“We expect every winter to be busy, and there are a number of reasons for this,” Professor Sandford said.

“The busyness of this time of the year is attributable to the Mount Isa Rodeo, other events that take place around this time, and the influx of tourists coming through the North West and the flu season.

“But we have a Winter Bed Management Strategy which involves opening additional beds and using all beds across our rural and remote facilities.”

Two patients were transferred from Mount Isa to Cloncurry Multipurpose Health Service last week due to the busy winter season.

The hospital advised they were not acute patients and were transferred after consultation with and agreement from their families.

Professor Sandford said the NWHHS would never refuse a patient or turn anyone away from the health service’s facilities, no matter how busy the season.

“This is a good opportunity however, to emphasise that people should visit their primary health provider like their General Practitioner if they have any non-urgent health issues such as coughs and colds and milder flu symptoms,” Professor Sanford said.

“Therefore free up our Emergency Departments for emergency cases only.

“That would be a huge help at this busy time of the year for our hospital and our health workers.”

Professor Sandford said it was also timely to remind people of basic health messages and procedures such as covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands frequently.

“And given the spike in flu cases in other parts of Queensland, it’s not too late for people to get their flu jab,” Professor Sandford said.