ACEM warns floods are impacting health system

ACEM Queensland Deputy Chair Dr Shantha Raghwan warned the public against traveling in floodwaters. “Most people who die or incur serious injury in flood events do so by attempting to travel in floodwaters. Wherever possible, and when it is safer to do so, stay in place. People needing acute medical care should utilise whatever health sources are available to them, including calling 000 and Health Direct. If you need urgent medical assistance, we will do everything we can, and medical emergencies will be prioritised, but there is extreme, widespread pressure on the healthcare system.”

Dr Raghwan warned that the floods were having significant impacts on staffing in hospitals and healthcare systems. “Due to floodwaters, many healthcare workers are unable to get to hospitals to work, so there are significant staffing pressures being experienced across Queensland and northern New South Wales.”

“Some healthcare workers are stuck at hospitals and have worked back-to-back shifts. Many staff are sleeping at hospitals, as they cannot leave, and everyone across the healthcare system is working hard to provide care to people who need it while worrying about the wellbeing of their own loved ones, homes and communities.”

Dr Raghwan warned that floodwaters are often contaminated and urged people, where possible, to avoid contact with it. “We are anticipating gastroenteritis and skin infections from exposure to contaminated flood waters. Wherever possible, avoid contact with floodwater. Please follow government directives on maintaining and consuming safe drinking water.”

The College expressed concern and offered support to all people impacted by the weather event.

ACEM President Dr Clare Skinner said, “Emergency physicians of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia stand with people impacted by the floods in Queensland and northern New South Wales. We offer our support and admiration to healthcare workers working in tremendously challenging circumstances to provide healthcare to people in need.”

ACEM and other medical Colleges recently declared climate change to be the biggest threat to the health system and called on the federal government to urgently come up with a plan to protect Australians and the healthcare system from the impacts of climate change.

Dr Skinner said, “Climate change is the biggest threat to the healthcare system. Without immediate action, climate change will increase the number of weather events, such as extreme floods, and exert even more pressure on our dangerously overcrowded health systems.”

“After the immediate priorities of the floods are managed, the federal government needs to commit to stronger 2030 targets and ensure there is a plan to protect Australians and the healthcare system from the impacts of climate change.”

Background:

ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au

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