Local health facilities are being boosted in readiness for today’s opening of state borders as SA eases its COVID restrictions.

As part of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network’s ongoing COVID response, an external tent has been established outside of Mount Gambier Hospital as an extra measure to screen and triage patients presenting to the emergency department.

A LCLHN spokesperson said the measure was designed to ensure COVID patients were managed in a safe way while also keeping other patients, staff and the community protected.

“We are well prepared to manage and care for COVID patients, with separate treatment pathways and a dedicated COVID-19 emergency ward for positive patients requiring hospitalisation,” the spokesperson said.

“More than 87% of people over 16 years have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and over 77% have had their second dose, and for this reason it is hoped the majority of people can be cared for at home if they contract COVID.

“We will be able to provide virtual care for people in their home if they have contracted COVID through remote monitoring using technology supported by community nurses.

“Acutely unwell COVID-positive patients will continue be transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment as per existing healthcare processes.

“Each of our hospitals will have dedicated COVID specific spaces separate from people who do not have COVID to ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in a safe place that protects our valuable medical and nursing resources.

“We’d like to reassure the community that our emergency services will remain available across our Local Health Network, and we encourage people to get vaccinated if they are yet to do so.”