27 January 2017

Gastro costs rise

Gastro costs to Hawke’s Bay District Health Board were approaching $766,000 as at December 2016.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Kevin Snee said the costs, directly related to the Havelock North campylobacter outbreak and recovery period in 2016, covered staff sickness and cover, clinical supplies, hydration management, surveys, administration costs, lab and legal expenses.

Dr Snee said the costs, which were expected to rise, would be tabled at its February Board meeting along with a verbal update. The DHB was in discussion with the Ministry of Health to determine whether it could recoup some of the costs relating to the gastro response.

Breakdown of costs (as at December 2016):

• Clinical Supplies - $31,000
• Hydration Management - $18,000
• Administration & Communication expenses - $28,000
• Lab expenses - $8,000
• Legal expenses - $99,000
• Surveys - $36,000
• Staff sickness - $216,000
• Staff cover and costs - $330,000 - (e.g. covers public health, SMO cover, ED and ICU expenses)

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