Media Update Canterbury DHB 13/09/10

13 September 2010
Media Update Canterbury DHB

Burwood orthopaedic services are almost running at their usual elective surgical rate today and they’ll be progressively joined by other services tomorrow.

Canterbury DHB CEO David Meates says there’s been a huge amount of work done behind the scenes to get to this point.

There remains some minor disruption to the usual daily routines, patients will notice that the Christchurch hospital car park is largely out of action and there are some minor plumbing problems and Princess Margaret hospital

The impact of the earthquake has meant around 290 patients had their operations cancelled and deferred as the hospital was reduced to just over half its usual capacity.

Each week we would have normally carried out 550 elective operations at Christchurch hospital, Christchurch Women’s and Burwood hospital. Last week we carried out 260 urgent operations.

The DHB is working through what actions we’ll take to manage with those individuals who have been affected.

With the return of usual services the DHB updates will reduce to once every two days for the remainder of the week - and review again on Friday.

Health Services Summary

Akaroa hospital is repaired and open. Lincoln hospital remains closed. All other rural and city hospitals are open and functioning.
Birthing unit at Burwood still closed. Those mothers needing to birth are coming to Christchurch Womens.
Neonatal ICU remains full.
ED is managing well and demand is steady.

Primary Care
All primary care and pharmacies are open or in the process of opening.

Public Health
Staff are back into their Chester St premises today from their temporary home in Christchurch Women’s hospital.
No reports of gastroenteritis from monitoring or welfare centres.
People in Kaiapoi, Kairaki, Pines Beach and Malvern Hills remain advised to boil water.
Work by HPOs continues to concentrate on water testing in Selwyn District and residential building inspections alongside council staff in Waimakariri.
Key public health messages to the public are around helping people cope with the stresses of quake damage and returning to their normal lives.

Community and Residential Care
Respite ward in hospital is operating well. Some residents will be discharged home today.
The Single Point of Entry service for vulnerable people is back to normal hours.

Ambulance
All ambulance stations are functioning except St Asaph St station which is closed and replaced by a temporary station at 174 Durham St.

PARKING
Restricted Parking at Christchurch Hospital
Earthquake damage means limited parking spaces at Christchurch Hospital for patients, visitors and staff.

SUMMARY PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION (full advice on http://www.cdhb.govt.nz/communications/earthquake/mediaupdate10september2010.htm)

To stay well and avoid getting ill:
Wash hands frequently especially in and around earthquake-damaged buildings and land, which may be contaminated with sewage.
Drinking Water Only residents in the following areas need to boil water:
- Selwyn District: Malvern Hills, Waimakariri District: Kaiapoi, Kairaki and Pines Beach.
Surface Water Assume river, sea water and any other surface water is contaminated with sewage. Do not swim, fish or gather shellfish.
Sewage Contaminated Homes – move to alternative accommodation.
Contact with neighbours/friends Keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other (for more advice: http://www.cph.co.nz/News-and-Events/News/Default.asp#newsstory2)
People who are unwell Call your General Practice or nearest after hours surgery first. Keep the Emergency Department for emergencies.
Gastroenteritis causes diarrhea and vomiting. If you are sick:
• Drink plenty of fluids while the diarrhoea lasts to prevent dehydration – this is most important for infants
• See a doctor if vomiting and/or diarrhoea is severe or the illness does not improve.
• Stay away from school or work until you are symptom free for 48 hours
• Pay special attention to hand washing, especially after using the toilet.
• Do not prepare food for others.
• Always use separate towels and face cloths.

ENDS

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