Covid Gold Coast: Shocking state of patient waiting area at Robina Hospital

A Gold Coast Covid patient has revealed the eye-opening state of a patient waiting area in a busy hospital as staff continue to grapple with an explosion in cases. SEE INSIDE

GOLD Coasters have continued to endure hours-long waits across the city to get tested despite major changes to requirements.

Long lines were seen at testing locations and hospitals across the weekend as infection numbers continue to rapidly increase.

One patient shared a startling image which they said was a patient waiting area at Robina Hospital.

“This is where you end up when you call an ambulance and you get taken to Robina Hospital,” the patient said when sharing the picture on social media.

“This is where the Covid patients are put - outside on a hard chair and having to ask (three) times for a blanket. I thought our hospitals were ‘ready’ for this.”

Covid patient waiting area at Robina Hospital. Picture: contributed

A Gold Coast Health spokeswoman said the demand on the public hospital emergency rooms would grow as the number of Covid-positive cases via community transmission rapidly increased.

“As part of its pandemic response, Gold Coast Health is implementing new processes and systems to meet the increase in patients while balancing safe practices such as social distancing, and the comfort of patients,” she said.

“When patients arrive to ED, they are assessed and triaged based on their symptoms and conditions. The most unwell will always receive urgent care.”

Those who test positive to Covid do not need to call triple-0 (000) or go to an emergency department.

This is only required if you are having severe symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain.

Covid testing queue next to the Gold Coast University Hospital at Parkwood. Picture Mike Batterham

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