Mackay Hospital and Health Service is reminding people not to neglect their general health during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Director of Emergency Dr Sarah Boxall said there were fewer people presenting to the emergency department since the pandemic declaration.
Mackay Base Hospital’s emergency department presentations have dropped by around 30 per cent to an average of 120 presentations a day.
“This makes us concerned that some people who should be seeking urgent care are not doing so,” Dr Boxall said.
“It’s safe to attend Queensland hospitals through the emergency department,” she said.
Dr Boxall urged people not to neglect symptoms such as chest pain.
“Our concern is we don’t want people to ignore potentially life-threatening symptoms and have their health deteriorate even further.
“If you wait until you are critically unwell, the chance of making a full recovery is reduced,” she said.
Dr Boxall said some of the decrease may relate to people with minor complaints deciding to see their GP or pharmacist instead of visiting the emergency department.
She said emergency staff often noticed it was older people who delayed presenting to hospital.
“Older people are generally more stoic and often say they don’t want to bother us. But nothing could be further from the truth. If you have an emergency, we want to see you,” she said,
Deciding whether to go to an emergency department depends on the severity of your injury or illness.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
If someone is seriously ill,for example, they have collapsed, are experiencing chest pain or severe breathing problems, have symptoms of a stroke, or are seriously injured), call an ambulance.
“If you’re unsure if it’s an emergency, contact 13 HEALTH for advice,” Dr Boxall said.
“If it’s a minor ailment, visit a pharmacy or your GP,” she said.
