Plan ahead and be prepared ahead of time when you come to the outback,
Summary
While this year’s Big Red bash may have been cancelled, dozens of other local events, shows and race meetings across Central West and Western Queensland are scheduled to get underway from May right through to September and October.
While this year’s Big Red bash may have been cancelled, dozens of other local events, shows and race meetings across Central West and Western Queensland are scheduled to get underway from May right through to September and October.
With thousands of visitors expected to trek west in coming months, travellers are being reminded to carry adequate stocks of their usual prescription medications with them as pharmacies are few and very far between.
Central West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Medical Services Dr David Walker said travellers also should factor in that they might be cut off for days at a time in the event of localised flooding or other road conditions.
“With pharmacies few and very far between in remote areas of the state, regular medications may be difficult to obtain, even without the added hazard of road closures,’’ he said.
“As a rule, when you are travelling anywhere, you need to carry adequate stock of your prescription medications for your entire trip, plus a bit extra in case of delays in travel due to road conditions.
“So, plan and be prepared ahead of time.
“When you require a script to be filled in these remote areas it can be problematic as the closest pharmacy to, for instance, Birdsville, is either Longreach or Mount Isa.
“There may be a significant delay in obtaining your medication from these areas as they also only carry a limited supply. The delay in getting medication to you may be as long as a week.
“Depending on how important regular daily intake of your medication is, this could easily turn into a medical emergency if you must go some days without it.
“Although our primary health centres, like Birdsville, don’t have pharmacies, we can respond to emergencies and non-life-threatening conditions where you may require medications such as a course of antibiotics.’’
Dr Walker said visitors also should remember to carry documentation such as Medicare and concession cards.
We also recommend they carry a personal health summary with them or have their regular GP upload a shared health summary, and also any Advance Care plans, to their My Health Record before travelling,’’ he said.
“They should also have an up-to-date medication list, along with contact details for their regular GP and key specialists.’’
For a list of events: https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/event/