Ipswich hospitals preparing for onslaught of Covid cases as daily cases spike

As local Covid-19 cases continue to grow by the hundreds daily, here’s how hospital services across Ipswich are preparing for a surge of patients.

As the Omicron Covid-19 variant sweeps across Queensland, Ipswich is recording hundreds of daily positive cases, prompting health services to bolster their pandemic response to battle a spike in patients.

on December 29 Ipswich City recorded a total of 342 Covid-19 cases, including 32 overseas acquired, 50 locally acquired with a known contact, 12 locally acquired with no known contact, and two interstate acquired. Picture: Rob Williams

As of Wednesday, December 29, Ipswich City recorded 342 cases with the origin of 246 of those unknown as Queensland Health struggles to keep up with contact tracing efforts.

Queensland recorded 1589 new cases and 80 per cent of those were the more contagious Omicron variant.

Public health is the first line of defence against the pandemic and West Moreton Health acting Chief Executive Matthew Tallis said health services across the Somerset, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Ipswich region were ready for the challenge.

“Vaccination rates in our region are improving and we are well-positioned to respond to what we know will be an increase in Covid-19 cases across Queensland now the borders are open,” Mr Tallis said.

“West Moreton Health’s Public Health Unit and Incident Management Team are working to support Covid-19 positive people in our region.”

West Moreton Health acting Chief Executive Matthew Tallis.

Mr Tallis said preparations were being put in place to manage the increase of Covid positive patients which includes demountable health facilities, and homecare plans.

“We are also supporting Covid-19 patients (who are well) through a virtual hospital model that allows them to recover in their home,” he said.

 Mr Tallis said it is important for residents to stay vigilant against the spread of Covid because it provided vital support to health facilities.

“The community is supporting (our) work by getting vaccinated, using the Queensland check-in App at every location and getting tested at the first sign of any symptoms, no matter how mild,” he urged.

“As case numbers rise across Queensland, stay safe by maintaining your social distancing measures, hand hygiene and the recommended mask wearing when in indoor public venues.”

Patients visiting any West Moreton Health facilities are asked to wear a surgical mask.

“I thank the community for their patience and support as our hospital and health service staff work to keep the community safe and well,” Mr Tallis said.

“A list of testing sites can be found on our website with many sites not requiring a GP referral.”

“The community is supporting this work by getting vaccinated, using the Queensland Check-in App at every location and getting tested at the first sign of any symptoms, no matter how mild,” West Moreton Health acting Chief Executive Matthew Tallis said.

According to Queensland Health, here’s what you should do if you have Covid-19:

• Isolate yourself from others and tell members of your household to get tested.
Those people may leave to get tested but must quarantine at home after.

You should still try to isolate yourself from those members as they may have not caught the virus.
• co-operate with Queensland Health.

A Queensland Health representative will call you to determine if you need home or hospital care.
• Tell people who you have been in contact with, starting from two days prior to your symptoms occurring or the positive test result.

Those people are asked to immediately get tested and quarantine and a contact tracing officer may contact you about your whereabouts.
• You will need supplies to be delivered as you will be in isolation for up to 14 days depending on your vaccination status.

If you need a prescription filled, call your GP to arrange it to be delivered or get a friend to pick it up and leave it at your door.

If you don’t have family or friends to help you can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
• Look after your mental and physical health while in isolation.