Hospital emergency department treats equivalent of town population over past year

Taumarunui Integrated Healthcare is urging people to avoid using the Taumarunui hospital’s emergency department for non-emergencies that could be treated by their general practice doctor.

In the past year, the Taumarunui Hospital emergency department has treated almost 5,500 people, which is equivalent to the town’s population, and it is putting growing pressure on staff and services.

Emergency Department Charge Nurse Nick Smith said that people using hospital emergency departments for non-emergency treatment is a growing issue throughout NZ, however, we have a situation in Taumarunui where the annual presentations are now almost equal to the local population.

“People are seeking treatment for such things as colds, sinus, ear or urinary tract infections, sore throats, strains and sprains – all of which would be better managed through their (primary care) general practice (GP) doctor,” he said.

“The vast majority of these cases are also presenting during the day when they could have seen one of the local GP doctors and with medical issues that are not serious enough for a hospital emergency department.”

Charge Nurse Smith that anyone with a genuine medical emergency should always come in, however, simply using the emergency department like a drop-in medical clinic was not a sensible thing to be doing and a bad use of hospital resources.

“The first thing that happens for anyone seeking treatment at a hospital emergency department is that a decision is made on serious their medical condition is.”

“Acute cases and serious accidents, etc. go to the head of the queue while the non-emergency cases can end up waiting what is often a very long time,” he said.

“In addition, people should also recognise that their GP is a lot better placed to manage their primary care needs as they hold a record of all their health history and medications, etc.”

Charge Nurse Smith added that it is important that people take responsibility for managing their health and that of their whanau.

“They should start by ensuring they are enrolled at one of Taumarunui’s local GP practices, that their whanau is vaccinated, and they have yearly flu shots, and that if they start feeling unwell not to leave things until they get really sick before seeking treatment.

“They should also ensure that they aware what alternatives medical advice and treatment options are available if needed,” he said.

“For many simple things, people do not need to see a doctor and can see a practice nurse, Public Health Nurses including the Taumarunui High School nurse, the local pharmacy or enrol with the free on-line Waikato DHB SMARTHealth service.”

“For more information of these options people can search Taumarunui Health Services at ruapehudc.govt.nz or pick up ‘Who You Should See’ a flyer from your local healthcare provider.”

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