CEO Update – Tuesday 7 June 2022

Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Pegasus Lake on 10 December 2021.

Recent water testing at Pegasus Lake has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) in the lake has reduced and concentrations are now below levels that are of concern to public health.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton says monitoring of Pegasus Lake will continue on a monthly basis.  

“The public will be informed if testing shows that concentrations have increased and there is a risk to public health again,” Dr Brunton says.

Facts about cyanobacteria:

• The algae occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.
• Algal blooms are caused by a combination of nutrients in the water (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), and favourable weather conditions (e.g. increased temperature, calm days).
• If the water is cloudy, discoloured, or has small globules suspended in it, avoid all contact.
• Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible to the naked eye and toxins can persist after the blooms disappear.
• Cyanobacterial concentrations can change quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g. wind). If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
• If a warning is in place, people and animals should not drink the water from the lake at any time, even boiled water.
• Exposure to an algal bloom can cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms visit your doctor immediately and please let your doctor know if you have had contact with lake water when there is a health warning in place.

For further information visit

https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/

Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777:

https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/

For more information about Mahinga Kai:

https://www.cph.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/saf0112.pdf

ENDS

Influenza vaccinations now available

Planned care, including some major surgery has had to be postponed today due to extremely high levels of acutely unwell people needing to be admitted to hospital.  The situation is made more difficult as Canterbury DHB is also experiencing high levels of staff sickness.

Senior Responsible Officer for COVID-19, Becky Hickmott says today Canterbury has 1200 new cases of COVID-19.  “We know the real number will be much bigger than that and the demand for care is impacting general practice teams, our urgent care practices, hospitals and health centres.

“More than 170 of our staff are off with COVID-19 today. We’ve had an average of 200 staff off with COVID-19 every day for some weeks now. This is in addition to high levels of sick leave being taken by health staff right across the system for other illnesses and to care for dependents.  With flu now circulating in Canterbury there’s another serious virus out there affecting staff and the wider community,” Becky Hickmott said. 

“It’s not too late to get your flu vaccination, COVID-19 booster or MMR immunisations. By having your vaccinations and staying well this winter, you’ll help keep health services free for those who need urgent care,” Becky Hickmott said.

Christchurch Hospital’s Chief of Surgery, Greg Robertson says surgical teams are extremely disappointed at having to defer people’s surgery, often at short notice. “We don’t take these decisions lightly, and each case is carefully considered before a decision to defer is made,” Greg Robertson said. 

“We were just starting to gear up again after our COVID-19 surgery slowdown, and this week our hospitals are full of very unwell people with a range of medical and surgical conditions. 

“We’re currently sitting at 112% occupancy which means we have more patients than resourced beds, so our focus is on increasing the flow of patients through our system. 

Christchurch Hospital ED is seeing high numbers of people (380 people in the past 24 hours) and 30% of those coming to ED are so unwell they need to be admitted to hospital.  This means our available beds are filling up fast and there’s no additional capacity to accommodate planned surgical patients. 

“Reducing the amount of planned surgery we carry out is the only way we can continue to provide safe care to those who need it,” Greg Robertson said. “To those whose surgery has been deferred today, and to those we will have to postpone this week please accept my sincere apologies on behalf of the team.  I know how disappointing and disruptive it is to hear that news.

“Once we have passed this period of intense acute demand, we will start rebooking people when we can have greater confidence that their surgery will be able to go ahead.  We are working with the private hospitals in Canterbury to increase surgical capacity wherever possible.  All we can say is sorry, as right now we need to focus our efforts of people coming through the front door needing hospital level care, while preserving some capacity for acute (unplanned) surgery,” Greg Robertson said.

ENDS

For further information, contact: communications@cdhb.health.nz

Influenza vaccinations now available

“Keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only” is the message from clinicians as we head into winter.

Following an increase in viral respiratory illness being seen in the community, Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) continues to experience a high number of presentations. Over the weekend, we saw more than 700 people present at ED which led to long wait times for those with less serious illnesses and today is expected to remain busy into the evening.

ED Clinical Director Dr Mark Gilbert says it would be incredibly helpful if people make use of the various care options available to them or managed minor ailments at home if they don’t have serious emergency needs.

“This will enable our ED staff to focus on those who really need emergency care and continue to provide quality care, particularly over weekends,” says Dr Gilbert.

“I would like to emphasise though, that if you are really unwell, we want to see you at ED.”

If you’re worried about yourself, or someone in your whanau who has a respiratory illness, see the checklist here of symptoms to watch out for, and when you should seek medical advice.

Canterbury DHB’s Senior Responsible Officer for Winter Planning, Becky Hickmott says influenza is now circulating in our community and DHB and community healthcare staff are also being affected by winter illnesses.

“Please get your flu jab and if your symptoms worsen, phone Healthline or your general practice team for advice first rather than heading straight to ED. Early advice can prevent you becoming so unwell that hospital is your only option.

“It’s really important that we keep up the healthy habits that can prevent illness from spreading such as physical distancing and wearing masks. Help our clinical teams and our most vulnerable people by keeping up all the really great habits we have learnt over the past two years.

