The number of people being rushed to Orange hospital in a critical condition has been steadily rising.
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Those rated in the top category of concern, known as triage one, for hospital emergency department staff, have become more frequent arrivals at the hospital.
Back in January to March 2012, there were 23 people in this category, rising to 39 the following year and 44 last year.
The latest Bureau of Health Information Hospital Quarterly report, covering January to March this year, showed that the number of people in this category was 67.
That’s a 52.3 per cent increase in a year and clearly puts enormous pressure on emergency department staff.
Throw in an increase in the overall number of ambulances coming to the hospital with patients of varying conditions and there is going to be a serious squeeze on resources.
However, we are happy to say that the hospital staff handled it well.
The average time taken to transfer these critically ill and injured people into hospital care was 10 minutes, the same as the previous year.
And it was not only a faster response time than other major hospitals in the region it was well below the NSW benchmark of 30 minutes.
The onus also falls to all people who are in need of medical help and treatment to consider what is their best option.
Calling ambulances and rushing to the emergency department is a necessity if the patient’s condition is serious.
However, those with moderate blood loss, dehydration, or even more so those with a sprained ankle, an earache and cuts and abrasions, should be looking elsewhere.
Orange Health Service general manager Catherine Nowlan has some wise words of advice.
“People should keep emergency for emergencies,” she said on Wednesday.
“If people can, you should go and see your GP.”
Of course, not all medical conditions fall in office hours.
Which is why the federal and state governments have backed the Health Direct medical help service.
Call 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a health professional who can help you decide the best steps to take.
You will be helping yourself and helping free up the emergency department for true emergencies.