Earthquake Media Update Three - Canterbury DHB

22 February 2010

Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) chief executive officer David Meates said this evening that Christchurch Hospital emergency department was extremely busy, but staff were coping admirably.

Ten additional nurses have arrived from Ashburton with further staff due to arrive overnight from neighbouring DHBs. Other relief staff from around the country are being coordinated through the Ministry of Health’s National Health Coordination Centre.

Ten ICU patients have been transferred to Auckland. Contingency plans are in place with neighbouring DHBs to transfer other patients as appropriate. “Wherever possible we are making space for an influx of seriously ill and injured patients over the coming days,” he said.

“The Emergency Department is seeing many patients with lacerations, crush injuries, fractures, fractures, spinal injuries and serious wounds as a result of the quake. The cardiology and maternity units are also busy.

Burwood Hospital, Hillmorton and Princess Margaret Hospital are all operating – however all have issues with water supply and sewage. Bottled water is available for staff and patients and portaloos are being put in place.

Four aged care facilities have been severely damaged and a decision will be made tomorrow on rehousing residents.

People with mild to moderate injuries (and who are able to walk) should visit the 24 hour medical centre in Bealey Avenue, and save the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department for the seriously ill

PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGES

Conserve water - Any water from tap should be boiled. If you don’t have electricity, three drops of household bleach in a litre of water will make it safe for drinking.

If your toilet flushes, flush it, but if it doesn’t don’t use your toilet.

Make sure that when you are inside, wear shoes, due to broken glass

A CALL TO CHRISTCHURCH GPs

Christchurch GPs who are able to open their practices tomorrow are asked to text Dr John Coughlan on 0274 316 986 to advise of their availability. Dr Coughlan stressed that it was important GPs text him rather than phone, as calls were not always getting through.

Once we know which practices are open we will let the public know.

ENDS

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