Deni Hospital surpasses state benchmarks

Deni LHAC chair Lynda Barclay said the data is useful in understanding how the community uses the facility, and community need.

“Data is presented every month which highlights the activity of each area of the hospital,” she said.

“Deniliquin Hospital is the third largest facility in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, after Wagga and Griffith, and the emergency department, pathology, and radiology continue to service large numbers of patients.

“During the month of May, more than 820 patients presented to emergency, including over 100 brought in by ambulance.

“Despite the busyness of the department, all categories of care exceeded the New South Wales benchmarks for time from presentation at ED to treatment commencing.”

Mrs Barclay said contributing to this is the quality of staff.

But she warned that wait times can sometimes be longer than expected, and said other health assistance is available to those who don’t necessarily need to attend ED.

“The community is extremely grateful to have such committed and capable doctors, nurse practitioners and nursing staff manning our emergency department 24/7.

“It is important to understand that patients are triaged on arrival, and urgent and very sick patients are prioritised.

“Patients presenting with routine and non-urgent issues may at times experience a wait, and are often better served by having regular contact with their GP or utilising the free GP Health Access Telehealth service - call 1800 272 767.”

Also in May, radiology conducted almost 1400 CTs, X-rays and ultrasounds, and pathology tested almost 1800 patients.

Looking ahead, Mrs Barclay said there are specific alerts in place regarding the presence of influenza and COVID-19 in the community.

She said there is also a noted increase in absences from Deniliquin schools due to illness.

“Vaccinations are available for both influenza and COVID-19, and are available through our local pharmacies and GP practices. They are the best way to prevent serious illness.

“If you can’t remember when you last had your COVID vaccine, or are unsure if either of the vaccines are for you, please discuss your situation with your doctor or pharmacist.

“In addition, remember the measures that helped keep us safe during the COVID pandemic period - stay home when you are unwell, practice hand hygiene, wear a mask and always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

“If you do need to go to the doctor and you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, test yourself for COVID and the flu with the home-testing kit before you go out.

“Ring the surgery to get advice initially. If you do need to attend, ensure the surgery is aware you are infectious so that you are not waiting in the vicinity of other people.

“Always wear a mask and wash/sanitise your hands regularly. Remember we need to keep staff, and other patients, particularly those that have chronic health conditions, safe.”

Mrs Barclay said good hygiene and prevention methods are also key to reducing school absences.

“It is essential to teach children good hand hygiene to set them up for lifelong habits to stop the spread of infection,” she said.

“Children’s immune systems are not yet mature, which means they are more vulnerable to getting infections.

“Children should be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water when arriving at school or childcare, and whenever their hands look dirty.

“In addition they should practice hand hygiene before and after eating, after using the toilet, after wiping their nose, and after being outside or with animals.

“Sanitiser can be used if soap and water is unavailable.”

Want to know more about the role of LHAC and its activities?

Members will have a stall at the Deniliquin Lions Community Market in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens tomorrow. The market runs from 8am to noon.

“Come and say hello, collect some resources and ask any questions about the availability of health services locally,” Mrs Barclay said.