By the numbers: How Coast hospitals handled pandemic

New figures reveal the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Sunshine Coast’s emergency departments.

Tour of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).Exterior of the building.

NEW figures have revealed the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Sunshine Coast's emergency departments.

From January 1 to May 31 this year, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services emergency departments recorded more than 57,000 presentations.

It meant the emergency departments dealt with 380 presentations on average per day.

As part of the response to the global coronavirus pandemic, the region's hospitals have cared for "more people than ever" in 2020.

Acting clinical director of medical services Dr Benjamin Close said part of the response included streamlining the community's access to emergency care.

READ: Not over yet: Experts warn second virus wave on cards

Dr Close said fever clinics set up at Caloundra, Birtinya, Nambour and Gympie hospitals, and telehealth services, ensured patients could be tested without impacting on emergency departments.

He said there was a slight decrease in emergency department presentations from March to May but that the average number of emergency department attendances each month was 11,474.

"Additionally, as at 31 May 2020, more than 7700 people attended the physical fever clinics and more than 3800 people had virtual fever clinic appointments this year," Dr Close said.

"While there may be no active coronavirus cases in our health service region right now, this is not time for complacency.

"I encourage everyone who has any coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild to contact their doctor and get tested."

READ: 'Tsunami' of patients rush back to GPs in droves

Symptoms may include: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or fatigue.

"People may also experience other symptoms that are different to what is listed above, such as headache, loss of smell, loss of taste, nausea or vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea or a loss of appetite," Dr Close said.

"Symptoms can vary depending on each case."

If you have a sudden onset of any symptoms, you should contact your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice.

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