Supporting your community following ex-Cyclone Alfred: by Dr Jardin Taha

Now the winds have died down and the skies have started to clear, the work for our community’s recovery has begun. General practices are at the heart of this process, stepping in to provide vital support and stability during these challenging times. Tropical cyclones not only wreak havoc on our surroundings but also disrupt healthcare services that our Gold Coast community relies on. Despite these challenges, here’s how your practice can continue to deliver crucial care and support when it’s needed most.

Physical health support

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, your dedication can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure timely treatment of injuries, infections and chronic diseases that might flare up due to this disaster:

• Optimising interim care: The Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure is now in effect. This allows community pharmacists to provide a standard pack of medication to patients who have an immediate need but can’t access a prescription. You can also access a range of disaster fact sheets and resources for general practice from RACGP.
• Extended and flexible hours: Adjust your practice hours to better serve those in need. Communicate your availability (e.g. update practice website, social media and your National Health Service Directory with your business hours) and consider taking on new patients if able.
• Prioritise urgent cases: Develop a system to identify and prioritise the most critical cases.
• Stockpile essentials: Keep a supply of vital medications and medical supplies on hand. Review any cold chain breaches in the event of power loss.
• On-site care: If unable to work from your regular practice, consider providing essential medical services at evacuation or recovery centres.

Mental health care

Cyclones often leave behind a trail of psychological trauma. Offer counselling services and create awareness about locally available mental health resources.

• Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline (24/7) – 1800 116 671
  • Confidential access to specialist disaster counselling

• Head to Health Phone Service (Monday to Friday) – 1800 595 212
  • Free mental health assessment and referral service

• Clinician support: GP support program, Doctors Health in Queensland, DRS4DRS, Disaster Mental Health Hub

Immunisations

The Gold Coast Public Health Unit has asked all Gold Coast general practices to complete the GCPHU REDCap Notification to report on the extent of impact on vaccine storage.

This information also provides guidance if your vaccine cold chain has been compromised.

View Gold Coast Health community immunisation clinics to share with patients.

Primary Sense can assist in identifying your most complex patients through the Primary Sense desktop application > reports > Patients with High Complexity (5 and 4).

Community outreach

Collaborate with local organisations to identify and assist vulnerable populations, including the elderly and economically disadvantaged. Banks and lenders may have special programs to support those affected. Encourage your patients to connect with their financial institution to discover the assistance options available. Both state and federal governments also offer a helping hand to those in need.

• Disaster Recovery (Gold Coast Primary Health Network)

Other useful links:

• Disaster recovery support (QLD Government)
• Disaster Assist (Department of Home Affairs)
• For clinicians: Medical Benevolent Association of Queensland

Our collective efforts will not only heal the immediate wounds but also strengthen our community’s resilience against future challenges. Let’s all help to restore and rebuild Gold Coast to become stronger than ever.