Translate
The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) and Launceston General Hospital (LGH) have escalated to Level 3 of their COVID-19 Management Plans this afternoon.
This follows the recommendation of each hospital’s Regional Health Management Team and is based on the level of COVID-positive inpatients, level of COVID-related staff absence and general hospital demand.
Escalation levels are well-established and effective protocols that enable our hospitals to prioritise available resources and continue delivering essential services based on demand.
Urgent elective surgeries and appointments will continue to be delivered along with other urgent and critical services. Non-urgent elective services will be reviewed based on operational requirements and the clinical need of patients.
During this period of heightened pressure, we ask the public for their patience and understanding should they experience longer waiting times for lower acuity presentations or disruption to services.
Staff are working hard to address the demand for health services, and the public can have confidence that the needs of emergency presentations will be met.
Both the LGH and RHH will continue to allow one visitor per patient for one hour between 2pm and 7pm unless an exemption is provided by the nurse-in-charge.
The public are encouraged to help keep our emergency departments (EDs) for emergencies by making use of alternative care options for non-urgent injuries and illnesses.
If you’re feeling unwell and not sure what to do, you can call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They can provide advice on whether you should manage your condition at home, book an appointment with a GP or go to an ED. They may also offer a call back from a GP during the afterhours period.
People experiencing respiratory illnesses or who test positive for COVID-19 and require antivirals or further support, can register with our COVID@homeplus service by calling 1800 973 363.
Pharmacies can provide advice and treatment for minor illnesses and ailments, including colds and flu, skin conditions, allergies, headaches, diarrhoea or constipation, or sleeping problems.
A GP is usually the first person to contact with a health issue. They can also deal with minor emergencies such as sprains and strains, bites, stings, viruses infections, and ongoing illness or injury.
Some GPs and pharmacies are open afterhours. Tasmanians can find one available in their area by visiting www.tasafterhours.com
Anyone requiring emergency medical assistance should call triple zero (000) immediately or make their way to the nearest ED.