Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) has released a summer snapshot of Emergency Department activity, highlighting sustained demand, more complex patient presentations, and the continued delivery of safe, high-quality care for the East Gippsland community.
Between December 25 and January 27, the Emergency Department cared for 2412 people, averaging 71 presentations per day. The majority of patients, 83 per cent, were local East Gippsland residents, up from 80 per cent last year, showing demand is primarily driven by community need rather than seasonal visitors.
Ambulance arrivals also rose by just over five per cent, with 521 presentations recorded during the period.
BRHS chief executive officer Peter Abraham said the snapshot reflects both increasing demand and the importance of planning for the region’s future healthcare needs.
“Our team delivered safe, high-quality care every day throughout a very busy summer period,” Mr Abraham said.
“East Gippsland is experiencing some of the fastest-growing demand for healthcare in the state, driven by population growth and an ageing community.
This reinforces the importance of planning now to ensure our community can access safe, high-quality care close to home, both now and into the future.”
The data also showed patients presenting to the Emergency Department were more unwell overall, with more requiring urgent treatment, hospital admission, and longer assessment and monitoring periods.
“These efforts reflect the dedication of our workforce across BRHS, with a continued focus on delivering the best care experience for every person, every time,” Mr Abraham said.
“We know feeling unwell and waiting for care can be stressful, and we remain focused on ensuring every person can receive high-quality healthcare close to home.”
