Media Update Canterbury DHB

Another six staff arrived today from outside Canterbury to assist local health services with recovery – along with 36 who arrived yesterday.

The bulk of the assistance has been:

• Public health – including medical officers of health and health protection officers

• Registered nurses - helping with all health services including respite care and neonatal intensive care.

• Nursing and Technicians experienced in cardiac catheter laboratories - to assist with increased patient demand.

Health Services Summary

• Akaroa and Lincoln hospitals remain closed. All other rural and city hospitals are open and functioning.

• Birthing unit at Burwood still closed. Those mothers needing to birth are coming to Christchurch Womens.

• Cardiac and birthing services have settled. Both services have capacity.

• ED is managing well and demand is steady.

Primary Care

• Nearly all practices are open and operating. Two practices which have been affected by patient access (High St and Pacific Trust) are expected to be open early next week. Some limited road closures in the central business district remain.

• Pharmacies are in a similar position. Kaiapoi, which had continued operating out of a caravan, is expected to be back in their premises by Monday. One other pharmacy remains closed (corner of Bealey and Colombo Streets).

Public Health

• Monitoring of gastroenteritis cases through sentinel GP practices, after hours services and welfare centres continues. There are no reports of increased rates in the community. There remains a single family at the Linwood centre isolated. Of the 203 people who stayed overnight at the Addington Welfare centre only two were suffering from gastroenteritis; one has gone home and the other is isolated.

• People in Kaiapoi, Kairaki, Pines Beach and Malvern Hills remain advised to boil water. HPOs who had been doing a lot of water sampling are now freed up to help with food premises and residential building inspections alongside council staff.

• Staff are working hard in the worst affected areas to ensure infectious disease risk is minimised.

• Key public health messages to the public are around helping people cope with the stresses of quake damage and returning to their normal lives.

Community and Residential Care

• Respite ward in hospital has opened and is operating well,

• Fortunately the 200 aged care residents did not all require relocation. Those that did have largely been shifted with the final few relocations being completed over the weekend.

SUMMARY PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION (full advice on http://www.cdhb.govt.nz/communications/earthquake/mediaupdate10september2010.htm)

To stay well and avoid getting ill:

Wash hands frequently especially in and around earthquake-damaged buildings and land, which may be contaminated with sewage.

Drinking Water Only residents in the following areas need to boil water:

- Selwyn District: Malvern Hills, Waimakariri District: Kaiapoi, Kairaki and Pines Beach.

Surface Water Assume river, sea water and any other surface water is contaminated with sewage. Do not swim, fish or gather shellfish.

Sewage Contaminated Homes – move to alternative accommodation.

Contact with neighbours/friends Keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other (for more advice: http://www.cph.co.nz/News-and-Events/News/Default.asp#newsstory2)

People who are unwell Call your General Practice or nearest after hours surgery first. Keep the Emergency Department for emergencies.

Gastroenteritis causes diarrhea and vomiting. If you are sick:

Drink plenty of fluids while the diarrhoea lasts to prevent dehydration – this is most important for infants

See a doctor if vomiting and/or diarrhoea is severe or the illness does not improve.

Stay away from school or work until you are symptom free for 48 hours

Pay special attention to hand washing, especially after using the toilet.

Do not prepare food for others.

Always use separate towels and face cloths.

ENDS

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