Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Lake Hood
Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Lake Hood and its canals on 16 March 2023.
Recent water testing at Lake Hood 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.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health for Te Mana Ora, National Public Health Service, says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of Lake Hood will continue on a monthly basis.
“The public will be informed if monitoring shows that concentrations have increased and there is a risk to public health again”, Dr Brunton says.
For further details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or contact Te Mana Ora 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
For further information, contact:
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Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Whitecliffs Picnic Area
Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Whitecliffs Picnic Area
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.
Dr Ramon Pink, Medical Officer of Health for Te Mana Ora, National Public Health Service, says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.
For further details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or contact Te Mana Ora 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
For further information, contact:
ENDS
Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Pegasus Lake
Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Pegasus Lake
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.
Waitaha | Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton says sampling 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.
For further details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or contact Te Mana Ora 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
For further information, contact:
ENDS
Maternity services contract with St George’s Hospital to end
Fionnagh Dougan, National Director, Hospital and Specialist Services has confirmed an agreement has been reached between St George’s Hospital and Te Whatu Ora that its maternity services contract will end on June 30, 2023.
“We would like to thank St George’s Hospital maternity service for their dedication to our community over the years. I know many people in Christchurch have given birth, had a post-natal stay or were born at St Georges themselves and that it has a fond place in the hearts of many,” says Fionnagh Dougan.
“We want to reassure whānau expecting the arrival of a baby in Christchurch that they will always receive the care and support that they need at this special time in their lives, whether that is through our primary birthing units in Rolleston and Rangiora or Christchurch Women’s Hospital. Additionally, our new central city birthing unit in Christchurch, Kurawaka: Waipapa, is due to open in late 2023.”
The new Oromairaki Maternity Unit at the Toka Hāpai (Selwyn Health Hub) opened last year, and construction is well underway on Kurawaka: Waipapa, our new central city birthing unit which will have four birthing rooms, 20 post-natal rooms, two whānau rooms, an education room and six assessment rooms.
“If you are currently hapū and have any concerns, please reach out to your lead maternity carer.”
“While it had been intended that Kurawaka: Waipapa would reduce demand on Christchurch Women’s hospital and that the arrangement with St George’s would continue as a part of the broad offering to whānau in Christchurch, it has become clear through our ongoing discussions that safe staffing and workforce constraints due to the national midwifery shortage mean the service at St George’s is not sustainable.”
“Our maternity service has already picked up care for many of the births and postnatal stays that have traditionally taken place at St George’s and only 10 births and 34 postnatal transfers on average each month have been taking place there recently. To put that in context, over 6000 babies are born in Canterbury each year.”
More information about our birthing options in Canterbury can be found here
“We hold a strong and valued relationship with the team at St George’s Hospital and we look forward to continuing our partnership through their provision of some hospital and specialist services in the Canterbury region.”
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For further information, contact:
Health Warning lifted for Algal Blooms in Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth, Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel and Whitecliffs Domain
Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth and the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel and Whitecliffs Domain.
Recent cyanobacteria surveys of the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River and testing of water in Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth has shown the cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river and concentrations of potentially toxic algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) in the lake have both reduced and are now below levels that are of concern to public health.
Dr Matthew Reid Medical Officer of Health for Te Mana Ora, National Public Health Service, says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of Waikirikiri-Selwyn River will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.
Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth will be monitored monthly through the year.
A health warning remains in place for the Waikirikiri- Selwyn River directly upstream of Whitecliffs Road (at the picnic area).
Benthic Cyanobacteria in Rivers
Planktonic Cyanobacteria in Lakes
For further details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or contact Te Mana Ora 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
For further information, contact:
ENDS
A render of the new third tower to be constructed on the east end of the Waipapa building
Construction has begun on new inpatient wards at Christchurch Hospital, a key milestone for the Waipapa Building project.
“Handing the site over to contractors to begin building work is an exciting stage for any infrastructure project,” says Dr Rob Ojala, Canterbury Executive Director of Infrastructure.
“The new tower signals a firm commitment to the provision of modern, fit-for-purpose inpatient wards for the region. It will provide 160 beds in total, with 64 available as soon as it opens. Fit-out of the remaining floors of shelled space, with a capacity of 96 beds, will be the next stage of the development.”
The tower is a continuation of the campus redevelopment works which saw the completion of the Waipapa Acute Services Building, comprising two towers, in 2020. The budget for this stage of the development is $184 million, which includes almost $30 million for enabling works that have been underway since 2022.
At 62,000 square metres in total, the Waipapa Acute Services Building is currently the South Island’s largest hospital building, and the additional tower will add a further 16,000 square metres.
The construction of the six storeys on the eastern end of the existing Waipapa building will match the footprint, façade, and internal design of the current towers.
Seismic strengthening and resilience to withstand earthquakes and provide health services immediately post-disaster is an integral part of the design, along with features such as increased airflow and the ability to separate wards if needed for a future pandemic.
“Ensuring new hospital buildings are fit-for-purpose and future-proofed is always an essential part of the design process,” says Dr Ojala.
It is anticipated that the third tower will be completed by quarter 3, 2025.
Work is also progressing well on the redevelopment of the Parkside building wards on the Christchurch Hospital campus. These wards are some of the few remaining in the country to have six beds. Each of the four wards being refurbished are being reconfigured to have four multi-bed rooms, with a separate toilet and shower.
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For further information, contact:
communications@cdhb.health.nz
Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River at Whitecliffs Picnic Area
Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has issued a health warning for Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River at Whitecliffs Picnic Area.
The warning follows finding moderate to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River.
People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until the health warning has been lifted.
