Timboon and District Healthcare well prepared for upcoming bushfire season.

This will allow us to provide a high level of organisation and thus effectively use the resources we have and protect all patients, clients, visitors and staff as needed. On Thursday 26th August the Timboon and District Healthcare Service held a mock emergency response including an evacuation due to an imminent bushfire. This helped to iron out any possible concerns in the newly developed Bushfire Plan.

About 70% of staff participated in the exercise which was deemed extremely valuable. Another exercise will occur before we launch into the heat of summer. During the summer danger period the facility will be able to function as normal. Depending on weather forecasts or if there are known fires it may be necessary to alter planned community activities provided by healthcare service staff including District Nursing, Exercises and Adult Planned Activity Groups. If for any reason there is a need to change these organised activities advanced notice will be given.

All clients for that day will be followed up as well as other clients who are at highest risk to check on their welfare. We encourage all residents to ensure that they have a fire plan – leaving early if deciding to travel to a safer more built up area, organising preventative strategies such as clearing debris early, planning with elderly and those without transport. Especially on days of high heat, everyone should ensure that they have plenty to drink and stay out of the heat being more careful during the hottest time of the day.