“Your general practice or healthcare provider should be your first port of call if your health issue is not an emergency.  Please plan ahead as much as possible for your routine health care, and book early. Your usual healthcare provider will offer some urgent appointments when required. It’s important to call your General Practice team if you’re concerned.

‘If after hours care is needed people are encouraged to phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free health advice 24/7 or visit one of the Urgent Care centres in Canterbury. If people come to ED with something that could be treated by a GP or with advice from a pharmacist they may be advised of alternative options. People with non-emergency conditions are likely to experience a long wait to be seen in ED and at Urgent Care centres as we need to triage everyone presenting to ensure those in the greatest need, with life-threatening conditions are seen first,” Becky Hickmott said.

Christchurch Hospital’s ED is the sole emergency medical facility in the city and one of the busiest in Australasia.

Trusted health advice

You can also visit our HealthInfo website or your community pharmacy for health advice.

HealthInfo is a health information website that has information specific to Canterbury. It is written and approved by local doctors, practice nurses, hospital clinicians, and other healthcare professionals and features a mix of health information, fact sheets on different topics and descriptions of local health services.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, it is important that people keep up their healthy habits:

• Wearing masks in all indoor settings
• Maintaining physical distancing
• Opening  windows and doors to increase ventilation wherever possible
• Practising good hygiene by regularly and thoroughly washing or sanitising your hands
• Staying home if you’re unwell
• Taking a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if you have COVID-19 symptoms or you are a close household contact of a positive case
• Reporting your test results on My COVID Record (https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/)
• Ensuring all your immunisations are up to date – including your flu immunisation and COVID-19 booster.

A reminder that visitor restrictions remain in place at DHB facilities: https://www.cdhb.health.nz/your-health/hospital-services-in-canterbury/

ENDS

For further information, contact: communications@cdhb.health.nz

New Canterbury DHB facilities at Toka Hāpai (Selwyn Health Hub) to open

The Oromairaki Maternity Unit at the Toka Hāpai (Selwyn Health Hub) will open tomorrow with other services set to follow.

Canterbury DHB services in the building include the Oromairaki Maternity Unit, the Community Dental Service, Child Adolescent and Family Mental Health Service (South), Public Health Nursing, Older Person Health and Rehabilitation, along with visiting services: Vision and Hearing Service and Adult Community Therapy. 

Dr Rob Ojala, Executive Director Infrastructure, says that Canterbury DHB welcomed the opportunity to work the Selwyn District Council on this project.

“Selwyn is the fastest growing district in Canterbury and this gave us an opportunity to locate many our services together and bring new services to the region so that people can get the care they need closer to home,” says Dr Rob Ojala.

“The strategic location – just 50 metres from St John headquarters and a 15-minute ambulance ride to Christchurch Women’s Hospital along the newly completed motorway– also made it an ideal space for our new modern maternity space.

“Combining the space for multiple services is also really helpful for our young people accessing mental health services as it normalises their health journey.”

Originally proposed in 2017, the Canterbury DHB Board approved a leasing agreement with Selwyn District Council in July 2019 with design meetings beginning in September of that year. Construction commenced in 2020 and the construction cost for the fit out was $4.1m. There are other tenants in the building independent of the Canterbury DHB.

The Oromairaki Birthing Unit increases postnatal beds in the Selwyn district from six to ten. It also contains two birthing suites, two maternity assessment rooms (one of which can be used as an additional birthing room), and a whānau room.

“Our community birthing units provide a safe place where healthy pregnant people with no complications can give birth, then stay for a day or two afterwards, supported by whānau,” says Norma Campbell, Executive Director Midwifery and Maternity Services.

“We encourage all of our pregnant people with low risk pregnancies to use our community birthing units supported by their lead maternity carer (LMC). This wonderful modern space provides a relaxed homelike environment allowing for an uninterrupted birth and adjustment to parenthood.

“We have been honoured by Te Taumutu Rūnanga who have gifted us with the precious taonga Oromairaki. Meaning ‘resonating sounds of heaven’, Oromairaki celebrates the call of Hine-te-iwaiwa, the sighs of motherhood and the cries of new life.”

All staff from Lincoln Maternity Hospital are transferring to Oromairaki. No decision has yet been made on what will happen to the Lincoln Maternity Hospital site.

ENDS

For further information, contact: communications@cdhb.health.nz

Influenza vaccinations now available

Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza and 100,000 Cantabrians have now received theirs. If you haven’t got yours, it’s important you get a flu vaccination as soon as you can. 

Influenza is increasing in the community and it can cause serious illness. There may also be higher rates of influenza in New Zealand this winter with our borders reopening. Getting immunised against influenza protects our vulnerable communities, especially young children, older adults and people with chronic health problems, but anyone can become seriously ill from the flu virus.

“We know that people might feel they’ve had a lot of vaccinations lately but please get your flu vaccination as it provides the best protection against influenza, especially if you’re one of the people at greater risk of serious illness if you get the flu,” says Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health.

