Walcha's ED is for emergencies

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Walcha community members are being reminded about appropriate use of the Emergency Department (ED) at Walcha Multi Purpose Service (MPS).

Walcha MPS Health Service Manager Kristine Smith said the friendly reminder was in response to the growing number of presentations at the ED for non-urgent medical treatments.

“The ED is a vital community service that ensures patients in the most critical condition get access to medical help when they need it,” Ms Smith said.

“Whilst we will never refuse to treat someone presenting at the ED, the primary role is treating patients with urgent, life threatening conditions.”

Ms Smith said confusion about the way patients are prioritised and seen by the nurse or doctor at the ED had also been identified as an issue.

“Each patient presenting at the ED has their condition assessed and prioritised by the triage nurse on duty,” Ms Smith said. “A patient’s triage category will determine the time they wait for treatment at the ED. The more urgent conditions are given priority.

“We would appreciate the community’s assistance and cooperation with this, to ensure our Emergency Department is being used in the most efficient way. This benefits the whole community both now and over the long-term,” Ms Smith said.

Please make an appointment to see your GP if your condition is non-urgent or non-critical.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 6767 7137