Hawke’s Bay Hospital at capacity

Hawke’s Bay Hospital at capacity

Hawke’s Bay Hospital is at capacity, and unless it’s an emergency, people are urged to seek medical care from their family doctor, medical centre, pharmacy or to call Healthline.

Acting Chief Medical and Dental Officer, Robin Whyman said the hospital had been busy for a number of days with patients presenting with a wide variety of illnesses and injuries.

Dr Whyman said people presenting with minor injuries or illnesses, such as colds, could expect to wait for a long time as the Emergency Department prioritised patients needing urgent care.

“Emergency Department clinicians are highly trained in emergency care - caring for people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. We are asking people to Choose Well when they are thinking about where to go for care. The Emergency Department is the place to go for life threatening urgent treatment.”

Dr Whyman said the pressure on the hospital was expected to remain for a few days.

For more information on where to find a family doctor and other health information people could check www.ourhealthhb.nz, which provided health information specifically for Hawke’s Bay people. Healthline is also available 0800 611 116 for free health advice 24 hours a day.

ENDS

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