Be prepared for emergencies this Christmas

18 December 2007

Community members are reminded to prepare for changes in service and shop hours over the Christmas and New Year periods – and to plan ahead for any prescriptions they might need during that time.

Many services close temporarily over the Christmas New Year period, including many Community Health Services and Hunter New England Health wants to make sure people are aware of the temporary changes in advance.

Most Community Health Centre services in the Tablelands and McIntyre Clusters of Hunter New England Health will be closed between Monday 24 December, 2007, until Wednesday 2 January, 2008, with reduced staff available until Monday 7 January.

Community health clients with any urgent matters are asked to visit their General Practitioner or their local hospital during this period if their regular service provider is not available.
 
Emergency Departments can be contacted to discuss concerns by calling:

- Armidale Hospital – 6776 9500 or 6776 9622 (direct)
- Bingara Hospital – 6728 0100
- Emmaville – 6734 7900
- Glen Innes Hospital – 6739 0200
- Guyra – 6738 4000
- Inverell – 6721 9500
- Tenterfield – 6739 5200
- Warialda – 6738 9000

All acute hospital services, except elective surgery, will remain open throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including emergency surgery.

Some outpatient services at Armidale Hospital (such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and cardiac rehabilitation) will be cease from 21 December, 2007 until 14 January, 2008.

Other important support service contacts include:

- Drug & Alcohol - 1300 660 059
- Mental Health - 1300 669 757

Hunter New England Health is also reminding people to plan ahead if they have prescriptions that may run out over the holiday period, and to make sure they have a well-stocked first aid kit for any minor medical issues that might occur.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817