Flu Centre hours extended

Canterbury District Health Board
Media release – 21 June 2009
Flu Centre hours extended

The hours at the central Christchurch Flu Centre have been extended to cope with the number of people being referred there with flu symptoms.

Staff are now being rostered to cover a further six hours each day at the centre compared with on Saturday.

The Centre opened on Friday 19 June as part of the Canterbury District Health Board’s move to manage influenza within the community. On Saturday a total of 79 patients visited the centre.

Canterbury people are encouraged to call the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37 as their first port of call if they have influenza and need medical advice. If required, they will be given an appointment at the Canterbury Flu Centre.

“Most people will be able to cope at home by getting plenty of bed rest and fluids and paracetamol to control the fever,” says Dr Phil Schroeder who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.

“If they are very unwell or have other chronic medical conditions which make them at high risk of complications, then they need to call the Flu Line to make an appointment to go to the Canterbury Flu Centre,” he says.

There were 74 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Canterbury by midday Saturday. Confirmed case numbers will no longer be routinely provided as people are no longer being swabbed for Influenza A (H1N1) as part of the Canterbury District Health Board's move to the Manage it phase in responding to Influenza A (H1N1).

ENDS

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