Temporary changes at Bulahdelah in place from Monday
7 October 2011
Hunter New England Health today issued a reminder to the community of ways to access care in Bulahdelah once temporary changes to overnight nursing services at Bulahdelah Hospital take effect at 9.30pm on Monday 10 October 2011.
“At a community meeting held this week in Bulahdelah we provided members of the community with advice about how they can continue to access health care during this period,” Hunter New England Health’s Director of Operations – Primary and Community Networks Mr Scott McLachlan said.
“The meeting was productive because we were able to hear the concerns of the community, and reassure them about plans we have in place to help them access local primary health care.”
Mr McLachlan said he was particularly pleased to see some local people interested in re-forming the Bulahdelah Local Health Advisory Committee.
“This is a positive move for the community because it gives us a local forum where we can continue to communicate with them about the hospital and hear the views and thoughts of the people who use our services,” he said.
“This group will also play an active role in the collaborative effort to look at ways of creating sustainable access to general practitioner care in Bulahdelah into the future.
“We will continue to keep the lines of communication open now and into the future.”
From 10 October, community members will access the hospital between the hours of 7am and 9.30pm to be seen by nurses for non-urgent care.
“In an emergency, people should always call Triple Zero (000) for assistance,” Mr McLachlan said.
“Our emergency departments at Taree, Gloucester and Newcastle are available for urgent care, if required.
“Health advice and information is also available via the free Health Direct Australia service, which is staffed by registered nurses 24-hours a day, on 1800 022 222.”
These arrangements are temporary and services are expected to return to normal once the Bulahdelah GP returns from leave and patients are able to be admitted to the hospital again.
Contact: Communication Unit
Phone: 4985 5522