CDHB Swine Flu Update – 23.6.09

Media Release

DATE: 23.6.09
SUBJECT: CDHB Swine Flu Update – 23.6.09

Canterbury’s first Flu Centre will tomorrow, as planned, be extended to three times its current size to cope with future demand for its services.

Dr Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said, “a total of 170 patients with flu symptoms were seen yesterday at the Centre, following 907 calls to the Canterbury Flu Line”.

“Staff are looking forward to completion of the extra space which will include a bigger waiting area and more cubicles for assessment,” he said.

“There has been a huge team of people working on constructing the new Centre and we are really grateful for the speed that they have done this for us. A week ago there was nothing on this site but a warehouse,” he said.

Some people had to wait outside the Centre yesterday as a number of people were arriving without an appointment.

“To be fair to everyone, it is essential that people make an appointment through the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37,” Dr Schroeder said.

“While most people will be able to manage at home they should call the Flu Line if they are worried about their flu symptoms. An appointment will be made at the Flu Centre if necessary,”

People visiting the Flu Centre are asked to wait in their cars prior to their appointment time. If their appointment time is delayed there is a waiting room in the Flu Centre that will be enlarged as of Wednesday.

For further information about influenza in Canterbury visit www.fluinfo.org.nz

Ongoing Information

Most people with influenza will feel miserable for about a week but will be able to manage at home with rest, paracetamol ( for a fever) and plenty of fluids, The Flu Centre is for people who are becoming significantly unwell.
People should not visit a General Practice, pharmacy, hospital or other health provider if they have influenza. Doing this puts other people, including those who may have other illnesses, at risk of getting the flu. The Flu Line 0800 37 30 37 needs to be the first port of call in Canterbury.

If it is an emergency and someone is seriously unwell, they should call 111.

ENDS

© Scoop Media