All NW public, district hospitals and community health centres at level 3 COVID escalation

This escalation will also be enacted at the West Coast District Hospital and other district hospitals and community health centres across the North-West.

Acting State Health Commander Dale Webster said the decision came after a recommendation from the Regional Health Management Team, and was based on the level of COVID-positive inpatients, general hospital demand and increasing level of staff absences.

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"The region's staffing resources will be prioritised and where appropriate reallocated to support the NWRH, MCH and district hospitals to continue delivering key services," Mr Webster said.

"This may lead to a reduction in community health services.

"As is already the case at the NWRH, planned elective services at the MCH will be reviewed based on operational requirements and clinical need of patients. Emergency surgeries and other urgent or critical services will continue to be delivered."

A restriction of one visitor per patient for an hour will be implemented across the public hospitals, unless an exemption is granted by the nurse-in-charge.

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Mr Webster said these escalation levels were "well-established and effective protocols", with people not requiring hospital admission or emergency care encouraged "to think about the right service for their needs, and to reconsider attending the NWRH and MCH Emergency Departments during this time".

"During this period of heightened pressure, we ask the communities of North-West Tasmania for their patience and understanding, should they experience longer waiting times for lower acuity presentations or disruption to services," he said.

"Staff are working hard to address the demand for health services, and the public can have confidence that the needs of emergency presentations will be met.

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"If you require medical assistance that is not urgent or life-threatening, visit your pharmacy for minor ailments, explore booking an appointment with a local GP, or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 for free, trusted health information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

The health department has also reiterated the the "best protection for the public continues to be vaccination", with second boosters, or fourth vaccination doses, are now available for Tasmanians aged 30-years-old and over.

Members of the public are also encouraged to continue practicing the COVID-safe behaviours, such as hand hygience, social distancing, staying when unwell and wearing a facemask when required to do so.

If you require emergency medical assistance, call 000 immediately.

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