Earthquake Update 35 – Canterbury District Health Board
Friday – April 15, 2011 – 5.15pm
Earthquake Update 35 – Canterbury District Health Board
Government agencies are working to keep Canterbury people healthy and safe through winter following the September and February earthquakes.
The Interim Chief Executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), John Ombler, says agencies are working together to help people prepare for the additional challenges of winter.
"We know the colder months can be challenging at the best of times, and for many people this winter will be much tougher and more testing with the damage so many homes have suffered," Mr Ombler says.
"A critical focus for us is people staying safe and well through winter, particularly those who are already vulnerable, such as the elderly or infirm and young children."
Mr Ombler says a lot of work has already gone into restoring heating to homes that lost their primary source and making homes weather tight.
* Fletcher EQR, contracted by the Earthquake Commission, expects the 4,500 priority winter heating repairs initially estimated to be needed in Christchurch will be completed by mid May, and is actively seeking to identify further households where such repairs are needed.
* The Clean Heat Hub established earlier this year has made 25,000 calls to identify priority cases, based on data from a variety of sources. About 4,000 heating units have been ordered, installed or repaired to date, including heat pumps and different varieties of solid fuel burner. Orders are being placed at up to 1,000 per week.
"If you are still without your main form of heating or your house isn't weather tight, then contact 0800DAMAGE or email heating@eqr.co.nz."
Mr Ombler says people should also strongly consider getting a flu vaccination and remember that if they do feel unwell to see their GP early. Vaccinations are free to Canterbury residents aged under 18 years. It is also free to those aged over 65 years, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
A factsheet with some practical tips and information to help people through the winter months and letting them know what help is available is being distributed in communities and can also be found at www.cera.govt.nz.
Key messages
to stay healthy
• To help stay well this
winter, have a flu vaccination. Anyone can have one but they
are free for pregnant women, anyone who has a long term
illness, people aged over 65 years and anyone younger than
18 years. See your GP for your vaccination or check whether
your employer is providing them free to staff.
•
If you or a family member is sick, visit your GP early for
advice.
• To help stay warm, eat warm food,
have hot drinks and dress yourself and any children in your
family in layers of warm clothing, even when you are at
home.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially
from your family or neighbours. Keep an eye out for each
other, especially if there are vulnerable people in your
neighbourhood such as those who are elderly or
unwell.
• If your home or heating has been earthquake
damaged, your first priority will be to stay warm and
healthy. Environment Canterbury will not take action if the
earthquake means you are not able to meet the clean air
rules. This recognises that you may need to use whatever
safe means you have available including an open fire or
non-compliant wood burner. We advise you to check that any
heating is safe to use and we welcome calls if you are
concerned about your individual circumstances.
Phone
Environment Canterbury customer services 0800324636
TRANSPORT AND PARKING AT CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL
Parking & Shuttle Update
The
CDHB and the Christchurch City Council Transport &
Greenspace Team have been working to try and find a solution
to longer term parking for CDHB staff and patients. Despite
a number of options being discussed we are still dealing
with a loss of more than 800 parking spaces and trying to
find alternative sites is proving difficult.
The best
solution continues to be parking behind the Horticultural
Centre and the CDHB has provided minibuses to escort
patients from this area during the day and for staff at
night; security have access to these minibuses 24/7.
Staff are asked to walk whenever possible because
patients and visitors that may find the walk to the hospital
difficult will be given preference for the shuttle. The
shuttle picks ups and drops off at the main hospital
entrance.
The parking area behind the horticultural
centre area is well lit and an area has been designated for
staff working afternoon shifts to ensure they are within
view of the security team when they return to their
vehicles. There is also security available to escort people
to and from the parking area. A white gazebo is located to
the side of the parking area and staff, patients and
visitors should wait here for escorts or the shuttle bus.
Armagh St Gardens:
The car park has opened today and no time restrictions are in place. Access is from Rolleston Ave at the Armagh St bridge. Staff and patients can use this sealed parking area and access the hospital via the Botanical Gardens. There is no security in place, so recommend this area for day shift parking.
