Cyclone preparedness: key actions for general practices, GPs and primary healthcare providers

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaching southeast Queensland, severe weather could impact the Gold Coast region. Now is the time for general practices and primary healthcare providers within the Gold Coast PHN region to take proactive steps to prepare for potential disruptions.

Key preparedness actions to consider include:

Protect your vaccine storage management and cold chain 

The Gold Coast Public Health Unit has some great tips for protecting your vaccine storage management and cold chain:

• Ensure vaccine refrigerators are connected to backup power.
• Nominate a staff member to be responsible in the event of a power outage after business hours.
• Check temperature monitoring systems and have a current Vaccine Management Protocol (VMP) in place.
• Ensure sufficient power outage equipment (adequate number of coolers, ice/gel packs, insulating material e.g. bubble wrap) and a battery-operated minimum / maximum thermometer or portable data logger.
• Consider relocating vaccines if prolonged power loss is expected. Never transport vaccines to another refrigerator, cooler or facility without a min/max temperature monitoring device or data logger.
• Consider buddying-up with another practice for temporary refrigeration and facility sharing if needed.
• If no suitable alternative monitored storage option, isolate the vaccines and leave them in the refrigerator with the door closed for the duration of the power outage. Do not use or discard vaccines until you have received advice from the Gold Coast Public Health Unit.

Report cold chain breaches immediately via QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au using the Cold Chain Breach Report Form.

Safeguard IT systems and data in severe weather 

Severe weather can disrupt your electronic medical records, patient communications and essential IT systems.

• Back up critical data and verify that off-site storage is accessible if on-site systems fail.
• Keep at least one fully charged laptop with essential practice information to maintain operations. 
• Test remote access options so staff can securely work from home if needed. 

Does your practice have a reliable IT backup plan? Now is the time to review it.

Plan for staff coverage and service continuity 

Severe weather may impact staff availability and disrupt patient care. Have a plan to keep services running. 

• Assess potential staff shortages and create contingency rosters to maintain critical services.
• Update all staff contact details and confirm emergency communication methods.
• Consider flexible service delivery options such as telehealth or adjusted clinic hours. 

Business continuity: minimise disruptions and maintain patient care 

A severe weather event can impact patient access, practice operations and financial stability. Take steps now to reduce risks. 

• Review your business continuity plan to ensure preparedness for any operational disruptions.
• Check insurance coverage for damage, business interruption, and medical equipment losses.
• Develop a patient communication plan so you can inform the community of any service changes. 

Stay informed and updated

• Gold Coast Disaster Dashboard
• Bureau of Meteorology

If your practice is impacted, contact Practice Support at practicesupport@gcphn.com.au or call 07 5635 2455 for assistance.