What to do if you’re sick on Christmas in Toowoomba

SEVERAL Toowoomba medical clinics and home-call GPs will remain open over the busy Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years public holidays.

SEVERAL Toowoomba medical clinics and home-call GPs will remain open over the busy Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years public holidays, alleviating pressure on the Toowoomba Hospital emergency room.

SEVERAL Toowoomba medical clinics and home-call GPs will remain open over the busy Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years public holidays, alleviating pressure on the Toowoomba Hospital emergency room.

A Darling Downs Health spokeswoman said emergency departments could be very busy on public holidays, particularly during the festive period.

"On Christmas Day 2017, 118 people presented to Toowoomba Hospital Emergency Department (ED). On Boxing Day, 26 December 2017, 144 people also presented," the spokeswoman said.

"If people are unsure of whether they should go to an emergency department they are encouraged to phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), where qualified staff are available 24 hours a day to advise on whether a person's condition/symptoms should be attended to by a visit to a GP, a pharmacy, or a trip to an emergency department.

"For all medical emergencies, please call triple zero."

House Call Doctors is one medical provider that will still be operating over the major public holidays.

State manager Keith Jennings said many local clinics were closed this week, making Christmas a traditionally very busy time for the after-hours service.

"GPs have a very well-earned rest at the end of the year and that's where after-hours doctors step in to help provide care when clinics might be closed," Mr Jennings said.

"Last year we responded to nearly 7000 calls for assistance around the State during the seven days between Christmas and New Year, for conditions as varied as migraine, through to flu-like symptoms, heat stress and skin rash.

"We're expecting around 10,000 calls for help this year, with the flu season hitting later than expected and gastro outbreaks hitting Queensland. We've rostered on extra doctors in our cities to meet any increase in demand.

"We know Toowoomba Hospital is under pressure and more so at this time of year with clinics closed, so we're here to treat those people who don't need to visit the Emergency Department."

The bulk billing Toowoomba Medical and Dental Centre on the corner of James and West St is also open over the Christmas break. Its website states it is open 365 days a year. 

Originally published as What to do if you’re sick on Christmas in Toowoomba