Earthquake Update 31 – Canterbury District Health Board

Friday, March 25, 2011 – 6:15pm

EARTHQUAKE UPDATE 31 – CANTERBURY DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD


PUBLIC WARNED TO STAY CLEAR OF HAGLEY HOSTEL

After two major earthquakes Hagley Hostel, beside Christchurch Women’s Hospital, has sustained significant structural damage – threatening other buildings and access ways and making emergency traffic more difficult and at risk.

The building has been “red sitckered” and people are advised to stay clear of the building at all times and avoid using the entrance to Christchurch Hospital as a thoroughfare. Entrances to the Christchurch Hospital and Women’s campus should be kept for pick up and drop off only and kept clear for ambulances and other emergency vehicles at all times.


TRANSPORT AND PARKING AT CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL

Parking spaces are reduced at Christchurch Hospital and this is causing severe traffic congestion, delays and frustration for patients and visitors.

The reduction in car parks is due to a number of factors: large water tanks sitting outside the main entrance to the hospital; maintenance being carried out on the hospital site and the fact that adjacent car park buildings are still closed.

Earlier in the week an ambulance couldn’t get through the one-way system to the emergency department - this is a serious problem and additional security staff are in place to help with traffic flow.

Hospital security this week reported that some people appear to be using the hospital as a short-cut to get around closed roads.

The public are asked not to drive up through the hospital one way system unless they have to.

People are advised to leave home early to allow time for traffic en route and finding a park when they arrive. Free shuttle buses to hospital are available from a number of locations around Christchurch.

Mobility parks are available for those who need them. If you need assistance, please talk to security staff on site who can provide advice.

Patients attending the Blood Test centre can use the parks in front of the Labs where parking is allocated for them.

Allow extra time if you’re heading to hospital

Patience is required, particularly on rainy days, as everyone wants to get as close as possible to the front door to the hospital. If you don’t use a shuttle, you’re advised to allow at least 30 minutes to find a park and walk to hospital.

Parking is also a challenge for hospital staff, who are having to allow extra time before shifts to walk from their cars to work.

HOSPITAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES

These shuttles are free for staff, patients and their support people.
Burwood to Christchurch Hospital:
• Monday to Sunday Service
• 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.
Princess Margaret to Christchurch Hospital St John’s Shuttle
• Monday to Friday Service
• The St John’s shuttle is operating between The Princess Margaret Hospital and Christchurch Hospital for staff and inpatients
• Departure points are at the main entrance for Princess Margaret and the main Parkside entrance for Christchurch.
Hillmorton to Christchurch Hospital:
• Monday to Friday Service for staff and patients
• Minibuses operating hourly from 7.30am to 5.00pm between Hillmorton and Christchurch Hospitals starting at 7.30am from Hillmorton / 8.00am from Christchurch
• Drop off and pick up is from the lower ground floor entrance of Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

ADDITIONAL PARKING AT CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL

The Christchurch City Council has provided additional parking for hospital use on the grassed area behind the Horticultural Centre Car Park (access to the right of the building). This is in addition to the Hagley Park car park near the tennis club, Access is off Riccarton Ave.

The DHB is awaiting consent to start repairs on its Antigua Street car park. Until repairs are carried out it will remain closed.

ELECTIVE SERVICES – SURGERY & OUTPATIENTS

Levels of surgery are starting to return to ‘pre quake’ 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 tertiary referrals 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.
Outpatient clinic activity is steadily increasing, however there is a higher-than usual level of people not turning up for their appointments. Additional phone reminders are taking place to ensure people remember their appointments.
NEW COMMUNITY PAGE LAUNCHED ON WEBSITE
Genr8 has created a ‘community’ page called Beyond The Quake where it asks you to reflect on your experience and either share stories
Here’s the link to help find your way back http://www.genr8.health.nz
Genr8 has about 1000 registered users and gives people who are interested in health the opportunity to share your ideas with other people working in the Canterbury health system. It's simple to register, and doing so allows you to post an idea or collaborate with others to make it better.