Staff and patient shuttles from Hillmorton and
Burwood
Shuttles are continuing to operate from
Hillmorton Hospital hours have been extended to try and
accommodate some more shifts. Drop off and pick up is from
the lower ground floor entrance of Christchurch Women’s
Hospital.The first shuttle will now leave Hillmorton at 0715
and they will continue to run throughout the day at the
following times:
Hillmorton departure on the hour from 7.15am to 4.15pm and on the hour from Christchurch Hospital from 7.45pm to 4.45pm and again at 5.15pm.
The Burwood Shuttle will continue up to the 5.15pm Christchurch Departure on Thursday April 21, 2011 but this will be reviewed next week as to whether it will continue after Easter. Burwood departures leave from beside Beacon House at entrance B2 leave at 6.15am, 8.00am, 2.00pm, 4.00pm and 10.00pm. Christchurch departures leave from the traffic lights on Oxford Terrace below the emergency department at 7.15am, 3.30pm, 5.00pm and 11.15pm.
The Princess Margaret Hospital – Christchurch Hosptial Shuttle
Is running as per usual
Alternative Transport Options:
A great number
of staff have also reverted to cycling to work and using the
buses, we have been looking for more places to locate bike
racks and actively encourage those that can to consider an
alternative way of getting to work.
Parking on Verges
and Yellow Lines:
Since the February 22 earthquake,
the council have been lenient about staff, patients or
visitors to Christchurch Hospital using the park verges and
yellow lines outside the hospital for parking but ask people
to stop parking in these areas.
Council has indicated it
will tow cars that are interrupting traffic flow, cycle ways
or pedestrian access to an alternative nearby area. There
are no fines for towing but it is an inconvenience to have
to find your vehicle , which may have been relocated back to
the Horticultural centre or other safe parking are.
The
DHB is continuing to review parking with the City Council
and will update staff and patients as we get further
information.
AGED CARE RESIDENTS
Letters
are to be sent to residents and families about the
relocations of some vulnerable people from evacuated
Christchurch rest homes following the quake. While most
people were happy that their loved one was moved to
somewhere safe, for many people it has been an unsettling
and upsetting time.
The DHB is reviewing the on-going
demand for aged residential care in Canterbury and
guidelines are in place to determine how people can return
to Christchurch.
However, because there are
significantly fewer beds available, the DHB is unable to
transfer everyone who was relocated out of the region back
to Christchurch.
Assistance is available to help
families keep in touch with their relocated family members.
At the time of the quake some families opted to take
their relative home to live with them and DHB will continue
to work with these families to provide additional care and
support to enable this situation to continue longer term.
BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED
The Canterbury District Health Board has not seen an increase in gastroenteritis cases since the boiled water notice was lifted.
Gastroenteritis can be passed on in a number of different ways - such as from contaminated food or surfaces, or from person to person contact. People should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser often, particularly after toileting, and before and after eating or preparing food.
People who believe they are ill should contact their GP.
Water ways will continue to be tested but does not included private wells and bores, so people are advised to organise on-going private testing should they wish to drink water from private locations.
Residents should contact the Council if their reticulated water supply is not working on 941 8999.
People should still try to conserve water because Christchurch’s water supply and waste water infrastructure remains delicate.
Additional steps for people
returning to their homes or businesses
Residents
returning to their properties for the first time since the
boil water notice has been lifted, and new tenants or
property owners, should turn on all the taps on their
property and let them run for a minimum of five minutes. If
after five minutes the water is still discoloured they
should continue to run it until it is clear.
Business owners or managers returning to their premises should also run taps for five minutes. Business owners are also advised to organise a registered plumber to check their water systems prior to switching water on at the street. Leaks in the water pipe work on their site or in their building could cause further damage to the property.
Chlorination of Christchurch water
supply
Water chlorination continues across the city.
Chlorination will help ensure that the water remains safe
while the water supply infrastructure remains vulnerable and
susceptible to new damage.
It is expected that the water supply will continue to be chlorinated for between three and six months while permanent infrastructure repairs take place. The Council will continue a programme of increased sampling to ensure that water remains safe to drink.