“We want to say a big thank you to all of those in our community who have already had their vaccination and now have the best protection against influenza. For many of you, getting your flu vaccination will be free and we really encourage you to get it as soon as possible.”

Currently flu vaccinations are free for pregnant women, those 65 years and older, Māori or Pasifika people 55 and over and people with chronic medical conditions such as respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes – this includes children under 5 years of age. Many workplaces also either hold vaccination clinics or give staff vouchers to get their flu vaccination.

The flu affects the whole body and can last up to a week or more.  As you get older your immune system isn’t as good at protecting you, even if you feel fit and healthy.

“If you have a respiratory illness and test negative for COVID-19 on a Rapid Antigen Test, you could have influenza – please stay at home when you have respiratory symptoms even when it’s not COVID-19. This winter there is the very real possibility of having flu and COVID-19 within a short space of time,” says Dr Pink.

“If you've recently recovered from COVID-19, the flu, or any other illness, you can get your flu jab as soon as you're well. And if you are yet to have your COVID-19 vaccination or booster, you can get it at the same time. There is no need to leave a gap between these vaccinations.”

To prevent the spread of influenza, it is important that people keep up all the good healthy habits we have learnt from COVID-19, like wearing masks, opening windows and doors to increase ventilation where possible and practising good hygiene by regularly and thoroughly washing or sanitising your hands.

It is also important to seek medical advice early if you are concerned about your health, even if you have been seen before. Other serious conditions can also look like the flu, including meningococcal disease.

More information about flu vaccinations can be found here: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/influenza/flu-influenza-vaccines.

ENDS

For further information, contact: communications@cdhb.health.nz

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs are preparing for industrial action planned by the PSA

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs are preparing for further planned industrial action by the Public Service Association. The nationwide action involves a full withdrawal of labour for 24 hours from 11.59pm on Sunday 15 May to 11.59pm on Monday 16 May.

This is in addition to the ongoing ‘work to rule’ period between Monday 9 May and Friday 20 May, where staff members of the PSA are instructed by their union:

• not to work before agreed paid start times
• not to work after agreed paid start times
• to stop work to take all the breaks they are entitled to.

In Canterbury 39 professions and over 1500 Public Health, Scientific and Technical staff will be affected by the PSA strike. On the West Coast, 23 professions and more than 120 staff members of PSA union are affected.

Our therapeutic, rehabilitation, laboratory, occupational therapy and diagnostic services as well as other clinical support services and Hauora Māori will be severely impacted during the time of the strike.

However, the industrial action won’t affect COVID-19 testing services and it is really important people who need to get tested on the day of the strike make sure they still do. Likewise, vaccination sites will still be providing COVID-19 vaccinations.

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs Chief Executive, Dr Peter Bramley, says if this industrial action goes ahead as planned it will cause significant disruption to health services across the two DHBs, particularly to lab results which will be delayed as they catch up with the backlog.

“Services such as the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital have warned that there will be delays during the period of the strike,” says Peter.

The 24-hour strike will generally affect patient flow, in particular some discharges back to community where physio, social work, occupational therapy and dietitians are often involved.

Where it is appropriate and safe to do so we will discharge patients home ahead of the strike to reduce the pressure on those staff who are working.

A large number of outpatient clinics, community clinics, elective surgery and procedures are likely to have to be deferred on Monday. People will be re-booked to the next available time. If they are not contacted, they can expect their procedure or appointment to go ahead as normal.

“While community collection centres will be open in Canterbury for blood tests, all community collection centres will be closed on the West Coast. Hospital laboratory staff will only be processing urgent inpatient blood tests,” says Peter.

Some of the professions affected in Canterbury and the West Coast are:

• Anaesthetic Technicians
• Audiologists
• Biomedical Technicians
• Clinical engineering
• Dental Therapists
• Dietitians
• Health Protection Officers
• Hospital play specialists
• Kaiāwhina (Allied Health Assistants)
• Laboratory staff
• Maori Health staff
• Newborn Hearing Screeners
• Occupational Therapists
• Orthoptists and Optometrists 
• Pharmacists and Technicians and pharmacy assistants
• Phlebotomists
• Physiotherapists
• Play Specialists
• Podiatrists 
• Psychologists
• Radiology assistants
• Social Workers
• Speech-language Therapists
• Sterile Services staff
• Technicians (e.g. Neurophysiology, Hyperbaric)

“We respect the right of staff to take industrial action and acknowledge the important role that health workers play in delivering high quality care.

“Our priority, as always, is the safety of patients and we want to reassure our community that you will still receive emergency and urgent care during the strike,” says Peter.

ENDS

Canterbury DHB updates its visitor policy

Please attribute comment to Tracey Maisey, Incident Controller, Canterbury DHB Emergency Coordination Centre

Canterbury DHB is updating its visitor policy across all facilities from Tuesday 19 April, to be consistent with the recent change to the Orange traffic light setting and in recognition that Canterbury has passed the peak of this Omicron outbreak.

