Bush Fire Threat

Bushfire risk policy

Brooke St. Medical Centre (BSMC) is committed to excellence in the care of both its patients and the staff it employs. The safety of all those we engage with – both patients and staff, is a key concern. Staff at BSMC cannot fulfill services, to the best of their ability, when their own safety (or that of their dependents) is compromised.

This policy’s guiding principle:

In case of bushfire risk or any other threat, safety is the first priority. Each patient and staff member must attend to their own safety (and that of their dependents) according to their own needs and circumstances.

How to determine fire risk:

While bushfires may occur at any time, BSMC aims to proactively address high level risk where it is known to exist. To determine fire risk, BSMC will use the CFA Fired Danger Rating which predicts fire behaviour should a fire start and how difficult it will be to put it out.

On Code RED days – Brooke St. Medical Centre will be closed

From the CFA website Fire Ready advice:

• Leaving a high risk area the night before a Code Red day occurs, or early in the day, is the safest option.
• On a Code Red day the safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas.

The towns of Woodend, Macedon and Mt. Macedon have been designated as three of the 52 Victorian Fire Risk Register extreme risk areas.

What staff will do on Code RED days:

• The practice’s Brooke Street premises will close on days rated at the code red level – we are not in a position to assure the safety of the building’s occupants.
• All BSMC staff will attend to their own personal safety needs.
• Patients and staff are advised therefore to use available news services or Bureau of Meteorology to be aware of predicted fire danger.

Skeleton service:

• Where doctors are comfortable that their own and their family members’ safety is assured, they may offer to provide a skeleton service on the day.
• The service will be limited to responding to urgent calls. Skeleton staff should follow the “BSMC fire risk response” protocol.

Medical attention when the practice is closed on a Code Red day

• Urgent medical calls will be attended to on “code red” days by the skeleton staff - patients should call 0477 095 040 as our usual number will not be answered.
• This phone line will be answered during our normal business hours on “code red” days.
• Outside of normal business hours, contact the After-hours GP Helpline on 1800 022 222.
  
  

  (Do not use the special “code red” phone 0477 095 040 on any other days as it will not be connected.)

  NOTE:. Mobile phone services may be interrupted on these days.

  Patients should ring 000 in a medical emergency.

• For other support, patients can also call Nurse-on-call 1300 606 024 – this state-wide service is available 24 hours per day.
• Use the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or listen to local ABC radio for fire information.

On “Extreme” or “severe” fire danger days:

Patients should feel free to ring and cancel their appointments on days designated as “extreme” or “severe” fire danger risk. Please be reassured there will be no penalty for cancelling but we do appreciate a phone call to assist us to know you are safe.

Our ongoing work:

Brooke St. Medical Centre continues to work with local services, groups and the Shire Council to address community needs in the face of threatened or actual emergencies.