If people don’t like the taste of chlorine then they should fill a jug with water and store it in the fridge for 30 minutes before drinking. This will lessen the taste/odour.
INFLUENZA IMMUNISATION
It is particularly
important to be vaccinated this year because damage from the
September 4 and February 22 earthquakes has changed a lot of
Cantabrians living conditions that will make many more
vulnerable to catching the flu.
Immunisation is now free
for Canterbury residents under 18 years. The vaccine is also
free to people aged over 65-years-old, those under 65 years
with a chronic health condition such as diabetes and asthma,
as well as pregnant women and is available until July
31.
Call your General Practice Team for an
appointment.
DEMOLITION OF HAGLEY HOSTEL -
APPROVED
The building sustained damage in both the
September and February earthquakes and is at risk of
collapse. It is hoped demolition will start in the next two
weeks.
At this stage we are not sure how long the
demolition process will take.
CANTERBURY DHB BUILDINGS
All hospital buildings have been
checked by independent structural engineers. Other than
those closed off or with restricted entry, the buildings
have been assessed as safe to occupy - ‘Green stickers’
are being placed on these buildings.
BLOOD
TESTS
Canterbury Health Laboratories will be open
over the weekend from 8am to 11am on Saturday at their
Hagley Ave, Tuam Street building, across the road from
Christchurch Hospital. There is parking on site and any
blood test forms will be accepted.
For more details of
where you can go to have a blood test or other tests, check
www.bloodtest.co.nz
SHORT SHOWERS SHOW YOU CARE – TAKE CARE WITH WATER
USE
Where you have water available at home, regardless of what part of Christchurch you live in, please use it sparingly as sewerage systems are broken and not able to cope with large volumes of waste water.
This applies when showering - remember that short showers show you care - and when flushing the toilet, ‘if it’s yellow let it mellow; if it’s brown flush it down’.
Don’t waste water washing the car!
IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGES
• In parts
of the city, sewerage pipes have broken or are breaking as
services come back online. People should avoid sewage and
silt that may have been contaminated with sewage, even if it
is on their properties. If you need sewage removed from your
property call Christchurch City Council on 941 8999. If
people have to work with silt they should wear water-proof
gloves, gumboots and a dust mask. People should also shower
or wash thoroughly immediately after contact with either
sewage or silt, and wash clothes
separately.
• Waterways are contaminated with sewage.
Avoid contact with rivers, sea water, ponds, puddles or
other surface water. Do not swim, paddle, fish, or gather
shellfish or any other food from oceans and
rivers.
• Take care when disposing of human waste
(faeces, poo, vomit etc). If your sewerage system has not
been working and you have access to a portable or chemical
toilet, please continue to use this until advised otherwise.
If you need a chemical toilet call 941 8999. Solid waste
that is tightly wrapped in plastic can go into you
red bin, but only as a last resort. Wash your hands
immediately after dealing with any human waste.
• Wash
your hands or use hand sanitiser often, particularly after
toileting, and before and after eating or preparing food.
• If you are sick, try to limit contact with other
people, do not go to work and do not prepare food for
anyone.
GENERAL PRACTICES AND PHARMACIES
• Most general practice teams and
pharmacies in Canterbury are now open. If you need to see a
doctor, phone your own GP first and you will be put through
to someone who can help.
• GP and prescription fees
have returned to their usual rates. If the cost of visiting
your GP is a problem, talk to your doctor as you may be
eligible for special subsidised fees.
• Call your own
GP first. It is important you address your health concerns
early with your general practice team.
• Ideally you
will be able to visit your usual general practice team. If
this is not possible, you should consult a nearby general
practice team. You will pay similar fees to those charged
to regular patients at that practice.
• If it’s an
emergency call 111.
Pharmacies
•
If you want to collect several medicines at once it’s
helpful if you can drop your prescription off and give the
pharmacy a day to get them ready for you.
•
Even if you think your pharmacy is closed, please ring the
usual pharmacy telephone number. Your call will either be
redirected or the recorded message will tell you where you
can collect your medicines from.