In summary:

• One adult visitor may be accompanied by no more than one child over the age of 12 per patient in the hospital at any given time, except where stated otherwise in the ‘exceptions’ section below.
• No children under 12 and those 12 and over must be accompanied by an adult and wear a medical mask
• Visitors or support people should not visit our facilities if they are unwell.
• Surgical/medical masks must be worn at all Canterbury DHB sites, unless eating or drinking or medically exempt, and will be provided if people don’t have them.
• Hand sanitiser stations are visible and must be used.

Visitors are no longer required to scan or sign in, but they can if they want. Visitor passes are no longer needed, nor is proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status (it was never required). For areas where patients are particularly vulnerable, you may be asked to take a supervised RAT that shows a negative result before you may visit.

By adhering to these conditions, you help keep our patients, staff, other visitors and yourself safe. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our staff work hard to protect and care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Exceptions to the ‘one visitor’ policy

• Exceptions can apply in some circumstances (ie more than one visitor) where a trusted whānau member provides assistance, reassurance and other support for therapeutic care or on compassionate grounds – please talk to the ward’s Charge Nurse to discuss this before you come to hospital to visit. For whānau with an essential support role as a Partner in Care – please check with the ward’s Charge Nurse before you come to hospital to visit
• People attending Christchurch ED or Ashburton AAU can have one support person with them
• Women in labour and in the birthing suite can have two support people, and women on the Maternity Ward are allowed one support person for the duration of their stay in our facilities at Christchurch Women’s Hospital. Only one support person can be with each woman in the maternity ward, and one support person for maternity clinic appointments, no children are allowed to visit.
• Parents/caregivers can be with their baby in NICU.
• Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital (Except Children’s Haematology and Oncology Day patients where only one parent or caregiver is permitted, following a supervised negative RAT result)
• Children who are inpatients, one other visitor (other than a parent or caregiver) is able to visit in consultation with the nurse in charge.
• People requiring support when attending an appointment can have one support person. Please let the relevant service know if you need this so they are able to accommodate your request.

Exceptions for people with disabilities

An exception will be made for people with disabilities who are in hospital or have to attend an outpatient appointment – where they need a support person to access health services. For example, a sign language interpreter, support person for someone with a learning disability, or someone to assist with mobility. The support person is in addition to the one permitted visitor.

Face covering exemption cards

The Exemptions Team at the Ministry of Health is now responsible for processing requests for Face Covering Communication Cards.

Updated information about mask wearing, and how to request an exemption card can now be found here. People unable to request an exemption card online can call 0800 28 29 26 and select option 2, or text 8988.  

Details by site

Canterbury DHB-operated Aged Residential Care facilities

Visitors are welcome at our Tuarangi facility in Ashburton and at our Aged Care Facility within Kaikoura Health, One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. All visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and must wear a medical mask.

Christchurch Hospital

Most entrances to Christchurch Hospital will be closed and the only entrances open will be ED and Waipapa Main Entrance, Christchurch Women’s Entrance and the main Christchurch Hospital entrance (under the canopies).

Visiting hours are from 11am – 8pm daily.

One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Everyone must wear a medical mask unless exempt on medical grounds. Visitor passes are no longer required at Christchurch Hospital.

Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital (except Children’s Haematology and Oncology Day patients where only one parent or caregiver is permitted at a time, following a supervised negative RAT result).

Children who are inpatients can have one other visitor (other than a parent or caregiver) who is able to visit with permission from the nurse in charge.

Christchurch Hospital Shuttle Bus from the Deans Avenue Car Park

You need to comply with the rules for public transport under the COVID-19 Protection Framework which in the case of shuttle use are:

• If you are unwell, please don’t use the shuttle
• Shuttle passengers are asked to use the hand sanitiser upon entry to the shuttle
• The front passenger seat must remain empty
• It is mandatory for all passengers over the age of 12 to wear surgical/medical masks on the shuttle, unless you have an exemption.

Christchurch Outpatients 

If you need a support person with you at your appointment, please call the number on your outpatient appointment letter to arrange this.

Note: some outpatient appointments will continue to be carried out ‘virtually’ either over the phone, or by a video/Zoom call.

Ashburton Hospital

All usual entrances are now open.

One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Children must be aged 12 and over and must wear a medical mask.
Visitor passes are no longer required at Ashburton Hospital.

Ashburton Hospital Visiting Hours are 11am – 2pm and 4pm – 8pm daily.

If you need a support person with you at your appointment, please call the number on your outpatient appointment letter to arrange this.

Burwood Hospital

One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Children must be aged 12 or over and wear a medical mask.
Visitor passes are no longer required at Burwood Hospital.

If you need a support person with you at your appointment, please call the number on your outpatient appointment letter to arrange this.

Specialist Mental Health Services at Hillmorton campus & The Princess Margaret Hospital site

One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Visitor passes are no longer required for either the Hillmorton or Princess Margaret hospital sites.

One support person by pre-arrangement for community appointments (contact the team or case manager prior to confirm)

Parents/caregivers are able to visit in support of a child.

Additional people will be considered by the Clinical/Charge Nurse Manager or Duty Nurse Manager (after hours). This must be by prior arrangement to ensure that we can meet physical distancing requirements.

