For ‘emergencies only’

With winter well under way and cold and flu symptoms on the rise, Rockingham General Hospital has reminded residents its emergency department is for emergencies only.

Rockingham Peel Group director of nursing and midwifery, Kathleen Smith, said during the winter months the hospital had an increase in emergency department attendances as people with the common cold often turned to emergency departments rather than to their local general practice.

“It is a timely reminder for the community that emergency departments are for emergencies only,” she said.

“It is important for our emergency department teams to be able to focus on patients with serious respiratory conditions, including influenza and pneumonia, in addition to the elderly, people with serious illness, young children and babies who are more vulnerable than others when the temperatures drop during winter,” she said.

Ms Smith said the colder weather during the winter months also brought an increase in injuries caused by falls or slips.

She recommended people who have developed a flu-like illness, and are planning to head to emergency, to consider a visit to their GP who will know their medical history and refer them to additional services if necessary.

“People showing signs of the flu can also help prevent the spread of influenza by staying at home until their acute symptoms have gone,” Ms Smith said.

Anyone requiring urgent medical help should always phone 000 or go to an emergency department for assistance, she said.