EMERGENCY department visits plummeted by more than 22 per cent at Armidale Hospital amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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It seems the 'stay home, stay safe' message did more than just reduce the spread of coronavirus - it protected the public from broken bones, influenza and all the risks associated with the great outdoors.
Hunter New England Health executive director rural and regional health services Susan Heyman said fear of the virus also played a part in the drop in patients coming to Armidale Hospital's ED.
"People were choosing to stay at home and not go out as much, as a result of that we weren't in a situation where they could get hurt or need the ED," she said.
"Hotels were closed, sport was called off; so we didn't have those fractures and injuries we usually see."
The National Cabinet suspended all elective surgeries in March to make way for an expected surge of COVID-19 patients, with the exception of some urgent and semi-urgent operations.
Armidale Hospital performed 145 fewer elective surgeries this quarter, which is 38 percent less than the same period last year.
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Despite the 'new normal' processes, the hospital managed to keep ED wait times on track.
Ms Heyman said it all came down to developing clear systems that got people seen quickly and safely.
"I think for everyone in the country the first wave of COVID-19 was less serious than we feared," she said.
"We didn't know what we would face because the UK and Europe were in such dire straits, but we didn't see the sort of numbers we planned for.
"I do want to acknowledge our staff, the work they have done and their commitment to perform well under stress and pressure.
"Despite the uncertainty of COVID-19 they remained focused on patients, families and the community and that needs to be commended."
The number of patients admitted to Armidale Hospital overall only dropped by 12 percent, however interestingly, there were 25 percent less babies born. All up, a total of 61 babies were born in Armidale Hospital from April to June this year, down from 82 born in the same period last year.
Across the state, the number of patients admitted to NSW hospitals dropped by 16.5 percent from April to June.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
