Huge flu spike puts pressure on struggling regional health service

A regional health service on the New South Wales-Victoria border is grappling with a surge in flu cases and a shortage of available beds. The Albury Wodonga Health facility has advised doctors to discharge patients as early as possible, with the chief medical officer, Simon Craig, instructing them to consider earlier discharge where safe.

This comes as demand is projected to remain high due to a late flu season. The hospital currently faces a 61-bed deficit, with daily shortages of 40 to 70 beds reported. Advocacy group Better Border Health has expressed concern, stating that the region is routinely starting each day behind in terms of bed capacity. Despite the challenging circumstances, patients with critical or life-threatening conditions are being given immediate attention.

The health service is working to optimize the use of its resources, including exploring Hospital In The Home and virtual care options. Victoria's chief health officer, Caroline McElnay, noted that the flu spike is unusual as it is occurring later in the season, and it remains uncertain what has caused this post-winter surge. She urged those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so.