Emergency departments at Footscray and Sunshine hospitals have returned to normal after a spike in demand earlier this week forced Western Health to recommend patients go elsewhere.
“On Monday and Tuesday this week, Footscray and Sunshine hospitals had periods of increased numbers of patients attending our emergency departments,” said Western Health chief operating officer John Ferraro.
“This increase in demand happens periodically, particularly during the winter months, and we have plans to respond.”
Those plans included recommending patients in need of non-emergency care use alternatives such as the nurse-on-call hotline or the free video-based healthcare service Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
Patients were also advised to visit priority primary care centres in Maribyrnong, Melton and Sunshine, instead of attending local hospitals.
Those who did choose to present at the Footscray and Sunshine hospital emergency departments were warned to expect a long wait to be treated for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
It’s understood that demand at both emergency departments has now decreased and patients are no longer being urged to seek alternatives.
Mr Ferraro praised staff at both hospitals for bringing the situation under control.
“Our staff work hard to respond to an increase in patients presenting to our emergency departments,” he said.
“All patients are triaged upon arrival, and care is prioritised for the most acutely unwell.“
The nurse-on-call hotline is 1300 60 60 24 and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department can be accessed at: www.vved.org.au
In a life-threatening medical emergency, call triple-0 or attend an emergency department.
