Tamworth Hospital ready for Country Music Festival

6 January 2011

The Country Music Festival is the Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department’s busiest time of the year. That’s why the hospital once again has extensive plans in place to care for a potential influx of people presenting 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 39th 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 the local community during the festival.

“During the busiest days, between Monday 17 January and Sunday 23 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.

“We strongly encourage both visitors and locals to wear a hat and sunscreen, drink plenty of water, consume alcohol responsibly, wear footwear appropriate for walking from venue to venue and remembering to bring regular medications.”

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 0428 114 767