Planned surgery and outpatient care services will remain temporarily suspended in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) as Tropical Cyclone Alfred bears down on the region.
These temporary service changes, which began on Thursday 6 March, will continue through until close of business on Monday 10 March when we will have a better understanding of the recovery in front of us. Those affected by these temporary changes will be notified.
Services affected include:
- Specialty outpatient services at hospitals will be postponed and rescheduled
- Planned surgery will be postponed and rescheduled
- Community-based services: no site-based clinics will operate on Monday, with virtual services available where possible
- Dental clinics will operate based on staffing and site availability
- BreastScreen services: the Tweed and Lismore facilities will remain closed until further notice.
The following services will resume on Monday, depending on local conditions:
- Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and renal services
- Hospital-in-the Home, palliative care, Urgent Care Service, transitional aged care, and community nursing services
- Community Health Centres: staff will follow up with clients virtually to ensure plans are in place for patients to receive treatment at home
- BreastScreen Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour services
For further updates, please check the Northern NSW Local Health District website and our social media pages.
Quotes from Tracey Maisey, Chief Executive, Northern NSW Local Health District:
“Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure our community receives the care they need during this challenging time.
“Emergency departments at our hospitals are open for anyone who needs emergency care.
“For those with less urgent care needs, we encourage you to call the free health care advice service, Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, where registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and you can be connected with virtual care services if required.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our staff, many of whom have made the decision to remain at work over the next few days, ensuring continuous care and support for our community.
“We understand many people may be feeling concerned about the approaching weather event, and we encourage them to seek help if needed.”
Helpful resources
If your life is in danger, please call Triple Zero (000).
If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by specialist mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.
If you need crisis support, please call Lifeline Australia at any time on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline at any time on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au
For non-crisis support, please call Beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36. There’s also a range of online resources to support you and your loved ones. Please visit Beyondblue and Lifeline online. Young people should visit heaspace.org.au, Kids Helpline or ReachOut.com
For free health advice anytime day or night, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Need support in your language? You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.