Free Earthquake Support Line for all New Zealanders

Free Earthquake Support Line for all New Zealanders

Source: Homecare Medical

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In response to the recent earthquakes and aftershocks, the Ministry of Health has bolstered its 24/7 Earthquake Support Line 0800 777 846 run by the National Telehealth Service.

The support line, which offers social and psychological support, is open to anyone anxious or concerned about how the situation is affecting them or their whanau. They can call for emotional support, advice or just for someone to talk to.

There is also a special webpage http://www.health.govt.nz/earthquakesupportline with information and resources to help people get through.

Who is answering the calls?

The National Telehealth Service provider Homecare Medical is running the support line. It is staffed with qualified mental health experts who have direct access to Healthline nurses and other 24/7 national telehealth staff. Dr David Codyre is the clinical lead for mental health services at Homecare Medical.

How many people are using the line?

As at 6.45am today the Earthquake Support Line, Healthline and the National Telehealth Service mental health lines had answered 4,154 calls since the quake. At its peak, there were around 150% more calls.

What type of questions have people asked to date?

Many of the calls to Healthline were for sleep problems, slips, trips and falls and also for reassurance and for practical information. Callers to the mental health lines have primarily been from the wider Canterbury region and Wellington. The service has rostered on additional staff and have people on call.

ENDS

Dr David Codyre’s bio

David joined Homecare Medical in October 2016 as Clinical Lead - Mental Health and Addictions. David is a psychiatrist with considerable experience working in the community mental health sector in New Zealand.

Currently working with East Tamaki Healthcare (ETHC), David is leading the development of an innovative integrated primary mental health programme to the network of ETHC clinics.

He sits on the advisory board to the NZ Depression Awareness Campaign and is a member of the Mental Health and Addictions Integration Leadership Group for Counties Manukau DHB, the Key to Life Trust (which supports mental health promotion/suicide prevention), the National Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan sector expert group, the "Mental Health - Fit for the Future" working group to the Ministry of Health, and the sector leaders group developing the Mental Health and Addictions Improvement Programme with the Health Quality and Safety Commission.

ENDS

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