Kaikoura Health Te Ha o te Ora

In the Acute and inpatient ward:

One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Medical masks are compulsory unless you are medically exempt.
Visitor passes are no longer required at Kaikoura Health

People attending for urgent care can have one support person with them

For whānau with an essential support role as a partner in care

Women in labour are allowed one support person for the duration of their stay in our facilities

Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital

People with disabilities can have one support person in addition to their one visitor.

Hospital Café and shop restrictions

Café opening hours and access requirements:

Influenza vaccinations now available

There may be higher rates of influenza in New Zealand this winter with our borders reopening.

Influenza can cause serious illness and it is important that in the lead up to winter, people get their flu vaccination. Getting immunised against influenza protects our vulnerable communities, especially young children, older adults and people with chronic health problems, but anyone can become seriously ill from the flu virus. 

If you haven’t had your COVID-19 vaccination or booster, you can get it at the same time as your flu immunisation. There is no need to leave a gap between these vaccinations.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ramon Pink says that people who have been vaccinated against flu and double vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 are at significantly lower risk of becoming seriously ill.

“We know that people might feel they’ve had a lot of vaccinations lately but please get the flu vaccination as it provides the best protection against influenza, especially if you’re one of the people at greater risk of serious illness if you get the flu,” says Dr Pink.

Who is eligible for funded influenza vaccinations this year?

Free influenza vaccinations are available for those who meet these eligibility criteria:

• pregnant people
• people aged 65 years and older
• Māori and Pacific peoples aged 55 to 64 years
• people aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible health conditions.
• tamariki aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness (including measles) or have a history of significant respiratory illness.

Flu vaccinations are available from your general practice team and many pharmacies. Please call your general practice team, local pharmacy or healthcare provider first to check availability and book an appointment, as some have reduced staffing due to the Omicron outbreak.

Dr Justin Fletcher, GP at Kaiapoi Medical Centre and member of the Canterbury Health System’s Technical Advisory Group, says you can get your flu vaccination any time.

“There doesn’t need to be a gap after your COVID-19 booster or after you have recovered from COVID-19 – just as long as you are feeling well on the day of your flu vaccination,” Dr Fletcher says.

“Flu vaccination can be hugely beneficial even if you aren’t eligible for a free vaccination. The cost is typically just $35-60 and is well worth it to avoid a miserable time with flu. It could also prevent sickness spreading to friends and family, and possibly having to take more time off work.”

Many workplaces also either hold vaccination clinics or give staff vouchers to get their flu vaccination.

You can get more information about the vaccine on the following webpages: 

• About the vaccine: Medsafe www.medsafe.govt.nz/ or www.seqirus.co.nz
• Ministry of Health influenza page: www.health.govt.nz/flujab

You can also call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116 anytime or visit www.healthline.govt.nz

ENDS

Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued along the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River at Whitecliffs Domain.

Recent cyanobacteria surveys of the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River has shown the cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has reduced and is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of Waikirikiri/Selwyn River will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.

The health warning for the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River at Glentunnel remains in place.

Facts about cyanobacteria:

• Appears as dark brown/black mats attached to rocks along the riverbed.
• A low cover of the algae can occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months. Algal blooms are influenced by a combination of available nutrients in the water and sediments (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), a sustained period of low and stable flows, and favourable weather conditions (e.g. increased temperature, calm days).
• It often has a strong musty smell and algal toxin concentrations can vary over short periods.
• Although high river levels will remove the algal bloom, detached mats can accumulate along the shore and increase the risk of exposure to toxins.
• If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
• Although district or city councils may place warning signs, these may not be seen at the numerous river access points, hence the need for people/ dog-walkers to treat every low-flowing river cautiously.

For further information visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/   

Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777: https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/ 

For more information about Mahinga Kai: https://www.cph.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/saf0112.pdf

ENDS

Additional Novavax COVID-19 vaccine bookings now available in Canterbury

Additional bookings for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are now available through the Book My Vaccine website.

Novavax is currently available at the Barrington Vaccination Hub at Barrington Mall, Unichem Medical Corner in Rangiora, and the Māui Clinic at South City Mall (from March 20) to people aged 18 and older as a primary vaccination course. 

The Canterbury District Health Board is reviewing demand for Novavax as vaccinations progress. If the demand remains high, we will add capacity across the region to ensure more people have access to Novavax.

“We are pleased to have a third COVID-19 vaccine option and would like to thank the team at the Barrington Vaccination Hub for their hard work delivering Novavax in Canterbury,” says Tracey Maisey, ECC Incident Controller for the Omicron response for Canterbury and the West Coast DHBs.

“It is great to see two more pharmacies offering the vaccine. Our primary care teams are working really hard to ensure that everyone gets vaccinated.”

Novavax requires two doses to be considered fully vaccinated. A three-week gap is recommended between the first and second dose. Novavax is not currently available as a booster dose. It can be given to people as a second dose, as long as it is at least 28 days since they received their first dose of another COVID-19 vaccine. However, a prescription is required from a GP if a person’s first dose was not Novavax – it’s free to get a Novavax vaccine prescription.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated to consider Novavax, to protect themselves and our community,” says Ms Maisey.

