Tauranga Urged to save the ED for Emergencies

29 October

Tauranga Urged to save the ED for Emergencies

With the official summer holiday season fast approaching Tauranga Hospital is urging Bay residents to save the ED for genuine medical emergencies.

“Summer holidays are traditionally one of our busiest times,” said Phillip Balmer, Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s Chief Operating Officer. “In an Emergency Department every second counts. Unfortunately many of the presentations we see in ED are of a non-urgent nature. This puts enormous pressure on staff resources set up to look after those experiencing an urgent medical situation.”

“We have some patients coming into ED to be treated for conditions like hayfever, itchy rashes, minor injuries and grazes, that would be better suited to being seen by their GP,” said Derek Sage, Clinical Director of Tauranga Hospital ED. “This results in patients having longer waiting times, as life-threatening conditions are always treated before those who can afford to wait.”

A colour-coloured information guide has been developed to help Bay of Plenty residents become more familiar with what medical care options are available to them when they become ill or injured.

“The aim of the guide is to explain what each service does and when that service should be used” says Marama Tauranga, Tauranga Hospital’s ED Clinical Nurse Manager. “Your GP and Tauranga Hospital staff want you to get the best possible care in the right place, at the right time, by the right clinician.”

“Fostering a relationship with your GP is key to maintaining the wellness of yourself and your whanau. ED is best at helping in emergencies, therefore saving ED for those that need it most is vital – one day it could be you.”

Thousands of pocket-sized guides, flyers and posters will be distributed across the Bay of Plenty this week, in a bid to spread this important message. A video explaining what to expect when you visit ED has also been produced, to give locals an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

The video and further information can be viewed by visiting http://www.bopdhb.govt.nz/going-to-hospital/emergency-department or by scanning the following code with your smart phone:

For further information on the ED IS FOR EMERGENCIES campaign, please contact Frances Maia of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board Communications Team.

ENDS

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