The covid numbers that really matter relate to hospital beds in intensive care units.
Today, January 18, there are 62 covid patients in hospital in Northern NSW with six of these in ICU.
As case numbers in the Northern Rivers rise, the concern is how to care for the rising number of people who have covid and need hospitalisation.
Northern NSW Local Health District’s Lynne Weir said the hospital system was challenged because of the “increased activity resulting from the pandemic and the additional pressure of some staff being furloughed because they need to isolate.”
The district has sufficient intensive care beds across its three major hospitals in Grafton, Lismore and Tweed with plans in place to surge staffing and ICU capacity if needed, Ms Weir said.
Lismore Base Hospital is the primary receiving hospital for covid patients and three covid wards have been established there.
Capacity for non-covid patients has been aided at Lismore through a partnership with St Vincent’s Private Hospital opening a ward to take transfers from Lismore Base.
During the early stages of the pandemic, we sourced additional equipment including ventilators and we regularly review our stock and supply chains of resources, including PPE and pharmacy items, Ms Weir said.
“If you are under 65 years of age, have had two doses of the covid vaccine, do not suffer from any chronic health conditions and are not pregnant, it is most likely you can safely look after yourself at home.
“Most people with covid will have a mild illness and will recover in a few days or so, with some people having no symptoms at all.”
Those who are considered to be at high-risk of severe disease are advised to contact their GP or call the NSW Health Covid Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933.
Anyone who develops severe symptoms (particularly severe dizziness, drowsiness or confusion, shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain lasting more than 10 minutes or an inability to stand) should call Triple Zero straight away and tell ambulance staff they have been diagnosed with covid.
NNSWLHD hospitals are located at: Ballina, Byron, Casino, Grafton, Lismore, Maclean, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.
MPS facilities are located at: Bonalbo, Kyogle, Nimbin, Urbenville.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 18 January 2022.