As more clinics gear up to offer Novavax, their details will be added to https://vaccinatecanterburywestcoast.nz/.

Further information:

• Novavax contains a non-infectious component found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which induces a protective immune response when the body’s immune cells encounter it.  
• There is currently insufficient data on the Novavax vaccine to recommend it during pregnancy. Pfizer remains the preferred vaccine option for this group. 
• More information can be found on the Ministry of Health website: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccines-getting-novavax

There is a waitlist for appointments which is managed through CANVAX. If you cannot find a suitable appointment, please contact 0800 226 829.

ENDS

Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued along the Rakahuri/Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn Bridge (Cones Road).

Recent cyanobacteria surveys of the Rakahuri/Ashley River has shown the cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has reduced and is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of the Rakahuri/Ashley River will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.

Facts about cyanobacteria:

• Appears as dark brown/black mats attached to rocks along the riverbed.
• A low cover of the algae can occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months. Algal blooms are influenced by a combination of available nutrients in the water and sediments (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), a sustained period of low and stable flows, and favourable weather conditions (e.g. increased temperature, calm days).
• It often has a strong musty smell and algal toxin concentrations can vary over short periods.
• Although high river levels will remove the algal bloom, detached mats can accumulate along the shore and increase the risk of exposure to toxins.
• If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
• Although district or city councils may place warning signs, these may not be seen at the numerous river access points, hence the need for people/ dog-walkers to treat every low-flowing river cautiously.

For further information visit:

https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/

Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777:

https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/

For more information about Mahinga Kai:

https://www.cph.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/saf0112.pdf

ENDS

Nine additional RAT collection sites for Canterbury

Today nine additional RAT collection sites will open at pharmacies across Canterbury.

These pharmacies will be only be fulfilling orders so please remember to place your order for RATs before heading to a collection site – and have your order number ready when you arrive.

Please wear a mask when attending the pharmacy and advise staff if you are symptomatic.

Orders can be made via the online system at https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/ by free calling 0800 222 478 to request your RAT tests.

RATs are free for:

• people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a household contact or who have been instructed to get tested by a health official.
• Critical workers who are household contacts
• Border workers who are required to be tested under the Required Testing Order

“It’s great to see these pharmacies coming on board and expanding the ranges of locations RAT tests are available to our communities,” says Tracey Maisey, ECC Incident Controller, Canterbury DHB.

“This will also help ease pressure on our community testing centres. Please, only request RATs if you have symptoms, you are a household contact or have been directed to take a test by a health official. There’s no need to get a RAT just in case.

“Additional pharmacies are gearing up to become RAT collections sites in the coming days.

“It’s really important that you log the result of your RAT test so that you get the support that you may need if you have tested positive.

“You can do this online through My Covid Record or over the phone by free calling 0800 222 478 and choose option 3. You can also report a RAT result for someone else using these methods. To make a report on behalf of someone else you will need their NHI number, full name and date of birth.”

RAT Collection Sites:

Up-to-date information on opening hours is available on https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/canterbury/?covidTesting=rats.

Please be patient and kind if you need to wait if it is busy. Staff are doing their very best to provide RATs to everyone who needs them as quickly as possible.

ENDS

Reporting your RAT result important to get the support you need

With Omicron case numbers rising in the community, we’re reminding Cantabrians of the importance of registering rapid antigen test (RAT) results so they can be connected to the support they need while isolating.

Canterbury DHB’s COVID-19 Incident Controller Dr Helen Skinner says that for people who test positive in particular, registering a RAT result is the best way to ensure they can access the support they need during their isolation period.

“Not only is registering a result the best way to give public health officials an overview of case numbers in our region and help us determine the best use of resources, it’s also important if your condition worsens and you require additional healthcare.

“When you register a positive result, the Ministry of Health will send you a text message from 2328 confirming your positive test result. The text will provide information about self-isolation and support options.

“If your symptoms are worsening and you need medical care, please call your normal healthcare provider. If you need urgent medical help or cannot breathe properly, call 111 immediately. Tell them you have COVID-19 when you ring.

“You can call the free COVID-19 Welfare line on 0800 512 337 for welfare support. Calls are answered 8am – 8pm daily and they may be able to help with kai or money for essentials if your household is isolating and you don’t have any other support.

“If you are older or have other health problems you may be contacted by your general practice team, the Canterbury Hauora Community Hub or a Māori or Pacific provider to check whether you need extra health monitoring or support. Registering your result is incredibly important to ensure you are well supported while isolating,” says Dr Skinner.

You should report the results of your rapid antigen test (RAT) if you test positive or negative. You can do this online through My Covid Record. Log in to the site, click ‘Report a test result', and follow the steps.

If you are having trouble using My Covid Record, you can report the results of your RAT over the phone by calling  0800 222 478 and choose option 3.

