Disaster management

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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 medicine 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.

RACGP Guide to Managing Emergencies in General Practice

Local council resources for disasters and emergencies

Local Government Areas

Disaster dashboards – Queensland’s local governments have disaster dashboards and/or websites that provide important information to support local communities during and after disaster events.
Cairns Regional Council
Townsville City Council
Mackay Regional Council
- Disaster Dashboard
- SES Disaster Facebook page

Local radio

Get Ready and Prepare

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.

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 Disaster Management
NQPHN SMS Emergency Alert System

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.