In doing so staff will provide an important medical service at the southern end of the shire and spread the load leaving South East Regional Hospital (SERH) staff more time to deal with serious cases.

A Southern NSW Local Health District spokesman said the Pambula treatment centre, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, can deal with minor burns, simple wounds, uncomplicated pain, minor rashes, insect bites, blue bottle stings, minor limb injuries and minor respiratory illness.

From Boxing Day until January 29 there will be an additional Front Line Emergency Care qualified nurse at Pambula. The treatment centre is directly supported by the emergency department at SERH.

“Patients are either assessed, treated and discharged by the registered nurse; referred to a local GP medical service for further assessment or treatment; or transferred to SERH for treatment,” the spokesman said.

The Pambula ATC can be supported by video link to SERH via telehealth. The telehealth network is available to deliver clinical care through a virtual and mobile health environment, with the service also in the process of considering a nurse practitioner as part of its future model of care.

Patients seeking care for serious illness and injuries should go directly to SERH emergency department, Virginia Drive, Bega.

Patients with life threatening conditions should contact an ambulance immediately on 000. NSW Ambulance Service takes all emergency cases directly to SERH emergency department.

As well as a treatment centre, Pambula provides a comprehensive range of health services for the communities in the Bega Valley and Far South Coast, including physiotherapy, oral health, child and family nursing, mental health and drug and alcohol services.