If you get a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result:

• this does not need to be confirmed with a PCR test unless advised otherwise
• you do not need another test before you end your isolation period

You can also report a RAT result for someone else through your own My Covid Record account. To make a report on behalf of someone else you will need their NHI number, full name and date of birth.

If the person you're reporting for doesn't have an NHI number call 0800 222 478 and press 3.

Information and resources to help with managing COVID-19 illness and isolating at home can be found on our website https://www.cdhb.health.nz/your-health/covid-19-care-in-the-community/.

RAT testing instructions in Te Reo Māori can be found here https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/resources/translated-resources/Maori/RATs-guide-v3-Maori.pdf and in other languages here https://covid19.govt.nz/languages-and-resources/translations/.

ENDS

New community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point opened in Rolleston

A new community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point has opened today at Factory Drive off Iport Drive in the IPort industrial area, in Rolleston.

The current hours of operation are 2pm-6pm Monday to Friday only. *These hours may be subject to change at short notice

“Following a successful soft launch this morning, we are confident that the processes we have in place will make this an easy, quick, pick up point,” says Tracey Maisey, ECC Incident Controller, Canterbury DHB.

“Thank you to the Selwyn District Council for providing this site and continued support. We are continuing to work through the roll out of RAT collection sites.”

Selwyn District Mayor Sam Broughton says that Selwyn District Council is happy to help by providing a Selwyn site which will make it much easier for locals to collect their tests.

“Managing the current Omicron outbreak is a joint effort and it’s great that we can work with the District Health Board to help support our community.”

To help speed things up at all our RAT collection sites please remember to place your order for RATs before heading to a collection site – and have your order number at the ready.

Orders can be made via the online system at https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/or by free calling 0800 222 478 to request your RAT tests.

• RATs are free for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a household contact or who have been instructed to get tested by a health official.
• Critical workers who are household contacts
• Border workers who are required to be tested under the Required Testing Order

  The full list of Community Collection Centres for RATs in Canterbury is on our COVID-19 tests page.

As staffing resources allow, further RAT Collection sites will be set up in other areas.  Please check Healthpoint and the Canterbury DHB website for the latest information on sites and opening times, as they will change over time.

Note that you may need to wait if it’s busy. Our staff are doing their very best to provide RATs to everyone who needs them as quickly as possible. They deserve respect and kindness while they do their work.

REMEMBER TO REPORT ALL YOUR RAT RESULTS

It’s important that you report every RAT result – negative and positive – on My Covid Record website: https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/ as this helps the Ministry of Health understand the size and trends of the outbreak.

If you need a hand or would prefer to record your result over the phone, you can call 0800 222 478. Parents and caregivers can report the results for tamariki/children via the 0800 numbers.  You can ask questions about the process of recording your results by emailing help@mycovidrecord.min.health.nz

The Ministry of Health has produced a video which outlines the process.

ENDS

A new RAT collection site will open tomorrow, Monday 7 March

A sixth community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point opens tomorrow at 11am at the Christchurch Arena. Entry for RATs pick up is only from the Wrights Road entrance to the Arena. 

From Tuesday the new Christchurch Arena site will be open 7 days a week from 9am – 3pm until further notice.

It’s important that people who need RATs don’t try to enter the new Christchurch Arena collection centre via Wrights Road.  That entrance is only for people coming for vaccinations. You will not be able to access the RAT pick up point from Wrights Road.

To help speed things up at all our RAT collection sites please remember to place your order for RATs before heading to a collection site – and have your order number at the ready.

Orders can be made via the online system at https://requestrats.covid19.health.nzor by free calling 0800 222 478 to request your RAT tests.

• RATs are free for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a household contact or who been instructed to get tested by a healthcare professional
• Critical workers who are household contacts
• Border workers who are required to be tested under the Required Testing Order

  The full list of Community Collection Centres for RATs in Canterbury:

• Wigram COVID-19 Testing & RAT Collection Centre (35 Mustang Avenue, Wigram entry via Sioux Avenue) Drive-through only, open 10am – 3pm 7 days a week.
• Whānau Ora Covid-19 Testing & RAT Collection Centre (250 Pages Road, Wainoni), open 9am – 3:30pm, 7 days a week.
• Orchard Road Covid-19 Testing & RAT Collection Centre (174 Orchard Road, Harewood) Open 9am – 4pm, 7 days a week.
• Waimakariri Covid-19 RAT Collection Centre (Waimakariri Hockey Turf, 291 Coldstream Road, Rangiora) Drive-through only, open 9am -3pm, 7 days a week.
• Christchurch Arena RAT Collection Centre (opens 11am – 3pm Monday 7 March, then 9am – 3pm daily from Tuesday 8 March until further notice).
• Ashburton COVID-19 Testing & RAT Collection Centre (48 South Street, Ashburton entry off Cass Street) Open 9.30am – 2.30pm, 7 days a week.

As staffing resources allow, further RAT Collection sites will be set up in other areas.  Please check Healthpoint and the Canterbury DHB website for the latest information on sites and opening times, as they will change over time.

