All DHB clinics running as normal in South Westland

24 March 2016, 11.30am

All DHB clinics are running as normal in South Westland today.

If any patients are unable to make it to their appointments, it would be useful to ring their local clinic and let them know, and alternative appointments can be arranged.

If you feel ill, seek assistance or advice. Contact your GP in the first instance. If it’s an emergency dial 111.

The Red Cross has set up a welfare centre in the Franz Josef Town Hall for those who have been displaced due to flooding.

Boil or treat all water from taps before drinking, brushing teeth or using in food preparation.

Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill bugs. Water needs to be boiled even if the smell or taste of chlorine is present. If you cannot boil water, treat it by adding 1 teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres of water and leave for 30 minutes.

The Council and Public Health are working together to test water supplies in the region and will update this advice as soon as we have a clear idea of how the water supply has been impacted by the flooding.

Employers should also make sure their staff are only consuming boiled or bottled water at work. This applies even for workplaces with self-supplied water, until testing can be completed and the supply can be cleared of risk.

· Check on your neighbours and keep in touch with family and friends. At times like this it’s important to look out for elderly neighbours and others who live alone.

· Make sure you stay up to date with what is happening in the rest of the community, so you know what is going on and what you need to do: Listen to the radio, make regular contact with friends and family, check road conditions at (www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic) for an update on road conditions, and the Westland District Council website (www.westlanddc.govt.nz/) for civil defence updates. The NZTA Facebook page is also updated regularly.

· Although the forecast is for improving weather, make sure you have enough food, water and basic household and medical supplies for your family and pets - you will need three litres of water per person per day. Make sure your emergency stock contains food with high nutritional value and a long shelf life. You will need a battery powered radio (as well as spare batteries) in your emergency supplies kit to help you stay in touch. Your emergency kit should also contain basic medical supplies like paracetamol and plasters.

Don’t forget about your usual medications – talk with your general practice team about ensuring you have enough.

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