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The Department of Health is encouraging all Tasmanians to be aware of the right treatment option for their needs this summer as hospitals and the broader health system enter a traditionally busy period.
During the summer months, our hospitals and ambulance services can experience an increase in demand for emergency and other types of care, as more people socialise and engage in sporting and other outdoor pursuits, as well as recent increases in COVID-19 activity in the community.
All Tasmanians who require emergency care should always call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department (ED), where our dedicated staff will be there to care for you. However, there are a range of community-based health services that are available and can offer fast advice or treatment for non-emergency care needs without the need to attend an ED.
There are five Medicare Urgent Clinics across Tasmania - including two in Hobart, one in Launceston and one in Devonport - which offer bulk-billed healthcare for urgent health issues without the need for an appointment, 7 days a week. The third Medicare UCC for southern Tasmania opened at Bridgewater last week. All Medicare UCCs are open throughout the holiday season.
Healthdirect (1800 022 222) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can provide advice on whether you can manage your condition at home, book an appointment with a GP or need an alternative care option.
Noting the recent increase in COVID-19 activity in the community, the Care@home service provides around the clock virtual care for patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, providing care and support to patients to better self-manage their illnesses in their own home. The Care@home team can be contacted on 1800 973 363 and is available for advice and support for anyone who has a respiratory illness or is caring for someone with a respiratory illness.
Access Mental Health (1800 332 388) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to support Tasmanians with mental health support, triage and referral to other services as appropriate.
Community pharmacies can provide advice and treatment for common injuries and illnesses, and many of them are open on evenings, weekends and public holidays. Pharmacies can also make a one-off supply of many prescription-only medicines to patients as part of the ongoing No Script, No Stress initiative. Many pharmacies can also provide absence from work certificates.
Department of Health Secretary, Dale Webster, called on Tasmanians to familiarise themselves with the many health care options available in Tasmania to ensure the most appropriate care.
“I would like to emphasise that anyone who requires emergency care should call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department. Our staff will be there to care for you,’’ Mr Webster said.
“However, if your health needs are not an emergency and less urgent, there are a number of other treatment options available to suit your needs. This also helps to reduce pressure on our busy emergency departments.
“If you are not sure what to do, a good place to start is calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. This service is available 24/7 and can help guide you to the most appropriate treatment option for you or your loved one.”
For more information about non-emergency care options available in Tasmania, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/rightcare