EARTHQUAKE UPDATE NINE – CANTERBURY DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD

24 February 2011

FIELD COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTRE

An Australian Army field community medical centre will be set up at Cowel Stadium tomorrow.  It’s a 75 bed hospital and will be utilised over the coming days. The field hospital arrived in a number of shipping containers and will be staffed by Australian clinicians including six emergency department doctors, 13 nurses, general surgery staff, orthopaedic staff, general trauma, anaesthetists and support staff. 

MEDIA ARE NOT TO ACCESS CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL OR STAFF WITHOUT PERMISSION

All media queries must be directed to the CDHB Strategic Communications Team. Please phone (03) 337 7390, or 027 502 7523/ 027 531 4796.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – PLEASE DO NOT PHONE ON 337 8937

OUTPATIENT SERVICES AT CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL

All orthopaedic fracture follow-up clinics at Christchurch Hospital are continuing as normally scheduled.

Patients with elective outpatient clinic appointments for non acute problems will be contacted by CDHB.

General Practitioners will continue to refer patients for specialist assessment on the basis of clinical need, recognising CDHB’s limited resources.

Paediatric clinics are closed for the rest of the week.

Community Oncology – there will be no appointments for chemotherapy and radiotherapy until Monday unless patients are individually contacted earlier. All patients will be contacted in due course.

ALL ELECTIVE SURGERY POSTPONED UNTIL 7 MARCH

All elective surgery (public and private) in Christchurch is postponed until Monday 7 March 2011 at earliest.  Alternative arrangements are being made for non-deferrable surgery.

LIST OF GP PRACTICES THAT ARE OPEN (As open from 25 February 2011)

Note: This list is subject to change.  You should always phone your own GP first and if they’re not available you will be directed to the nearest

GP surgery that’s open.

 
   
   

Amyes Road Surgery

open

Avonhead Surgery (Davey)

open

Avonhead Surgery (Shand)

open

Barrington Medical Centre

open

Belfast Medical Centre

open

Belfast North MEDIQUAL Doctors

open

Bishopdale Medical Clinic

open

Bryndwr Medical Rooms

open

Cashmere Medical Practice

open (limited hours)

Cashmere Health & Physiotherapy

open

Christchurch South Health Centre

open

Darfield Medical Centre Limited

open

Doctors on Riccarton

open

Eastcare Health

open

Fendalton Medical Centre

open

Ferry Road Medical Centre

open

Grahams Road Surgery

open

Greers Road Medical Centre

open

Halswellhealth

open

Harewood Medical Centre

open

Helios Integrative Medical Centre

open

Hillmorton Medical Centre

open

Hoon Hay Medical Centre

open

Hornby Medical Centre

open

Hornby Surgery

open

Isbell Medical Practice Limited

open (limited  hours)

Innes Road Medical Rooms

open

Kendal Medical Centre

open

Leeston Medical Centre

open

Lincoln Medical Limited

open

Lincoln Road Medical Practice

open

Linwood Avenue Medical Centre

open

Lyttelton Surgery

open

Main North Road Medical Centre

open

Mairehau Medical Centre

limited, doing housecalls

Mansfield Health Practice

  

Merivale Medical Practice

open

Moorhouse Medical Centre

open

Mt Pleasant Medical Centre

open

New Brighton Health Care

open  ( combined with New Brighton Village Health)

New Brighton Village Health Care

combined with New Brighton Health Care

Normans Road Surgery

open

North Avon Medical Centre

open

Opawa Surgery

open (limited hours)

Parklands Medical Centre

limited

Papanui Medical Centre

open

Prestons Road Surgery

open

Promed Edgeware Doctors

open

QE2 Medical Centre

limited

Redcliffs Medical Centre

open

Redwood Clinic

open

Riccarton Medical Practice

open

Roimata Medical Practice

open

Selwyn Street Medical Centre

open

Settlers Health Centre

limited

Somerfield Medical Centre

limited

St Albans Medical Centre

open

Sumner Health Centre

open

Straven Medical Rooms

open

Travis Medical Centre

open

Te Rawhiti Family Care

open

Templeton Medical Centre

open

The Surgery

open

Upper Riccarton Medical Centre (Taylor/Olds)

open

Upper Riccarton Medical Centre (HuntWheeler)

open

Union and Community Health Centre

open

Waimairi Road Medical Rooms

open

Waltham Medical Centre

open

Wainoni Medical Centre

open limited hours

Woodham Road Health Care

open

Yaldhurst Family Doctors

open

DIABETES

As of tomorrow, Friday 25 February the Diabetes Centre is closed until further notice.  The CDHB diabetes team are offering a semi-acute service for people who cannot access their GP and have unstable diabetes or other serious diabetes-related issues requiring further advice or assessment.  Patients who are unable to access their GP can phone 364 0640 to be put in touch with a diabetes triage nurse who is available 8am to 5pm only.  If outside these hours contact the Bealey Ave 24 hour medical centre.

