Queensland’s health system is under unprecedented pressure as a result of huge rise in influenza, COVID-19. In response, two of the state’s largest hospitals have called for a 48-hour cessation on elective surgeries. From a public health perspective, not only do we have over 250 people hospitalized with flu, but 190 with COVID-19.
Tim Nicholls, the state’s health minister, defended the need to stick to hospitals for emergency care, even in light of the massive situation. The health minister stated the category one urgent surgeries will continue as planned. Category two and three elective surgeries for 185 patients will be delayed at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital and Caboolture Hospital.
Health System Under Pressure
Our emergency departments are being flooded with people with the flu and COVID. To prevent that from happening, we’ve made the decision to voluntarily and temporarily suspend elective surgeries. Nicholls saw the alarming increase of hospitalizations. To illustrate the uptick, he cited a 16 percent jump in flu cases since this time in 2022.
“The reason for that occurring across a number of our facilities … is that they are quite frankly being overwhelmed with flu and COVID presentations.” – Tim Nicholls
He stressed that the health care service remains hopeful that an extended 48 hour ceasefire will relieve some of the system’s pressure. At the same time, he warned that the pause could be lengthened. This decision will be guided by the volume of emergency presentations over the next few days.
Vaccination Urged to Alleviate Strain
Queensland health officials are calling on Queenslanders to act and protect themselves before it is too late. Their stance on the flu is clear—they urge everyone to get their flu vaccine. Paul Griffin, director of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, echoed this important sentiment. He touted the need for more free flu shot vaccinations to reduce hospital patients’ admissions.
“AMA Queensland is urging Queenslanders to get their flu shot and get it as quickly as you can,” – Paul Griffin
Adding to the bad news, Nicholls noted that rates of vaccination remain shockingly low within those admitted. He noted that well over 90 percent of people admitted right now with influenza are unvaccinated.
“My understanding is that 90 percent of those people who are ending up in hospital at the moment [with flu] are not vaccinated.” – Tim Nicholls
Guidance for Residents
Beyond education about vaccination efforts, Nicholls told residents not to hesitate to seek care when they’re feeling ill. He urges anyone who is very sick to get professional treatment right away.
“If you are ill and you feel you need to go to hospital, go to an emergency department. You will be looked after, you will get care, you will get treatment,” – Tim Nicholls
Queensland is in the middle of a severe health emergency. State officials are closely monitoring hospital capacity and sounding the alarm for residents to do their part by getting vaccinated and obtaining care early.