Got an idea? Add it to the site so others can learn about it, enhance it, and help our community bring it to life.
BREASTFEEDING AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT
La Leche League Canterbury 24 hour/7 day breastfeeding helpline (03) 3388447
La Leche League Canterbury. Due to the earthquake there are fewer La Leche League Leaders (trained breastfeeding counsellors) available for breastfeeding help in the Christchurch area. These leaders are available: Janine: (03) 327 4535; Rhonda: (03) 325 7474; Rukmini: (03) 337 0841; Sarah: (03) 348 2231; and Steph in Ashburton: (03) 308 1610
• 24 hour/7 day Plunket Line is operating at 0800933922
Young Parents Breastfeeding Group – check out their Facebook page for updates about meetings. Meetings restart in April (For parents 24 years and under)
St George’s Maternity Unit. The Free Breastfeeding Drop-In Centre will open daily Monday to Friday between 0930 -1130 in the Leinster Chambers, Level One, St George’s Hospital. Lactation consultant (IBCLC) available. Follow the signs from the car parking building. Phone (03) 355 9102 for any urgent enquiries
Te Puawaitanga ki Otautahi Trust Aranui breastfeeding group – free support and information at 38 Portsmouth Street every Wednesday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm from Wednesday, March 30. All parents welcome. Enquiries to Carol Bartle at (03) 3445062 or 0277331843 or email carol.bartle@omwwl.maori.nz
Te Puawaitanga ki Otautahi Trust Hornby breastfeeding group – free support and information at 153 Gilberthorpes Road, Hornby. Restarts on Tuesday March 29. Contact Carol Bartle at (03) 3445062 or 0277331843 or email carol.bartle@omwwl.maori.nz. All parents welcome.
Free lactation consultant services at Rural Canterbury Primary Health Organisation. Service restarts Monday March 28 – usual fax referral system. Referral form available at http://www.rcpho.org.nz/uploads/LC%20Referral%20Form_March11.pdf
Local lactation consultants (IBCLC) Fee for Service
Rachel Walker available from Monday, March 28 at (03) 3660856 or 0274713325
Megan Thorn (03) 3472196 or 0211687477
For breastfeeding and all infant feeding information and support contact carol.bartle@omwwl.maori.nz or phone (03) 3445062 or 0277331843

PAEDIATRIC OUTPATIENTS OPEN AS USUAL

Christchurch Hospital’s Paediatric Outpatients Department would like to remind families with appointments to please attend. The department is open as usual.
A large number of children are not showing up for their appointments.
“Please contact the department at the earliest time to change or cancel an appointment so it can be offered to another child.
The department is exploring alternative options to help families make their appointments.
If you wish to cancel or change an appointment phone:
(03) 3640025 or e-mail paedopn@cdhb.govt.nz stating your child’s name, hospital number, name of the clinic and the date of your appointment.
If you wish to provide a suggestion to make attending a clinic more accessible please email: michelle.kane@cdhb.govt.nz

CHRISTCHURCH RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO BOIL ALL WATER

25 chlorination units are now connected to the areas of Christchurch’s water supply where chlorine is needed.
There are still two units to be installed and we are aiming to have these in place shortly.
Once all the units are up and running we can begin planning towards removing the boil water notice.
It is vitally important, however, that people keep boiling or treating all water before drinking, brushing teeth or using in food preparation (including baby formula) until formally advised otherwise by the Council.

• Boil or treat all water from taps and tankers before drinking, brushing teeth or using in food preparation. Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill bugs. Water needs to be boiled even if you can smell or taste chlorine. If you cannot boil water, treat it by adding 1 teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres of water and leave for 30 minutes. Dishwashers can be used on a full hot wash with detergent (not economy wash) Dishes must be allowed to dry fully prior to re-use.
• 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.


DEDICATED SHOWERING FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Showering facilities are available by appointment at Cowles Stadium for people with disabilities. . For more information call the vulnerable people team on 337 8937 and arrangements can be made.

The showers are ideal for people from aged residential care facilities and those who usually receive home-based care but who are unable to access showers due to damage to their homes. People using the showers are required to bring their own toiletries and supplies along with their caregiver or support person.

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
• If you are on a benefit other than national superannuation - for example a sickness benefit or emergency payment, you will be able to visit any GP free of charge until 10 April 2011.
• 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.
BLOOD TESTS
For 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, 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 mellow; if it’s brown flush it down’.