HEALTHLINE

Healthline provides health advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Phone 0800 611 116.  Calls are answered by a registered nurse. Healthline uses language line and can access translators in many languages.  Healthline can also transfer callers to mental health professionals for advice and support.

GPS WANTING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WAIVED FEES

Can now call 353 9966 (Pegasus)

CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL IS OPERATIONAL

Structural engineers are constantly checking the hospital facilities for further damage. This work is ongoing.  As well as damage from the earthquake, there is internal damage from leaking water sprinklers.  Hagley Hostel and the Diabetes Centre have now been closed.

Staffing levels are good and have been boosted by colleagues from around the country. Stable patients continue to be transferred to other hospitals to free beds for the seriously ill.

Maternity services are busy, as is the neonatal intensive care unit.  Some babies will be transferred to other units around the country.  Pregnant women who have antenatal appointments should still come in to their clinic appointments at Christchurch Women’s Hospital.    

Orthopaedics and Cardiology services also remain busy.  The emergency department is steady at the moment and managing the workload very well.  

We are awaiting updated numbers of patients who have been treated and will include in the next update.

COPING STRATEGIES ON STRESS AND ANXIETY

The Ministry of Health has created a series of fact sheets with advice and coping strategies for people experiencing stress or anxiety in the wake of this week's tragedy.  These can be found on the Ministry's website - www.moh.govt.nz - under the banner headline "Christchurch Earthquake"

Mental Health Nurses are available to provide support in the community. Please phone your General Practice Team for information.

CANTERBURY DHB STAFF ARE TO TURN UP TO WORK FOR THEIR NORMAL ROSTERED HOURS

Staff are not required to come in outside of their rostered hours. Please check with your manager what these hours are.

REST HOME RESIDENTS BEING RELOCATED

More rest home residents are being relocated today.  Some rest home residents have gone home with family members or friends and it is very important that they make contact and stay in contact with their family general practice to ensure the medical needs of their elderly relative are being met.

As at midday today eleven rest home facilities have been reviewed to date and we are continuing to contact and review them.

108 older people need to be relocated out of Christchurch today.  Many rest homes need logistical help especially with practical things like, water and laundry.

Respite care capacity is significantly limited and access if via GP referral only. 

Rest home staff are doing an amazing job keeping their residents safe and well looked after despite the trying circumstances.

HEALTH CARE AT WELFARE CENTRES                  

St John Ambulance, Public Health Nurses and GPs are working together at Welfare Centres

A team of public health nurses will be working at the Welfare Centres focusing on infection control, hand hygiene and isolating any cases of suspected gastroenteritis or measles. Teams will be on site every day while the centres are open.

A GP and St John Ambulance staff will also be present at each welfare centres.

Centres are currently located at:

Pioneer Stadium

Rangiora Baptist Church

Cowles Stadium

Burnside High School

Rolleston  Community Centre -  A new welfare centre will open at the  Rolleston Community Centre from 6 pm today with the capacity to take 1000 people.  The Rolleston community centre provides improved facilities and has all utility services including sanitation and power.

CDHB HAS SET UP A FACEBOOK PAGE FOR STAFF

Staff can keep up to date via Canterbury District Health Board’s Facebook page. 

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. 

TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS WITH YOU

If you’re moving out of your home or leaving Christchurch remember to take your regular medications and prescriptions with you.

BOIL ALL WATER – EVEN IF IT’S COME FROM A WATER TANKER

Less than half the city has had reticulated water supplies restored, however, everyone living in Christchurch should continue to assume tap water is contaminated and unsafe to drink until advised otherwise by Council.

All water (from a tap or a tanker) should be boiled for one minute before drinking, brushing teeth or washing/preparing food.

-Water being boiled in a pot should be boiled for one minute

-Water being boiled in a kettle should be brought to the boil twice.

Councils will be testing water supplies intensively and will advise when the water is safe to use without boiling. Even though water may look clear, it should be treated as contaminated and unsafe to drink because of damaged underground water and sewage pipes. Do not use river water for drinking or washing.

FREE GP CARE EXTENDED UNTIL SUNDAY

Canterbury residents with urgent medical needs can visit a GP free of charge until Sunday.

PRESCRIPTIONS FEES WAIVED UNTIL SUNDAY

Patients will not pay the $3 co-payment or any other part-charges or premiums on their prescriptions until the end of Sunday.

IF YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR

Phone your own General Practice Team first – if they’re not open a nurse will answer the call and direct you to the nearest GP practice that’s open.

If the phones are not working, phone the Pegasus 24-hour medical centre in Bealey Avenue.

The Pegasus 24 hour medical centre in Bealey Avenue is open tonight and the after hours clinics at Moorhouse Medical Centre and the Riccarton Clinic are open from 8am to 8pm.The Rural GP Practice in Kaiapoi is also providing a 24 hour services to patients in Christchurch who are not able to access their own General Practice Teams.

About 70% (64) GP practices will be operating tomorrow in Christchurch.

Please keep Christchurch Hospital for emergencies only. If you need an ambulance, please phone 111.

