With extreme heat conditions continuing across the region, Wimmera Health Care Group is urging people to take extra precautions to avoid dehydration and other heat related illness.
Wimmera Health Care Group acting CEO Mark Knights said the continuous days of extreme heat meant the hospital was enacting its seasonal preparedness plan and urged the community to enact their own plans to stay cool.
“For us it means a range of measures such as making sure any team members who have to work outside have sun protection and access to hydration, even providing hydration packs,” Mr Knights said.
“For you at home, it means trying to stay inside during the hottest parts of the day in an air conditioned environment where possible, staying well hydrated and in particular looking out for vulnerable members of the community.
“Very young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and older people are most at risk of health complications from the heat - so keeping a close eye on them is really important.
“We also suggest people reschedule non-urgent appointments, including medical ones, to avoid going out in extreme heat.”
Reprieve from the extreme heat is due over the weekend, before the temperatures are set to rise again next week.
“The heat is going to be an issue for a little while so we really want to get the message out to people to be sensible, avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day and please stay hydrated.”
The Department of Health and Human Services has a range of community resources to help educate people on staying healthy during hot weather. They are available at