Alpine Health has announced antivenom is now stocked at its three hospitals, in Myrtleford, Bright and Mount Beauty, after community fears none would be available in a snake bite emergency.
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Advice posted on Alpine Health’s website, dated January 31, said a review in November by the organisation’s medical consultative committee examined the care of snake bite patients.
“From the review, it was recommended that Alpine Health stock antivenom at all three Alpine Health urgent care sites,” the advice said.
“In an emergency situation, and after consultation with an expert clinical toxicologist, Alpine Health clinicians now have the capacity to administer antivenom to a snake bite victim prior to transfer to a regional base hospital.”
The Border Mail contacted Alpine Health on Wednesday, but no spokesperson was available.
Porepunkah resident Lizzie Cann, who last month raised concerns Bright hospital had no antivenom, said she was relieved to hear Alpine Health’s decision.
Miss Cann, a veterinary technician, said since the issue became public, people had even come to her vet clinic, which had antivenom, asking if they could attend there in an emergency.
“But we can’t treat humans,” she said. “We told them to talk to the hospital about it.”
The clinic has been treating animals for snake bites daily this season.
Miss Cann said bigger hospitals had more facilities for ongoing care, but the issue had always been “what to do if you can’t get there”.
“Now at least people have that plan B,” she said.