Minister Thanks Staff Of Tairawhiti DHB

Minister of Health David Cunliffe today thanked the staff of Tairawhiti District Health Board for their outstanding efforts following last night’s earthquake.

“I understand the staff, who must have been frightened themselves, immediately sought to ensure the safety of their patients and to offer comfort,” Mr Cunliffe said.

Mr Cunliffe said a number of staff who had been at home when the earthquake hit had gone directly to the hospital to offer their skills and support.

“I want to thank and congratulate all of the staff at Gisborne Hospital who have displayed a level of dedication that went well above and beyond the call of duty.”

He said while the hospital had been damaged it was continuing to operate, although it was asking that people who could see their GP for minor injuries of ailments did so rather than going to Emergency Department.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and frightening time for the people of Gisborne, but I am pleased health services in the area responded quickly and thoroughly to the situation.”

Mr Cunliffe said it was a mercy that there had not been had not been more people injured. However, had there been he was confident the hospital would have been in position to deal with them, thanks to the efforts of the staff and preplanning which worked.

“Health services plan and practice for emergencies and in this case all that planning and practising meant the DHB was able to almost immediately put a plan of action into place.”

ENDS

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