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. Hagley Hostel is ‘red stickered’ and unsafe.

MEDIA ACCESS

Media are not to access Christchurch Hospital or staff without permission.

All media queries must be directed to the Canterbury DHB Communications Team. Please phone (03) 337 7390, or 027 502 7523 / 027 531 4796.

AGED CARE RESIDENTS

Until the national state of emergency is lifted, there will be no relocations by the Canterbury DHB back to Christchurch of aged care residents who were evacuated to rest homes outside the city.

Families can organise private transfers of their loved ones should they wish to do so, but must notify the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 999 727 and the Canterbury DHB on 337 8937 and the district health board where they are being transferred to. For more information contact HeathCert on 0800 113 813.

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.

COMMUNITY EARTHQUAKE BRIEFINGS
A second round of community briefings has almost completed. The briefings provide earthquake recovery updates, local information and an opportunity to ask questions on an informal one-to-one basis.
You are invited to attend any one of the community briefings scheduled. It is best to attend your nearest briefing if you can because there will be some local content as well as general relevant information.
These are open-air briefings so dress for the weather and bring a seat. There may not be toilet facilities at the briefings. Phone (03) 941 8999 for more information.
SATURDAY MARCH 26
9.00am to 10.30am
Brooklands Domain (on Anfield Street)
11.00am to 12.30pm
Parklands Reserve (next to cricket nets on Queenspark Drive)
1.30pm to 3.00pm
Rawhiti Domain – next to the athletics track and disabled car park access (off Keyes Road)
3.30pm to 5.00pm
South New Brighton Park – also known as Jellicoe Park (access off Jellicoe Street)
RECOVERY ASSISTANCE CENTRES (RACs)

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. Each RAC has visiting or on-call health staff.

This includes a designated Partnership Community Worker (PCW) who can link those in need with relevant health and social services and ensure they are linked in to a General Practice team. The PCW can also organise transport to help the patient get to a GP or a hospital appointment or to a social service agency. RACs also have visiting Health Protection Officers.

RACs are open week days 8.30am to 500pm & weekends 9.00am to 4.00pm and are located at:
• Linwood Community Link, 154 Aldwins Road
• Linwood Wainoni Aranui Recreation Centre, 31 Hampshire Street
• Wainoni Parklands Baptist Church, 180 Queenspark Drive
• Parklands St Faiths Hall, 46 Hawke Street
• New Brighton Nga Hau e Wha Marae, 250 Pages Road
• Aranui Shirley Rugby Club, Burwood Park, New Brighton Road, Shirley/Dallington
• Lyttelton Recreation Centre, 25 Winchester Street, Lyttelton
• Sydenham Community Centre, 23-25 Hutcheson Street, Sydenham
• Hagley Old Boys Cricket Club, Hagley Oval, Riccarton Avenue.
• Mt Pleasant Yacht Club, 21 Main Road Mt Pleasant (by the Ferrymead Bridge)

More information on RACs visit www.msd.govt.nz/emergency/recovery-assistance-centres.html

RECOVERY INFORMATION KIOSKS

Recovery Information Kiosks have opened throughout Christchurch. The kiosks are placed within communities, where people can get information on the help available.

The kiosks are unmanned and are located at:
• Waipuna Youth and Community Trust, 349 Woodham Road
• Delta Trust, 105 North Avon Road
• Aranui Seventh Day Adventist Church, cnr Pages Rd and Rowan Ave
• Aranui Heartlands, 37-45 Hampshire Street
• South Christchurch Library, 66 Colombo Street
• Christchurch Bishopdale Library, 13 Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Shopping Centre
• Little River Library, State Highway 75, Little River
• Akaroa Heartland Service Centre 39 Rue Lavaud
• Akaroa Library, 2 Selwyn Ave

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.
• Relocated older people – if you are unable to contact their usual aged residential care provider to confirm their location, please phone 337 8937 for information.
• Dialysis – helpline 0800 881919
• Ambulance – 111
• 24-hour medical centre in Bealey Avenue – 365 7777
• Water collection locations – http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/water-tanker-timetable-for-deliveries/
• 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
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