Disaster readiness

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Disaster Readiness

Disaster events are increasing in prevalence and severity across northern Queensland, which is the area of responsibility for Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).

In recent years there has been increased levels of exposure to extreme weather events, as well as other emerging issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing drug shortages.

NQPHN works closely with Local Disaster Management Groups (LDMGs), District Disaster Management Groups (DDMGs), Health Function Groups (HFGs), and Hospital Health Services (HHSs) to actively support their disaster management responsibilities by coordinating with primary health providers when required.

Disaster management and business continuity planning

NQPHN have the Emergency Disaster Management Plan and Business Continuity Plan in place, and particularly encourages general practices and community pharmacies to do the same as soon as possible, so that they are prepared, well stocked and best positioned to respond to crises and the health needs of their communities.

Disaster management considerations

Mitigation and preparedness

Develop and maintain an up-to-date emergency response plan
Exercise your plan on a regular basis
Contact other practices in your local area and agree on how you can offer mutual support
Have a plan in place to send communications to patients about service disruptions or changes
Update medication lists and health care plans – with consideration to impacts of compounding disasters (e.g. pandemic x floods)
Have a system in place to routinely capture and confirm every patient’s current contact details
Ensure that patients with a My Health Record have current information recorded and an up to date shared health summary where appropriate
Take steps to encourage patients to have an in-person appointment to ensure continued telehealth eligibility.

Disaster management and business continuity planning resources

RACGP
HealthPathways
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) information | Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (nqphn.com.au)
Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- Pandemic planning and guidelines
NQPHN
- Living with COVID-19 Pandemic checklist for General Practice
- Winter Strategy Planning Essentials
PHN Cooperative
- The role of Primary Health Networks in natural disasters and emergencies
Australian Government
Queensland Government
- COVID-19 vaccination for workers | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
- Protecting your Business
- Get Ready Queensland

Local Government Areas disaster management resources

Cairns Regional Council
- Natural disasters
Townsville City Council
- Disaster Management
Mackay Regional Council
- Emergency Management

Response during a disaster

Consider extending opening hours to accommodate an increase in patient demand
Communicate to patients any changes to access or open hours and/or reinforce continued access
Regularly visit and follow alert and warning update sites to stay informed.

Stay Informed

Australian Government
- National Emergency Management Agency
Bureau of Meteorology
- Bureau of Meteorology Queensland Warnings
- Queensland Forecast Areas Map (bom.gov.au)
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Queensland Government
- Queensland Government Warnings and Emergency Alerts
- Queensland Government Disaster Management
Local Government Areas
- Cairns Regional Council
- Townsville City Council
- Mackay Regional Council
  - Disaster Dashboard
  - SES Disaster Facebook page
Local radio
- ABC local radio
- Search for known ABC frequencies & coverage - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Recovery from a disaster

Review and identify lessons
Communicate with patients about return to normal business hours
Identify community population health needs post disaster and develop campaigns to address emerging needs e.g. focus on mental health assessments
Identify and reach out to patients with increased vulnerability factors
Connect with and refer to local social and community support agencies.