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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

New QR codes make testing even easier
Published: 11 Feb 2021

COVID-19 testing clinics in Northern NSW hospitals are paving the way for faster registration of test results, thanks to a new process involving personalised QR codes.

During February, all four hospital testing clinics in Northern NSW Local Health District will roll out the new Quick Response (QR) code registration process, meaning people will be able to quickly register to receive their test result with a simple scan on a smartphone.

The new method will see patients given a personalised QR code printout, which once scanned will automatically set up their SMS result registration using the details already entered into the testing clinic’s computer system.

“Using this new process, we’re reducing both the time taken for a patient to register for the SMS result notification, and the possibility of data being incorrect or mismatched,” Wayne Jones, Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, said.

“It’s now a one-step scan, rather than having to enter multiple pieces of personal information over a series of text messages.

“For our community members who may speak another language, it will help reduce barriers for them to register to receive their results via SMS.

“If patients need help to register, our clinic staff are right there and can walk them through the process.”

A project team involving NSW Health Pathology, eHealth and Clinical Information System teams from Northern NSW Local Health District has been working for several months to develop the localised technology and systems to support the improved registration method.

Patients who have used the new QR code system at Lismore Base Hospital have said it was ‘much easier’ and ‘user-friendly’.

NSW Health Pathology pioneered its COVID-19 SMS Results Service to help the public get faster, convenient access to their results given the high number of COVID-19 tests being performed.

The majority of negative results are provided by SMS within 24 hours and has significantly reduced time waiting for results and in self-isolation.

Private pathology providers may deliver results differently, so it is important for people to check with the clinic where they are tested for their preferred notification service.

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

 

Pictured: Staff at The Tweed Hospital testing clinic have implemented a new QR code results registration process.