Pressure is increasing on health services throughout Ballarat as the flu season hits early. High demand on medical centres can make it difficult to secure a same-day appointment with a GP.
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UFS Dispensaries chief pharmacist Peter Fell said patients should speak to a pharmacist if they are unwell and can not secure an appointment with a GP.
"I know our medical centre is under pressure at the moment," he said.
"If a patient is feeling profoundly unwell or has other more complex health issues like diabetes, heart problems, asthma, it is appropriate to see a GP. If you can't get into your GP my next recommendation would be to speak to a pharmacist.
If you can't get into your GP my next recommendation would be to speak to a pharmacist.
- Peter Fell, UFS Dispensaries chief pharmacist
"If the pharmacist then feels the patient needs medical intervention they would certainly try to assist them getting an appointment with a GP. If the pharmacist feels a GP is not required they can discuss symptom management, advice, how to protect themselves and others around them."
UFS Dispensaries' Sturt Street pharmacy is open 24 hours with a free nursing service available from 6pm to 10pm daily.
In Ballarat there have been 162 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza so far this year, compared to 20 for the same period last year, but the number is likely to be much higher with many flu victims not being formally tested.
There were just 84 confirmed cases of flu in Ballarat for the whole of 2018.
Mr Fell said 2019 would be a bad year for the flu if the statistical trend continued.
"Certainly in years like this we do often see significant increase in demand for pharmacy and GP services."
Ballarat Health Services data shows pressure on the hospital's emergency department has also increased.
More than 4,440 people presented to the Ballarat Base Hospital emergency department from May 1 to May 26, compared to almost 4,160 during the same period last year.
This equates to about 11 more people presenting each day compared to the same time last year.
A Ballarat Health Services spokesperson said the increase was as expected for early winter and was in line with the BHS clinical services plan 2017-2037.
Mr Fell said it was important to adhere to processes of basic hygeine to prevent the spread of cold and flu, including washing hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into the crook of the elbow and staying at home if you are unwell.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
