More than 1500 patients went through the doors of Bundaberg Hospital's emgergency department during the peak holiday period.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service data shows that in the 10 days from 24 December 2020 to 2 January 2021, some 1549 patients presented at Bundaberg.
There were 1553 presentations to Hervey Bay Hospital and 742 at Maryborough Hospital, contributing to a seven per cent rise overall.
“Our emergency departments at Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough experienced busy holiday periods, with high presentation numbers that were well above their normal daily activity,” WBHHS chief executive Debbie Carroll said.
“Our teams were well prepared to handle the increased numbers, which are always expected at this time of year due both to the closure of many local primary health services for the break and the population of our region swelling as relatives and tourists visit.
“That said, the number of presentations were just under seven per cent higher than the previous Christmas period, which reflects the ever-growing demand for our services each year.”
The busiest days of the holiday period at Bundaberg Hospital emergency department were 29 December (177 presentations) and 28 December (175).
There were 123 presentations on Christmas Day.
The daily average during the 2020 calendar year was 128.
Ms Carroll thanked patients for their understanding during the holiday period and WBHHS staff for their outstanding work.
“On behalf of our executive and board, I’d like to thank all our dedicated staff for their efforts throughout the Christmas and New Year period,” she said.
“It really does take a high level of co-ordination, planning, clinical expertise, hard work and commitment to provide the best possible care for our patients and we’re really proud of our teams for their professionalism and commitment over the holiday period.
“While our community celebrates the festive season with loved ones, many of our staff across multiple disciplines are giving up time with their own families to continue to provide high-quality services to our patients.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the patience visitors to our emergency department have shown during this busy time of the year as they wait for care.
“Often patients with less urgent conditions will have to wait longer than normal, but they have done so with great cooperation and understanding, and our staff have greatly appreciated that.”
- Last year: Presentations surge at Bundaberg Hospital emergency department
