TAMWORTH hospital staff have reminded country music festival-goers to get their meds in order before this year's festivities.
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While the festival brings an influx of people to Tamworth, medicos say any added pressure on the public hospital can be largely avoided with preparation.
The hospital's director of nursing Michelle Keir said there could be a lot of "lower triage and GP category issues" during Tamworth's January jaunt.
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She encouraged the Tamworth community and potential visitors to ensure prescriptions and medications were up to date ahead of the festival.
The Tamworth Emergency Department averages about 130-to-140 presentations per day in the festival.
However, this is pretty much on par with the rest of the year.
"There's no significant influx to the hospital," Ms Keir said.
The festival in 2020 might pose some new challenges for the hospital.
The region is in the grips of a significant drought which has seen the flow in the Peel River cease and one of the city's pools shut down for summer.
The pressing water supply issue means the council will not be providing the street misters which have become popular attractions in recent years.
The city has had its warmest December on record and an extremely hot start to January.
There has also been intermittent issues with air quality in Tamworth as smoke blows over from nearby fires.
Ms Keir said these factors could bring on more cases of dehydration and respiratory issues.
To date, the smoke and heat hasn't had too much of an effect on presentations to the hospital.
Ms Keir said the media around those issues urging people to stay indoors and keep safe had assisted.
NSW Health tips to beat the heat
- Keep yourself cool
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Stay out of the sun
- Try to be indoors during the hottest part of the day
- Stay hydrated by drinking water
- Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks including tea and coffee
- If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you
- Plan ahead for the heat
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast
- Follow your doctor's advice if you have any have any medical conditions