Note that you may need to wait if it’s busy. Our staff are doing their very best to provide RATs to everyone who needs them as quickly as possible. They deserve respect and kindness while they do their work.

REMEMBER TO REPORT ALL YOUR RAT RESULTS

It’s important that you report every RAT result – negative and positive – on My Covid Record website: https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/ as this helps the Ministry of Health understand the size and trends of the outbreak.

If you need a hand or would prefer to record your result over the phone, you can call 0800 222 478. Parents and caregivers can report the results for tamariki/children via the 0800 numbers.  You can ask questions about the process of recording your results by emailing help@mycovidrecord.min.health.nz

The Ministry of Health has produced a video which outlines the process.

ENDS

Tomorrow’s industrial action called off – services starting to be reinstated at Canterbury and West Coast DHBs

An Employment Court ruling has called a stop to tomorrow’s planned strike by Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical staff who are covered by the PSA (Public Services Association) union. All health services across Canterbury and the West Coast are making plans to reinstate as many services as possible, however, it will take some time to rebook elective /planned outpatient appointments and surgery which has already been postponed.

Everyone whose appointment or surgery had to be deferred will be contacted directly.  Unfortunately we can’t turn everything back on overnight. Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards (DHBs) would like to thank patients for their understanding as staff work as fast as they can to rebook people.

“If anyone is unsure about what to do, they can call the number on their appointment letter,” says Canterbury and West Coast DHB Chief Executive Dr Peter Bramley.

“We’re asking patients to continue being kind, as it may take a few days to reschedule appointments and surgery.  

“We respect the right of our staff to take industrial action and acknowledge the important role that all health workers play in delivering high quality care, but I am pleased we’re able to continue to provide treatment and care without further disruptions for our community at this time,” Peter says. 

“People in the health sector are working hard under extreme pressure, and they have been for some time, as COVID-19 continues to affect the way we live.

“As partners in the fight against COVID-19, we greatly appreciate the mahi that each and every person in our health sector is doing,” he says. 

ENDS

Note to editors:

The nationwide strike was set to involve a full withdrawal of labour for 24-hours from Friday 4 March to Saturday 5 March. 

Across the Canterbury DHB, 39 professions and over 1500 staff, and on the West Coast, 23 professional and more than 120 staff members, were set to be affected by the PSA strike.

Expect delays and changes to DHB services during tomorrow’s planned strike by PSA members

Patients of Canterbury and West Coast DHBs can expect to see delays and changes to services during this week’s strike by Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical Staff who are covered by the PSA union bargaining.

The nationwide action involves a full withdrawal of labour for 24 hours from 6am on Friday 4th March to 6am on Saturday 5th March.

Across the Canterbury DHB, 39 professions and over 1500 staff will be affected. On the West Coast, 23 professions and more than 120 staff are affected. Our therapeutic, rehabilitation, laboratory and diagnostic services as well as other clinical support services and Hauora Māori will be severely impacted during the time of the strike.

If this industrial action goes ahead as planned, it will cause significant disruption to all of our health services in Canterbury, similar to the disruptions we experienced during the last nurses’ strike. This will also impact some services in the days following the strike.

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs Chief Executive Peter Bramley says services such as the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital are likely to be impacted by significant delays and elective surgeries have been postponed.

“The strike will affect the time it takes for patients to be seen, assessed and discharged. In particular some discharges back to community where physio, social work, pharmacists, occupational therapy and dietitians are normally involved.

“Where it is appropriate and safe to do so we are discharging patients home ahead of the strike to reduce the pressure on those staff who are working,”.

Many routine outpatient clinics involving allied health staff, community clinics and elective procedures will be deferred. People will be re-booked to the next available time. If they are not contacted, they can expect their procedure or appointment to go ahead as normal. Hospital laboratory staff will only be processing urgent inpatient blood tests.

The strike won’t affect COVID-19 testing services and it is important that people who need to get tested on the day of the strike make sure they still do. Vaccination sites will also still be operating as usual.

Some of the professions affected in Canterbury and the West Coast are:

• Anaesthetic Technicians
• Audiologists
• Biomedical Technicians
• Dental Therapists
• Dietitians
• Hauora Māori
• Health Promotion Officers
• Kaiāwhina (Allied Health Assistants and support workers)
• Laboratory staff
• Medical Imaging Technologists
• Newborn Hearing Screeners
• Occupational Therapists
• Pharmacists and Technicians
• Phlebotomists
• Physiotherapists
• Play Specialists
• Podiatrists 
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• and Speech-language Therapists

“We respect the right of staff to take industrial action and acknowledge the important role that health workers play in delivering high quality care,” says Peter.

“Our priority, as always, is the safety of patients and we want to reassure our community that you will still receive emergency and urgent care during the strike.” 

ENDS

New COVID-19 testing facility in Rangiora

New COVID-19 testing centre to open in Rangiora from 9am Thursday 03 March

To help meet high public demand for testing, an additional drive-through COVID-19 testing site will be set up at Waimakariri Hockey Turf, at 291 Coldstream Road, Rangiora.

 Updated 22 March 2022  Waimakariri Community Collection Site