A campaign telling people where they can find medical help over the Easter holiday period kicks off in
Tasmania today.
Every Easter, ambulance services are called out to situations that are not medical emergencies –
often because the caller isn’t sure what else to do when something urgent happens.
This Easter, Primary Health Tasmania and Ambulance Tasmania are promoting three ways to help
“save 000 for saving lives”:
1: Make sure you know your regular GP’s arrangements outside normal business hours,
including public holidays.
2. You can call 1800 022 222 24/7 for free information and advice from a registered nurse and
a GP if required.
3: You can down load an app or visit an online directory at www.tasafterhours.com to find out
what medical services are open near you on public holidays, weekends and all year round.
Primary Health Tasmania’s Manager – After Hours Care, Ms Meghan Mann, said: “First, it’s good to
know your regular GP’s arrangements for after hour assistance. Many general practices in Tasmania
provide some level of after hours care and should be your first point of call when urgent, nonemergency
care is needed.
“Second, if you can’t contact your regular GP or don’t have one – even if you’re away from home –
you can always call 1800 022 222 for free medical advice. This will take you to the national
Healthdirect Australia telephone health advice service, where a registered nurse can provide
information and advice. They can even put you in touch with an on-call doctor in Tasmania through
the local GP Assist service, if needed.
“Third, if it is a non-emergency, Primary Health Tasmania has a website (www.tasafterhours.com)
that will help you work out when, why and how to access the appropriate after-hours services in your
local area.”
The website uses location detection technology to determine the after-hours general practice and
pharmacy services available nearest to you. It’s easy to use on your home computer, but you can also
download an app to use on your smart phone or tablet for when you’re on the move.
Advertising on social media, radio and on the backs of ambulances during the Easter holiday period is
promoting ways to help “save 000 for saving lives”.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ambulance Tasmania, Paul Templar, said paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers attended an average of 174 incidents across the state each day during the Easter holiday period last year.
“Easter is always a busy time. All Tasmanians can help by using these three ways to save 000 for saving lives,” he said.
“If we only call triple zero in a medical emergency, paramedics can get to the most seriously ill and injured as quickly as possible.
“People who call us for routine ailments or minor injuries where other treatment options exist may delay us getting to someone whose life is at risk.”
Primary Health Tasmania works with the Tasmanian Visitor Information Network to ensure visitor centres around the state know how to help travellers with information about available local medical services.
The network’s Executive Officer, Judy Moore, said: “The after hours website is an invaluable tool for quickly identifying general practices and pharmacies for travellers on holiday.
“It’s reassuring that we can access up-to-date information to respond to these queries quickly.”
Jenny Denholm Manager – Communications and Marketing
