BoP DHB has one of busiest Emergency Deparment's in NZ

BoP DHB has one of busiest Emergency Deparment's in NZ

Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s Emergency Departments at Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals have had their busiest year ever

Board Chair Sally Webb said there has been a 25% increase in the number of people coming to Emergency Departments (ED) for medical assistance.

“In 2004/05 we had 51,601 people through our EDs and in 2010/11 63,426 people. The high demand is already continuing in the first months of this financial year,” she said.

“In August 2010, at Tauranga Hospital ED, we had 182 people present at ED in the 24-hour period 8am Monday to 8am Tuesday, and we admitted 66 people.”

“In Whakatane ED on Monday 5 September 2011 we had 82 patients present, including 34 children from a school bus crash. Six of the children were admitted to Whakatane Hospital and three were stabilized and transferred to Tauranga Hospital. In addition, three medical patients were admitted to the Medical Ward and two patients to the Coronary Care Unit.”

Mrs Webb said analysis of data of patients attending at Tauranga ED shows an average 122 patients present each weekday with the exception of Monday when the average increases to 140 patients.

“Over the Christmas holiday period presentations increased to 180 patients and traditionally the July to September months have increased attendances due to the effects of winters ills and chills on an already busy department.”

The Bay of Plenty DHB is the sixth largest DHB in New Zealand, has the second fastest DHB population growth rate in New Zealand, and the highest percentage increase of people aged 65 and over. This growth results in increased numbers of people coming to ED, which makes our EDs among the busiest in New Zealand.

BoP DHB Chief Operating Officer Phillip Balmer said people who are unwell, injured or in need of health care services but are not in need of emergency or specialist care should either call the free Healthline 0800 611 116 or go to their GP first.

“If you go to your GP and your GP decides you need specialist care you will be referred to us and you will be fast tracked for admission if required rather than waiting in the emergency department to be seen before admission.”

“At this busy time we need to keep ED for those who need it most.”

In addition, Mr Balmer said there are some simple measures people can take to help protect themselves from one of the major causes of the increase in ED attendances, seasonal influenza, which include:

· Getting the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is available from GPs and is free for many high-risk groups including pregnant women for whom the vaccine is safe and recommended.

· Basic hygiene influenza prevention measures like regular hand washing; staying home if you are sick; covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

· Good hand washing is also important to prevent gastroenteritis outbreaks.

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