Media release from South Canterbury DHB chief executive Chris Fleming

We are asking members of the South Canterbury public to urgently return any hospital equipment out on loan that is no longer being used. This will help us appropriately treat and support people with earthquake-related injuries.

This equipment includes braces, crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs to help with mobility, weights and wobble boards used for rehabilitation and other equipment such as shower seats that help those with a disability function within their homes, and breast pumps for displaced nursing mothers. If you no longer require it, please return it for the use of those who do.

South Canterbury DHB is working closely with our neighbouring South Island DHBs to provide coordinated support to Christchurch in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake, for as long as it takes for health and disability services to return to normal.

Timaru Hospital has received 21 patients from Christchurch Hospital since the earthquake. The majority have moderate injuries and all are being actively treated. All but two patients requiring surgery have been scheduled to receive it within the next 24 hours.

One acute patient from Ashburton arrived yesterday. The Emergency Department continues to receive people with mild to moderate injuries who have driven down from Christchurch with their families. We have beds available and are prepared for further admissions or transfers of patients if needed.

We have received no further requests for staff to work at Canterbury DHB since three senior registered nurses were deployed earlier in the week.

Two buses were deployed to Christchurch last night to retrieve 18 aged care patients who have now been relocated to facilities in Geraldine, Temuka and Timaru. A limited number of aged care beds remain available.

With the influx of people to the region, the public health risk also rises. We encourage everyone to be vigilant regarding simple protective measure like thorough hand washing.

A message from the SCDHB Breastfeeding Advisor, Pauline Hole

In the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake some new mothers and pregnant women are seeking safety in South Canterbury. These women are very welcome to make contact with the maternity unit at Timaru Hospital, where help and support is available. It is vital that breastfeeding mothers continue to breastfeed during an emergency to protect the baby's health in an unsafe environment.  Any woman needing support with breastfeeding is urged to contact our experienced breastfeeding advisors and midwives. This help is available 24/7 by ringing 03 6872145, or 027 491 0865.