Earthquake Media Update Canterbury DHB

Earthquake Media Update Canterbury DHB – 16.9.10

Rivers and coastal areas from the Waimak River (as far as and including the Banks Peninsula, the Avon River, the Heathcote River, the estuary and the water off all local beaches) remain contaminated with sewage and wastewater overflows following the Saturday 4 September earthquake. Canterbury’s Medical Officers of Health have issued warnings that it is unsafe to gather fish or shellfish including whitebait.

The public are being advised

• Not to drink water from rivers
• Not to collect fish or shellfish from rivers, river mouths or the estuary. This includes whitebait.
• Not to use rivers or the estuary for recreational use, including swimming or boating
• To avoid physical contact with water in these waterways.

Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health division are also advising people to be careful when cleaning up debris. Anyone who thinks there may be asbestos in their roofs or tiles should seek professional help in the clean up. “Asbestos was used in buildings prior to the 1980s and there are plenty of Christchurch buildings that contain it,” according to Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey.

Canterbury was very lucky not to suffer any direct loss of life during the earthquake and it has been fabulous news this week to have Simon Robinson, the person worst injured in the quake, thanking everyone publicly from his bed in ICU.

CDHB CEO David Meates has thanked the 60 plus people that came from around the country and a wide variety of professions, to assist Canterbury’s health services following the quake. He said these people have been particularly important for their expertise and in filling the spaces left by staff who needed to attend to their homes and families.

While the welfare centres set up after the earthquake have now closed, four new recovery centres will open on Thursday to provide a one-stop-shop to help people recover from the quake.

These centres will provide information, as well as access, to a number of services including Victim Support, Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand, City Housing, Work and Income, as well as providing access to counselling and budgeting services.

The government Help Line 0800 779 997 is continuing to run, along with the counselling line 0800 777 846.

The four recovery assistance centres can be accessed Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm at

• Department of Labour, 144 Kilmore St
• Linwood Community Link, 154 Aldwins Rd
• Heartland Services, Hornby, 25 Shands Rd
• Work and Income, New Brighton, 26 Beresford St

Anyone who needs assistance outside these hours should call the Government Help Line above.

Health Services Summary
• Hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies are fully functional
• The Christchurch Hospital tunnel is closed
• The Emergency Department is steady
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit remains at capacity
• Elective surgery has recommenced
• The Burwood and Lincoln Birthing Units have re-opened.
• Public health continues to monitor gastro illnesses in sentinel practices; no increase noted in the past 24 hours
• Hospital staffing capacity is good
• The temporary respite ward at The Princess Margaret Hospital is closed to admissions but still functioning. It is expected that it will close next week. The ward was set up to assist people who needed extra help to stay well during the state of emergency.

For the next few months, CDHB will have an ongoing programme of assessment of repairs and earthquake costs. This will be done with CDHB’s insurers.

CDHB staff are continuing to work with other agencies on how best to support people in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Additional Information
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:
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.

ENDS