Tamworth Hospital ready for potential influx

11 January 2009

More than 1360 patients came through the doors of the Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department during the 2009 Country Music Festival – that’s why the hospital once again has extensive plans in place to care for a potential influx of presentations to the service this year.

Acting General Manager of Tamworth Hospital Brad Hansen said the hospital’s contingency plans during the festival ensure all patients receive high-quality care as efficiently as possible.

“With more than 50,000 visitors expected to attend the 38th Country Music Festival, Tamworth Hospital and its preparations play a key role in ensuring the event’s ongoing success,” Mr Hansen said.

“Each festival our emergency department sees more than 40 additional patients a day, so we have plans in place to meet the demand on our service during the 10-day festival.”

Community planning for the festival each year includes a mock disaster exercise. The exercise tests disaster plans to ensure they would be effective should a major incident happen in our community during the festival. The testing also ensures the hospital is adequately staffed during the festival.

“Over the busiest days, between Monday 18 January and Monday 25 January, the hospital has a ‘fast track’ team in the emergency department who are responsible for ensuring patients with minor injuries and illnesses are seen through the department quickly to reduce waiting times during the festival,” Mr Hansen said.

“A designated patient escort team will assist with the movement of patients who require admission from the emergency department into the hospital, to reduce the need for vital emergency department staff to leave the front line.

“Activity will be constantly monitored at the hospital throughout the festival and additional resources will be allocated as required. However it’s important that all locals and visitors keep themselves feeling well throughout the festival.

“Both visitors and locals can keep themselves well by wearing a hat and sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, consuming alcohol responsibly, by wearing footwear appropriate for walking from venue to venue and remembering to bring regular medications.”

Acting General Manager of Tamworth Hospital Brad Hansen will be available for interviews in front of the emergency department between 11.30am and 12 noon today – Thursday 7 January 2010.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 0428 114 767