The package of initiatives implemented by the Palaszczuk Government have resolved the pressure on South East Queensland hospitals.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said that as of 10:30am today, code yellows have been cancelled at all hospitals in South East Queensland.
After a final meeting this afternoon, it is expected the State Health Emergency Coordination Centre (SHECC) will also stand down.
“We responded quickly when the issue escalated Tuesday afternoon, allocating $3 million for urgent capacity expansion, in addition to the structured, extensive and response from Hospital and Health Services,” Mr Miles said.
“With the $3 million urgent capacity expansion allocation, each Hospital and Health Service was able to work quickly to implement their surge plans.
“This included Metro North opening 46 extra beds across their facilities that aren’t normally used for emergency patients.
“In Metro South, procedure rooms, transit beds and other physical space not ordinarily used for beds were open with hospitals facing a situation where they were 50 patients over capacity.
“Metro South also approved extra travel subsidies for patients transferring from Logan Hospital to other facilities in the HHS to make sure their family and friends could still support them.
“A dedicated team is also working with the Mater, which is providing 20 beds at Mater South Brisbane, five at Mater Springfield and five at Mater Redland.
“The Gold Coast took clear action to help manage the demand by opening 43 additional beds across their facilities, rostering extra nurses and working with both private hospitals on the Coast and colleagues in NSW who send patients from the Tweed to the Coast.
Mr Miles said overnight presentations to South East Queensland hospitals returned to normal levels.
“I can confirm, Gold Coast and Metro North no longer have any patients in non-treatment spaces and Metro South are in the process of moving the small number of patients remaining in non-treatment spaces into dedicated treatment spaces.”
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the implementation of planned strategies across South East Queensland has delivered a good result for our patients.
“Our health system is prepared for this type of capacity surge, and we’ve managed this unseasonal peak by using a range of tried and tested system-wide strategies,” Dr Young said.
“I want to congratulate and thank all those involved for their dedication and effort in ensuring the pressure on our system was resolved as quickly as possible.
“While the pressure has resolved, it is still important for Queenslanders to remember to keep our emergency departments for emergencies.”
