CDHB Swine Flu Update – 23 June 2009

Canterbury’s first Flu Centre will tomorrow, as planned, be extended to three times its current size to cope with future demand for its services.

Dr Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said, “a total of 170 patients with flu symptoms were seen yesterday at the Centre, following 907 calls to the Canterbury Flu Line”.

“Staff are looking forward to completion of the extra space which will include a bigger waiting area and more cubicles for assessment,” he said.

“There has been a huge team of people working on constructing the new Centre and we are really grateful for the speed that they have done this for us.  A week ago there was nothing on this site but a warehouse,” he said.

Some people had to wait outside the Centre yesterday as a number of people were arriving without an appointment. 

“To be fair to everyone, it is essential that people make an appointment through the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37,” Dr Schroeder said.

“While most people will be able to manage at home they should call the Flu Line if they are worried about their flu symptoms.  An appointment will be made at the Flu Centre if necessary,”

People visiting the Flu Centre are asked to wait in their cars prior to their appointment time.  If their appointment time is delayed there is a waiting room in the Flu Centre that will be enlarged as of Wednesday.

For further information about influenza in Canterbury visit www.fluinfo.org.nz