Canterbury DHB: Earthquake Update

13 June 2011
Important public health information
Boil or treat water from taps before drinking, brushing teeth or using in food preparation. Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill bugs. If you cannot boil water, treat it by adding 1 teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres of water and leave for 30 minutes.
If you need medical assistance contact your GP in the first instance. If it’s after hours a registered nurse will answer the phone and be able to advise you on what to do. If it’s an emergency dial 111.
The 24 hour medical centre in Bealey Avenue, the after hours clinic in Moorhouse Avenue and the Riccarton Clinic are open after hours.
In some parts of the city sewage pipes have broken and untreated sewage has mixed with liquefaction silt. People should avoid silt if they can, particularly if they don’t have running water to wash after contact. If people have to work with silt they should wear water-proof gloves, gumboots and a dust mask, shower or wash immediately afterwards, and wash clothes separately.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after toileting, and before and after eating or preparing food.
Conserve water by avoiding flushing toilets and using running water.
All but the most urgent planned (elective) surgery has been postponed in Christchurch tomorrow. This includes surgery planned for Christchurch Hospital, Burwood, Southern Cross and St George’s Hospital.
All outpatient appointments have also been cancelled at all public hospitals in Christchurch.
Planned Caesarean sections at Christchurch Women’s Hospital will go ahead.
All radiation therapy and chemotherapy services will also go ahead, as planned.
The Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital is open and able to take patients. They have treated a steady stream of people with minor to moderate injuries, as have general practices.
In the community, most general practices are operating. If you need to see a GP – phone your own GP first. Keep the emergency department for emergencies.

No major structural damage at hospitals

Chief executive of Canterbury District Health Board David Meates said while no major structural damage to buildings had been identified as of late this afternoon, engineers and maintenance staff were still in the process of checking buildings.

“Unfortunately some of our facilities have sustained damage to infrastructure and are operating on back-up systems.There is no power or water at Burwood and no water at Hillmorton. The lifts are out of action due to water leaking at Princess Margaret Hospital. We have contingency plans for all of these issues and are able to continue to receive and care for patients.

“We are aware that some aged residential care facilities have also been damaged and are without essential services.

“DHB staff who are able to should report to work as per usual. If they can’t make it please let their manager know,” David Meates said.

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