A “Code White” rating was recently enacted at the Mount Gambier Hospital due to an increase in furloughed staff as a result of COVID-19.

A statement issued by the Limestone Coast Local Health Network last week said the regional hospital was heavily impacted due to staff absence and illness.

The statement said the Code White was not enacted due to increased inpatient activity or Emergency Department (ED) capacity at the hospital and there were no patients ramped at the ED or diverted to another health facility.

The ED continued to operate and staff were available to assess patients and manage beds accordingly.

“We continue to actively recruit positions to further strengthen our medical workforce within the Limestone Coast LHN and our staff are able to continue to provide care to patients according to their clinical needs,” a health network spokesperson said.

“We take great pride in providing a positive working environment that prioritises the health and safety of our patients, staff and members of the community who access our health care services.”

The Limestone Coast Health Network thanked all staff for their ongoing commitment to providing the best care to patients at this time.