Canterbury DHB Asks for Help from Christchurch Residents

Canterbury District Health Board Asks for Help from Christchurch Residents to Gather Vital Public Health Information.

Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is undertaking a telephone survey of Christchurch residents to gather vital information on the prevalence of gastroenteritis, respiratory illness or other illnesses in Christchurch after the 22 February earthquake.

CDHB is also using the survey to understand whether residents have access to essential health services – such as a GP or pharmacy – and whether they are following advice to boil or treat their water.

“I understand that many Christchurch residents are still living without basic services such as sewerage, power and clean drinking water,” says Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury, Dr Alistair Humphrey.

“People without these essential services are at the greatest risk of illness at the moment. We need to get a better picture of the health risks they face”

CDHB is gathering very useful information from its involvement in community meetings, from the Recovery Assistance Centres set up around Christchurch, and from other agencies that are working in communities. But there are still gaps that the survey results will fill.

“I know telephone surveys can be an irritant, but I would urge any Christchurch residents who are contacted to take part. The important information they provide will help us plan for what additional health services and support is needed in their areas over the coming weeks,” says Dr Humphrey.

CDHB will initially be conducting the survey each week for four weeks. Five hundred Christchurch residents from across the city, chosen at random, will be contacted each week to provide feedback on health issues and access to services. The survey will take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

ENDS

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