Tara Murray
Western Health is calling on the community to only attend its emergency departments if its a genuine emergency.
The health service recently took to social media expressing concern about the high number of people attending the emergency departments at Sunshine, Footscray and Williamstown hospitals.
The demand at hospitals and for ambulance services has continued to grow, as more and more people test positive for COVID-19.
Western Health acting executive director of operations John Ferraro said Victoria’s ambulances and hospitals will continue to be under pressure over the coming weeks and months.
“It is important to attend emergency departments only when absolutely necessary,” he said.
“Due to extremely high levels of demand and a range of additional pressures on emergency departments across Melbourne from COVID, Western Health is calling on the community to support its emergency departments by only presenting when absolutely necessary.
“Anyone who is experiencing severe symptoms should still attend an emergency department or call an ambulance.”
Mr Ferraro said Western Health has been preparing for a large number of patients presenting, however those with non-urgent medical conditions are asked to consider alternative avenues of medical assistance.
He said Nurse on Call was a good start place before calling an ambulance or coming to hospital for a non-urgent medical issue.
For most people with mild COVID-19 symptoms, home is the best place to recover with support from other services if needed.
“Western Health continues to work with the Department of Health, Ambulance Victoria and other metropolitan public and private health services to provide care for the sickest patients in our community during the pandemic.”
Ambulance Victoria continues to feel the pressure as well, with the service issuing two code reds in metropolitan Melbourne since the start of the year.
“We take this opportunity to again remind the community to please call on Nurse on Call or visit their local GP service if their illness is not an emergency,“ a media release from Ambulance Victoria said.
Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill pointed out the extent of the situation on social media on January.
“Last PM, 000 calls waited up to 17 minutes,” he said.
“Members say about half are COVID related and of that 4/5 are not emergencies but questions about testing, vaccines and results.
“Everyone has questions about COVID but 000 can’t give u answers. They are for emergencies only.”
