Hospital services over Christmas and New Year holidays
Dec 21, 2023Hospital emergency departments will be open 24 hours a day and emergency surgery will continue to be performed over the Christmas and New Year period at Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) facilities.
MNCLHD’s Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick said emergency surgery will continue across the holiday period, as will essential procedures such as renal dialysis.
“Emergency departments will continue to operate around the clock for people with a serious injury or illness and those in need of urgent medical attention,” Mr Dowrick said.
“For other non-urgent medical issues, people are encouraged to visit their GP or contact a virtual care health service for 24-hour health advice.”
Across the Christmas and New Year period, the level of non-urgent planned surgery activity at Mid North Coast hospitals traditionally reduces.
“After another busy year, many clinical staff, including doctors and nurses, will take the opportunity to spend some well-deserved time with their families and loved ones,” Mr Dowrick said.
“As 2023 draws to a close, I’d like to thank the incredible efforts of all staff at our many facilities who continue to provide high-quality care for our community.
“I also acknowledge our dedicated volunteers who deliver exceptional services to local hospitals, community health centres and health programs across the Mid North Coast.”
If an illness or injury is not life-threatening, we encourage people to visit their GP or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222, which is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses to provide fast, expert advice on any health issue and what to do next.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please contact the below services:
• Lifeline: For 24/7 support call 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: For 24/7 support call 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline: For 24/7 support for children or young adults call 1800 55 1800
• NSW Mental Health Line: For 24/7 advice and connection to specialist mental health services, call 1800 011 511