North Coast residents are encouraged to check the Healthdirect Service Finder for any changes to localhealth service opening hours in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, if your normal general practice orpharmacy are not available.

The severe weather event has caused significant disruption to local infrastructure, including health services, which may be operating under revised hours or limited capacity. Residents are encouraged to verify the availability of their local healthcare providers before attending in-person.

CEO of Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler, said the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been widespread, with many health services having to alter their hours or close completely:

“So far, more than 70 local health services have advised changes to their opening hours to Healthy North Coast, due to the impact of flooding, damaged premises, power outages and staff being unable to travel,” explained Ms Wheeler.

“We want to ensure the community can access the care they need without unnecessary

delays or travelling to providers that are closed.”

The Healthdirect Service Finder is the most up-to-date public source of information for health service availability across Australia. It provides real-time details about medical centres, pharmacies, hospitals, and other essential healthcare providers, including changes to opening hours.

Healthy North Coast worked with Healthdirect, South-Eastern Queensland Primary Health Networks and the Australian Government to ensure real-time updates are available in preparation of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

To check the status of a health service, visit the Healthdirect Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services or via the Healthdirect app.

“As part of our role in supporting the health response with the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts and Australian and NSW Government agencies, Healthy North Coast has been in regular contact with local primary health practitioners, offering assistance, and communicating service closures and opening hours,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We have also coordinated GPs and other health professionals to attend evacuation centres in collaboration with Local Health District services. Thank you to the clinicians who put their hand up to help with the coordinated response,” added Ms Wheeler.

Bettina McMahon, CEO of Healthdirect Australia, also encouraged the community to utilise the platform:

“People can’t just put their health on hold - even in times of severe weather events. Health leaders on the North Coast, in particular, have deep experience ensuring their communities can access the care they need during storms, floods, and fires. Often this is as simple as finding out which local services are still operating. Other times it is by having a telehealth appointment. Healthcare providers across the rest of Australia are ready to support the North Coast through telehealth to address urgent care and mental health needs when local services have reached capacity.

“We are working closely with local health service co-ordinators like Healthy North Coast to ensure Healthdirect’s Service Finder has up-to-date information about which local services are operating, including GPs, pharmacies, allied health and hospitals. While a general internet search will only show opening hours during normal times, Healthdirect is getting daily updates on current operating hours.

“Healthdirect also has information on staying safe in flood affected areas. We see certain types of injuries and infectious diseases rise in flood-affected areas, and we have advice on what people can do to stay well. Our website has practical information on health risks and other tips like storing essential medicines.”

For further updates on health service availability, please visit the Healthdirect Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services.

Additional info:

Extreme weather events can be stressful and create anxiety, low mood or increase the severity of existing conditions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

Mental health support is available at:

• Medicare Mental Health (formerly Head to Health) 1800 595 212. Call Medicare Mental Health and be directed to the right information or service that best suits your needs, including referral to in-person and telehealth services. There are also in-person Medicare Mental Health Centres in Lismore and Coffs Harbour. Walk-ins are welcome and no referral is needed.
• Safe Havens are community support and wellbeing hubs that offer free on-the-spot services and advice. There are four Safe Havens on the North Coast: Woodburn, Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah. Keep an eye on their Facebook for current opening times and contact numbers.

Help in a crisis:

If you require immediate 24/7 help, contact:

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters 13YARN (13 92 76)
• Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• MensLine 1300 78 99 78
• Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (children under 12 years)
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• In an emergency, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Health advice:

If you are in NSW, you can speak with a registered nurse 24/7 by calling healthdirect on 1800 022222.