PENINSULA Health has enacted its own code brown in line with the state government’s emergency alert to relieve pressure on the hospital system.
From Wednesday January 19, Peninsula Health has been able to redeploy workers to areas of greatest need, postpone leave to boost staffing numbers and redistribute resources to ensure critical patients are prioritised.
It can also call on Australian Defence Force personnel for help and to drive ambulances.
Peninsula Health’s acting executive director medical services, Dr Chris Bowen, said the organisation was managing the pressure on its health system, but was asking the community to keep COVID-safe as that would make a “significant” difference to the hospital system.
“We strongly encourage everyone to wear masks, practice good hand hygiene, and get your booster vaccination as soon as you are eligible,” he said.
“If you had your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine more than three months ago, you can now get your booster vaccination to protect yourself and our community. Our vaccination clinic at Frankston is open for bookings, including for children aged five to 11.
“We have plenty of appointments available for children in this age group, who are now eligible for their vaccination.
“People can book an appointment for children online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment or by phoning Coronavirus Victoria on 1800 625 389.
There is no need for adults to make an appointment.
Dr Bowen said the hospital had strategies in place to manage the demand, which he described as “stable”.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 25 January 2022
