Save The Emergency Department For Emergencies

Large numbers of people presenting at Canterbury’s
Urgent Care facilities and the Christchurch Hospital
Emergency Department means people with non-urgent conditions
are having to wait.

Yesterday 366 people presented to
Christchurch Hospital’s ED, and at 7pm there were 131
people being cared for in the department, with many more
waiting for care. Thirty eight percent of people attending
ED needed to be admitted for further treatment and
care.

Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury Acting Chief
Medical Officer, Dr Richard Laing, asks that people save the
Emergency Department for emergencies.

“If you’re
not sure how urgent your condition is, call Healthline for
free health advice any time of day or night by calling 0800
611 116.

“Many
colds and fevers are viral and can be treated at home. Our
new Stay
Well This Winter booklet is being delivered to all
Canterbury households and there’s also a wide range of
information on self-care available on our
website and on Healthinfo
Waitaha.

“You can also see your local pharmacist
for advice on medication and minor health
concerns.

“Ongoing staff illness means that
Moorhouse Medical will also have reduced hours for their
Urgent Care facility again this week and will close this
facility at 4pm during the week and 2pm at the
weekend.

“If you require urgent care, please present
to Canterbury’s other Urgent Care facilities, Riccarton
Clinic or the 24-Hour Surgery outside of these hours. If
it’s an emergency, please call 111.

“Please
remember if you are really unwell, we want to see you. I
want to apologise to those who are having to wait. It’s
not ideal, particularly for those who are unwell and are
waiting to be moved through to a ward,” says Dr Richard
Laing.

There is no single condition causing the issue,
it is a range of winter illnesses affecting staff and the
community.

“There are two really important things
people in Canterbury can do to protect themselves and
others: ensure all of their vaccinations are up to date
including their second COVID-19 booster if eligible and mask
up whenever they are away from home with other people,
particularly in crowded indoor spaces,” says Dr Richard
Laing.

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