MEDIA UPDATE Canterbury DHB

Although the state of emergency remains till Wednesday, Canterbury DHB’s focus is shifting to recovery with the restoration of elective and other services on Tuesday.

Chief Executive David Meates says he is repeating the words of his staff when he says: ‘We are enormously grateful for the outstanding efforts of our own staff, the assistance we’ve received from other parts of the country and the rich partnerships we’ve enjoyed with agencies in Canterbury.’

Mr Meates thanked the 43 staff from other DHBs here today helping Christchurch staff. “It makes a huge difference to us all”, he says.

The DHB will continue to assess whether we need others to help in particular areas – like the neonatal intensive care unit at the moment.

Mr Meates says it’s heartening that we are still receiving offers of help.

We have public health staff, nursing staff and technicians from other DHBs continuing to help us out.

Health Services Summary

· No change in status. 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.

· Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is at capacity.

· 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. The last affected premises are expected to be open early next week. Some limited road closures in the central business district remain.

· Pharmacies are in a similar position. The last three pharmacies affected are expected to be back operating later in the week.

Public Health

· Staff move back into their Chester St premises on Monday from their temporary home in Christchurch Women’s hospital following the CBD restrictions being lifted.

· 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.

· People in Kaiapoi, Kairaki, Pines Beach and Malvern Hills remain advised to boil water. HPOs carried out 1000 water samples by mid last week to help clear water supplies for safe drinking. Some private bores are still being tested.

· Work by HPOs is now concentrating on food premises and residential building inspections alongside council staff. Advice is being given about refrigerated and frozen food affected by power outages and sewage contaminated houses and belongings. The DHB now has16 public health staff working as temporarily assigned Food Act Officers.

· 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 only around 100 of the 200 aged care residents initially assessed as require relocation needed to be shifted. The final relocations will be completed today.

· Staff report residents are quieter than usual but have really appreciated the care and support.

Ambulance

· St John is providing nurse paramedic support at two Welfare centres.

· All ambulance stations are functioning except St Asaph St station which is closed and replaced by a temporary station at 174 Durham St.

· There are 12 ambulance vehicles plus the normal patient transfer service operating today.

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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