical consultant at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and Griffith Base Hospital.

“The medical consultant provides all medical advice and support from presentation to discharge or retrieval to specialist care if required.”

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Critical Care Advisory Service also provides support through telephone and remote telehealth cameras. As is standard practice, patients needing more acute care are transferred to the nearest appropriate hospital after being triaged.

“Local residents are also reminded to call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 for general advice and information,” Mrs Ellerman said.

By McPherson Media Group