Ayr Hospital Transports Patients By Rail & Heli’s In Nurses

As a result of the flooding in the region recently, several patients at the nearby Ayr Health Hospital Service had to be transported by rail, while some nurses were flown in from helicopter to assist, after getting cut off from the rising waters.

Patients who required renal care were moved by rail via the rail-cart set up by the local council in conjunction with Queensland Rail, just so they could receive their daily dialysis treatment. A decision was also made by Ayr & Home Hill Health Services, which opted to fly in nurses who were left stranded, just so the hospital could run more effectively.

It proved to be a masterstroke, with the road closures lasting several days, which kept patients unable to attend critical appointments, or health workers able to get to work.

Since the rains from the recent tropical low weather system brought about flooding to the region, resulting in entire towns and communities being cut off, Ayr Health Hospital was no different, and like everyone else, they were affected in many ways, as Director of Nursing, Tracy Gabiola explains.

“The Ayr & Home Hill Health Hospital remained at capacity within our acute ward, but it’s been very hectic in our Emergency Department as usual, however, we also safely delivered six beautiful babies,” Tracy says.
 
“Ayr Service staffing had been impacted due to a significant number living rurally where the creeks prevented access to town. Additionally, the road between Ayr and Home Hill was closed last Saturday so our staff who live in Home Hill, were stranded and unable to come to work, and Home Hill staff who live in Ayr, also left stranded.”

“In conjunction with the Home Hill Acting Director of Nursing, Joanne McBow, we contacted the relevant staff and arranged change of shifts and secondment to work in the other facilities where they live, which was ongoing until the roads opened.” 
 
“With roster deficits, THHS supported us to use Townsville Helicopters to fly staff who were stranded at Jarvisfield, out. Plus Q-Rail also helped us transfer patients and staff across by rail due to the the road closure between Ayr and Home Hill,” she says.
 
“We have experienced weather events like this in the past and planning is done in advance, however, it is always a difficult time managing the communities’ expectations and supporting them with reliable information and updates. Stock of food, clinical consumables, medicines and vaccines etc is reviewed continually during our wet season.”
 
“I have again been amazed at the willingness of staff across all disciplines who have reached out and gratefully worked additional hours, swapped shifts, or moved out of their homes to ensure continuity of service.”

“I must also admit, however, that we are all ‘a bit over it now’ and just really looking forward to get back up and running to full capacity without interruptions,” Tracy smiles.

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Patients and nurses aboard the Q-rail cart. Photo: Supplied
Queensland Rail coming to the aid of Ayr & Home Hill Health Services. Photo: Supplied

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