Elective surgery, specialist outpatient appointments and clinics remain cancelled at Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen hospitals due to Cyclone Debbie.
Appointments are cancelled in:
• Specialist Outpatients Department appointments including allied health, antenatal, women’s and children’s clinics
• Mackay, Bowen and Proserpine dental and radiology
• Cannonvale and Bowen community health centres
• Mackay Community Mental Health, BreastScreen, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Carlyle Community Health Centre.
Chief Executive Jo Whitehead said the decision was made to ensure people were kept safe and that staff were free to respond to emergencies.
“The most important thing is for people to keep safe. You should only come to our emergency departments if you really need our help and care,” Ms Whitehead said.
People are also urged to check on elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours this afternoon.
“As Tropical cyclone Debbie approaches it would be helpful to make sure they have enough water, food and can be kept safe,” she said.
The health service has been preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Debbie since Saturday.
Senior managers are meeting regularly to make sure services are ready and that staff are available to provide emergency services.
“I’d like to say a big thank-you from the Executive Leadership Team and the Board to our staff who have worked tirelessly over the weekend and will work through the cyclone to make sure we can continue to provide emergency services.”
If you need non urgent health advice please call 13HEALTH to speak to a Registered Nurse.