CHRISTCHURCH WOMEN’S HOSPITAL IS OPEN & RECEIVING PATIENTS

Burwood birthing unit is closed today.

Lyndhurst Centre is closed until Monday and women with appointments will be contacted by a staff member.

Rangiora and Lincoln birthing units are open.

ELECTIVE SURGERY AND OUTPATIENTS

All elective surgery and outpatient appointments are postponed until Tuesday.

LOOKING FOR AN INJURED FAMILY MEMBER WHO MAY BE IN HOSPITAL?

Relatives looking for injured family members at Christchurch Hospital should go to the Great Escape Café in the main foyer where a relative centre has been set up and there are social workers and police available.

To report missing people, contact Red Cross 0800 733 276.

METHADONE PATIENTS

If you are a methadone patient and your usual pharmacy is closed, phone the Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS) on 335 4350 and they will direct you to the nearest pharmacy.

MEALS ON WHEELS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Meals on wheels are not available for the rest of the week – if you have elderly neighbours or people who live alone, please check on them and help out if you can with meals and support.

OTHER KEY PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGES

People need to take the following advice to avoid getting sick with stomach bugs and other illnesses.

Surface waters

People should avoid contact with sewage. Assume river, sea water and any other surface water is contaminated with sewage. People should stay away and not swim, fish or gather shellfish in the sea, Canterbury rivers or any standing water until notified.

People who have sewage contamination within their homes should be advised to move to alternative accommodation.

Make sure you wear shoes, due to broken glass, debris and sewage leaks.

Toilets

Conserve water if you have it.

People should be advised to flush toilets sparingly.

“If its yellow let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.”

People who do not have a flushing toilet are advised to make a temporary toilet with a bin lined with two plastic bags. The bin should be covered between uses. The contents can be buried when the bin is no longer needed. Details of how to make a temporary toilet can be found at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/protecting-your-health-in-an-emergency

Hand washing

Frequent hand washing needs to be emphasised. Where people do not have access to water, alcohol gel is a good alternative. Hands do not need to be dried if alcohol gel is used.

Remind people to wash hands, particularly after:

Using the toilet

Before and after preparing food

Handling rubbish or waste

Cleaning toilets, bathrooms

Handling soiled clothing or bed linen

Handling cleaning equipment such as cloths, buckets and mops

Hand washing stops diseases spreading. Cold water is fine as long as soap is used and hands are thoroughly dried.

Dishwashers

Conserve water if you have it

If dishwashers are used a full hot wash with detergent (not economy wash) must be used. Dishes must be allowed to dry fully prior to re-use.

Contact with neighbours/friends

People should be encouraged to look after each other. Advise people to keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other.

Food safety

Members of the public and food business operators should phone the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) on 0800 693 721 (0800 NZFSA1) if they have any enquiries.

PHARMACIES THAT ARE OPEN TODAY

All Ashburton pharmacies are open

Airport Pharmacy Ltd

Akaroa Pharmacy

Amberley Pharmacy Ltd

Avonhead Pharmacy Ltd

Barrington Health Centre Pharmacy

Wilsons Barrington Pharmacy

Barrington Unichem Pharmacy

Bastins Pharmacy

Belfast Pharmacy

Bells Pharmacy Lyttelton Ltd

Bush Inn Pharmacy Ltd

Unichem Bishopdale Pharmacy

Casebrook Pharmacy Ltd

Centre Court Pharmacy

Dales Pharmacy Ltd

Darfield Pharmacy

Ewart Douglas Pharmacy

Elmwood Pharmacy

Fendalton Mall Pharmacy

Ferry Road Pharmacy

Graeme Smith Pharmacy

Halswell Masons Pharmacy

Hammersley Pharmacy

Hardings Chemist

Hardings Pharmacy

HealthWorks Pharmacy

Hei Hei Pharmacy

Hillmorton Pharmacy

Hoon Hay Pharmacy

Hornby Unichem

Ilam Pharmacy

Kaiapoi Crossing Pharmacy

Kaiapoi Amcal

Kendall Pharmacy

Kirk Road Templeton Pharmacy

King Medicine Management (open for Resthomes only)

Leeston Pharmacy

Lincoln Pharmacy

Linwood Dispensary Limited (Urgent patients only)

Mairehau Pharmacy

Netherby Pharmacy

North Avon Pharmacy Practice

Oxford Pharmacy

Papanui Pharmacy

Parklands Pharmacy

Radius Church Corner

Rangiora Pharmacy

Redwood Pharmacy

Rolleston Pharmacy

Stantons Pharmacy

Unichem Ashburton

Wairakei Road Pharmacy

Merivale Medical Centre Pharmacy

Stavely Street Pharmacy

Searles Allenton Pharmacy

Selwyn Community Pharmacy

Shields Pharmacy

Skelley & Amcal Chemist

Spreydon Pharmacy

Staywell Pharmacy

Waltham Pharmacy

Wise’s Pharmacy

Wyatt Chemist

Union Street Pharmacy

 

ENDS