ELECTIVE SERVICES – SURGERY & OUTPATIENTS
Outpatient
clinic activity is steadily increasing; however there is a
higher-than usual level of people unable to make their
appointments. Additional phone reminders are taking place
to ensure people remember their appointments. Please advise
the hospital early if you are unable to get to an
appointment.
Levels of surgery are starting to return to
usual levels, although there is an emphasis on carrying out
more of the less complex cases as we get back up to speed.
Acute Surgery, some urgent major surgery and simple
elective surgery is now occurring at Christchurch Hospital.
Acceptance of referrals from other DHBs and returns of
patients transferred out for major elective surgery remains
on a case by case basis as capacity and acuity allows.
The ongoing transfer of some urgent surgical patients to
other DHBs is reducing but arrangements will need to
continue dependent on acute demand.
SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING SERVICES
These have been extremely difficult times for all of us. Each of us may be affected in a different way. Common experiences include: poor sleep, irritability, nervousness, unpleasant dreams, loss of energy, feeling tired and a multitude of emotions such as anger, guilt or sadness.
In young children symptoms can include bedwetting, being “clingy” to a parent and displaying disruptive and disturbing behaviour. These are all normal and understandable responses. They will generally lessen over time. Support from friends and family helps with recovery.
If you are concerned about yourself or a family member or a friend, you encouraged to call: Special Helpline 0800 777 846. This service may offer immediate advice and support or may connect you with another helping agency.
Recovery Assistance
Centres
Recovery Assistance Centres are
one-stop-shops where people can access welfare information
and services. They bring together central, local government
and non government organisations.
These sites are
open:
Nga Hau e Wha Marae
Linwood Community Link
Wainoni Aranui Recreation Centre
Parklands Baptist Church
St Faiths Hall
Delta Community Support Trust
Sydenham Community Centre
Lyttleton Recreation Centre
Weekdays:
9.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday: 9.00 am to 12.00pm
(noon)
Sunday: Closed
Recovery Information
Kiosks
Recovery Information Kiosks have opened
throughout Christchurch. The kiosks are places within
communities, where people can get information on the help
available.
The kiosks are unmanned and are located
at:
• Waipuna - 349 Woodham Road
• Delta - 105
North Avon Road
• Aranui Heartlands and Pacific Hub -
37 - 45 Hampshire Street
• Shirley Early Years Hub -
69B Briggs Road
• Kingdom Resources - Shop F, 300
Lincoln Road (Addingtown Mall)
• Akaroa Heartland
Service Centre - 39 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
• Solo Women As
Parents (SWAP) - 70 Springfield Road
For more information go to http://www.msd.govtnz/emergency/recovery-assistance-centres.html#DeltaCommunitySupportTrust7
Helplines
• ACC – People
wanting to know what their entitlements are 0800 101 996
• Red Cross – 0800 733 276. People who
have relocated outside of Christchurch are urged to contact
the Red Cross.
• Urgent mental health advice –
Psychiatric Emergency Service on 03 3640 482 or
0800 920 092
• Urgent Dental Care – If
you can’t contact your own dentist 335 4260. After
hours 027 683 0679
• Meals on wheels – 337
7797
• Plunket Line continues to operate
24hours 7days, free calling, including from cell phones -
0800 933 922
• Vulnerable older people – that
urgently require assistance because of health or disability
needs should contact Older Persons Health on 337 7765
for assessment and advice.
• Dialysis –
helpline 0800 881919
• Ambulance – 111
• 24-hour medical centre in Bealey
Avenue – 365 7777
• Coping strategies -
stress and anxiety – The Ministry of Health has
created a series of fact sheets with advice and coping
strategies for people experiencing stress or anxiety in the
wake of this week's tragedy. These can be found on the
Ministry's website - www.moh.govt.nz - under the banner
headline ‘Christchurch
Earthquake’
• Other useful websites include
– www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz www.civildefence.co.nz;
Healthinfo.orgnz
• Follow us on www.facebook.com
ENDS