Victoria’s hospitals strain under ‘extraordinary’ demand as Covid cases surge

Authorities address concerns over 10-minute wait times on triple zero calls while staff reportedly struggle with workload

One of Victoria’s largest public hospitals has been forced to close its Covid screening clinic and divert resources to emergency and intensive care patients, as the state’s health system strains under pressure from a surge in cases.

The Royal Melbourne hospital confirmed the closure of its Covid testing clinic on Tuesday. The RMH chief medical officer, Dr Cate Kelly, said the demand on emergency meant the hospital had been forced to close the public clinic. The hospital has four Covid wards, plus the intensive care unit, between them managing 77 Covid-positive patients.

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Coronavirus | The Guardian

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