INCREASED DEMAND FOR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SERVICES

Presentations across Canberra's emergency departments over recent months have been higher than average and mirror those that were experienced during the peak of the H1N1 outbreak in 2009.

The Minister for Health, Ms. Katy Gallagher said that our emergency departments provided record levels of access to care during the 2009-10 financial year- with 106,775 people attending for treatment over the 12 months.

"This was five percent above the 101,914 people who attended our Emergency Departments over the previous year and nine percent up on the year before that," she said.

"Despite this considerable increase in presentations, waiting times at our emergency departments improved over the last financial year- with 62.8 percent of all people seen on time over the year, compared with 60.3 percent for the previous year.

During July 2009, which saw our greatest emergency department presentations due to the global outbreak of H1N1 influenza, an average of 159 people sought treatment daily at the TCH Emergency Department.

For the first two weeks of July this year, the average number of daily presentations to TCH has risen to 164- rising as high as 190 presentations on some days. Calvary Emergency Department has also experienced sustained increases in presentations recently.

"It is often the case at this time of the year that our emergency departments see many more people, but this year, in particular has seen a considerable increase in less urgent attendances at the emergency department."

"It's important for members of the community to know in advance of their visit that as a result of the sustained increase in demand for emergency department services across the ACT, people with less serious conditions, for example Category 5, may experience longer waiting times than during other periods," the Minister said.

Initial data shows that the increased level of demand for services over the beginning of winter this year relates to a range of conditions including viral infections, asthma and chest pain.

Ms Gallagher said that at this time of year the hospital sees an increase in older people and children with respiratory illness and gastroenteritis presenting at the emergency department.

"There are a range of options for people who need access to health care, in particular for those who require less urgent access to medical care."

"I'd encourage people to seek out alternative services at this time of high demands to assist them in obtaining quicker and more appropriate access," the Health Minister said.

These options include:

Community Pharmacist- your local pharmacist is qualified to give you expert advice on many health issues
healthdirect- call 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1800 022 222 for free expert advice and reassurance
Walk-in Centre- for one-off treatment of minor illness and injuries, see a specialist nurse seven days a week from 7am until 11pm, located at Canberra Hospital
GP surgery- for ongoing comprehensive health care for everyone, including those with acute problems, children under two years and those who have complex medical problems, your GP is your best option
CALMS- 1300 422 567, the call centre is open weeknights from 6pm and all day weekends and public holidays, with CALMS clinics open from 8pm
Emergency Department- for serious illness or injury requiring urgent attention, call 000 for an ambulance or go to the Emergency Department.

Media Contact:

Warren Tegg 6205 0384 0435 961 012 warren.tegg@act.gov.au