Media release from South Canterbury DHB

The flow of Christchurch patients with quake-related injuries has eased and most Christchurch patients arriving at the hospital Emergency Department are seeking help for problems that are not directly related to the earthquake.

25 patients have been transferred from Christchurch Hospital to Timaru Hospital since the earthquake. Some of these patients have now been treated and discharged. Timaru Hospital will continue to receive patients from Christchurch when support is requested, on a case-by-case basis.

All outpatient appointments, day surgery and elective surgery are continuing as planned and able.

Laundry

The Timaru Hospital Laundry will clean a final load of Christchurch Hospital laundry today and our support in this area is no longer needed. Laundry staff put in many extra hours over the past week and should be praised for their hard work and dedication.

Aged Residential Care

No further aged care patients have been transferred to South Canterbury rest homes over the weekend. The National Health Coordination Centre has not sent us a request for rest home beds since last Thursday.

Primary and Community

GPs, pharmacies and other community organisations are busy with the influx of visitors from Christchurch.

Please help us spread the following key messages to Christchurch visitors who are staying in Timaru:

· The Timaru Hospital Emergency Department is for emergencies only.

· During business hours Christchurch people can visit any GP or pharmacy for help.

· On Saturday and Sunday prescriptions are available from the after-hours pharmacy, Ashbury Pharmacy at Northtown Mall in Timaru.

· An after-hours GP is available by phoning 03 684 8209.

· If you need help with mental illness, phone the psychiatric emergency team on 0800 277 997.

· For maternity or breastfeeding help phone  03 687 2145 or 027 491 0865.