Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Minister Thanks Staff Of Tairawhiti DHB

Minister Thanks Staff Of Tairawhiti DHB

Minister of Health David Cunliffe today thanked the staff of Tairawhiti District Health Board for their outstanding efforts following last night’s earthquake.

“I understand the staff, who must have been frightened themselves, immediately sought to ensure the safety of their patients and to offer comfort,” Mr Cunliffe said.

Mr Cunliffe said a number of staff who had been at home when the earthquake hit had gone directly to the hospital to offer their skills and support.

“I want to thank and congratulate all of the staff at Gisborne Hospital who have displayed a level of dedication that went well above and beyond the call of duty.”

He said while the hospital had been damaged it was continuing to operate, although it was asking that people who could see their GP for minor injuries of ailments did so rather than going to Emergency Department.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and frightening time for the people of Gisborne, but I am pleased health services in the area responded quickly and thoroughly to the situation.”

Mr Cunliffe said it was a mercy that there had not been had not been more people injured. However, had there been he was confident the hospital would have been in position to deal with them, thanks to the efforts of the staff and preplanning which worked.

“Health services plan and practice for emergencies and in this case all that planning and practising meant the DHB was able to almost immediately put a plan of action into place.”

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.