In a dramatic step, 55 patients at Ballina Hospital have been evacuated due to rising flood waters and transferred to a makeshift facility at a local high school.
Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) advised of the evacuation last on Tuesday night.
The evacuation took place on the advice of the local police commander and out of an "abundance of caution" to protect the health and safety of patients and staff.
The hospital had 55 general medical and rehabilitation patients, who have been temporarily relocated to Xavier Catholic College through NSW Ambulance and transport organised by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
Extra NNSWLHD staff were called in and worked alongside NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and the SES to ensure the safe transfer of all patients, whose families have been notified.
A makeshift emergency department was also being established in the high school for anyone in the community in need of emergency care while the hospital is temporarily closed.
I'm a media professional with over 34 years of experience in public relations and journalism, including a decade setting Lismore's news agenda as the editor of The Northern Star. I have proven track record in growing audiences and improving engagement by delivering quality local stories for and about the Lismore community.
I'm a media professional with over 34 years of experience in public relations and journalism, including a decade setting Lismore's news agenda as the editor of The Northern Star. I have proven track record in growing audiences and improving engagement by delivering quality local stories for and about the Lismore community.
