Hospital emergency departments will be open 24 hours a day and emergency services will continue to operate over Christmas and the New Year period, though there will be little elective surgery.
Acting CEO, Jodie Miller, said unscheduled or emergency surgery would continue to be performed at Broken Hill Health Services across the holiday period, as well as essential procedures.
“Emergency departments will continue to operate around the clock for people with a serious injury or illness and those in need of urgent medical attention,” Ms Miller said.
Throughout the holiday period, the level of elective surgery taking place at Broken Hill Health Services does tend to reduce, with Ms Miller extending her thanks to FWLHD staff after another busy and challenging year in the health sector.
“As we move towards 2023, I would like to thank the medical, hospital, community health and administration staff at our many facilities who continue to provide quality care in support of better health and quality of life for our community,” she said.
“Many of our clinical staff will take the opportunity to spend some well-deserved time with their families so it makes sense to have a reduced activity period for elective, that’s planned, surgery and some outpatient services.
“The deferring of elective surgery at this time is accepted by the majority of our patients as many do not want to be in hospital over the festive season.”
Ms Miller stressed the significance of remaining vigilant to Covid and the importance of continuing to test if you experience symptoms. NSW provides access to rapid antigen tests for vulnerable communities through schools, health settings, non-Government organisations, and Service NSW. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/testing-managing/free-rat-tests.
For non-community care, the community is reminded to contact their local GP, medical centre, pharmacist or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour health advice.