There are also other access points along the Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River that may have benthic cyanobacteria present. People are advised to treat every low-flowing river cautiously, check for the presence of benthic cyanobacteria and avoid contact.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health for Te Mana Ora, National Public Health Service, says the algae look like dark brown to black mats and can produce toxins harmful to people and animals.
“Exposure may 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, also let your doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area”, Dr Brunton says.
Pets that show signs of illness after coming into contact with algal mats should be taken to a vet immediately.
People and animals should remain out of the waterways until the warnings have been lifted.
Environment Canterbury is monitoring the sites and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality.
For further details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or contact Te Mana Ora on (03) 364 1777:
https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/
For more information about Mahinga Kai:
Christchurch Hospital power outage – staff reverted to tried and true ‘hands on’ care
From 8.24pm – 9.19pm on Friday 3 February a network power outage caused a power cut to Christchurch Hospital. The hospital has a system of generators that usually start automatically when there is a power outage. The generators worked as they should for Christchurch Women’s Hospital, but they didn’t automatically connect to Christchurch Hospital systems last night. This is an extremely rare occurrence and why this didn’t occur is what our teams are currently looking into.
During the 55 minute outage there was a total of 478 patients in Christchurch Hospital, including 96 in ED. All were well supported and cared for.
All systems were back up and running on mains power before midnight last night.
During the power cut there was no access to phones, computers and some electronic patient monitoring and support equipment. Some staff reverted back to basics to do patient observations, such as taking a patient’s pulse manually; patient notes were written on paper and the hospital tannoy system was used to broadcast updates within the hospital, along with many senior staff becoming ‘runners’ between wards conveying information.
Whiteboards and pen and paper were also used to record patient information during the outage, and this information was transferred onto the electronic systems when the power was restored.
Interim Hospital and Specialist Services Lead for Waitaha, Lisa Blacker said staff clocked up some significant ‘steps’ during the course of the outage, as face to face communication became the main communication channel between departments.
“I am so proud and impressed with the way staff took things in their stride, and remained calm throughout the outage,” Lisa said. “We were well prepared and have systems in place for a power outage.”
As the patient call bell system was impacted, clinical staff were walking through the wards checking in on patients. Essential equipment such as ventilators, ECG machines, cardiac defibrillators all have a battery back-up and continued working as they should. In addition there’s mobile battery powered equipment to record blood pressure and pulse.
“There was one patient whose surgery was safely completed just as the power cut hit. In addition, another patient was about to have a procedure which was deferred until after the power came back on. Critical clinical areas had battery-powered emergency lighting, while some non-clinical areas used torches. Thankfully there was still some natural light when the power first went out.
“We had alternative operating theatres in Christchurch Women’s and Parkside that could have been used if needed for an emergency.
The Christchurch hospital team is grateful to St John who cared for patients in ambulances outside ED and to St John staff who helped triage people arriving at ED. Across town, our partners at the 24 Hour Surgery assisted by bringing in additional staff to provide care for those with urgent health care needs.
“Our staff did a magnificent job of keeping patients updated and wards and patients were calm during the outage. Everyone was well supported, continued to receive care and most importantly were kept safe,” Lisa Blackler said.
WellFood staff getting ready for Christmas at Burwood Hospital.
If you thought planning and cooking a Christmas meal for the whānau was a big undertaking, spare a thought for Te Whatu Ora’s Canterbury WellFood team who are busy prepping for the more than 1000 Christmas meals they’ll be plating up for patients who find themselves in one of Canterbury’s hospitals on Christmas Day.
WellFood staff are also busy preparing ‘meals on wheels’ that will be served throughout the community on Christmas Day.
The Christmas menu across our hospitals is going to be a cracker.
For lunch, patients can choose from succulent chicken, roast beef or vegetarian lasagne, accompanied by roast vegetables with a dessert option of our classic pavlova or delicious Christmas pudding.
For dinner a picnic tea, including yummy Christmas ham, will be served and accompanied by mini Christmas mince pies, rum balls and fruit.
Christmas cake and mini mince pies will be served for morning and afternoon tea.
“The festive season is a special time for many and it can be hard for patients and their families being in hospital and away from home on Christmas,” says Rachel Cadle, General Manager, Commercial Services.
“That’s why our teams across Canterbury work hard every year to create a very special menu for patients that will taste and feel just a little bit like home.”
Rachel Cadle says there will be around 120 staff working in the kitchens, as well as the catering assistants who take orders and serve the food on the hospital wards.
“The service we provide continues 365 days per year, without any let up in demand.”
“We haven’t forgotten the teams who will be working on Christmas Day either. Many of our hospital staff will be at work while their families are celebrating Christmas, so we have some special treats planned for them as well,” says Rachel Cadle.
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Te Mana Ora l Community and Public Health are urging swimmers to do their bit to stop bugs and infections from getting into pools.
Did you know germs can spread through the water in pools and spas and cause swimming-related illnesses? Swimming pools are an ideal breeding ground for serious gastro bugs. Although chlorine works by killing off most bacteria, and viruses, Cryptosporidium (commonly known simply as crypto) and Giardia are particularly resistant to the standard chlorine dosages you find in most pools.
Most people who contract crypto and other gastro infections experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Others, who have weakened immune systems, can develop a serious, chronic, and sometimes fatal illness.
“We all share the water we swim and play in, so it is important to maintain swimming hygiene for the health and safety of you, your tamariki, and whānau,” says Dr Matthew Reid, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Te Whatu Ora, National Public Health Service.
“You can get sick if you swallow or have contact with contaminated pool water. So if you have had a recent gastro infection and haven’t fully recovered from the illness, please stay away from pools and spas for at least two weeks after you feel better.
“These symptoms can occur on and off for weeks – which is why we are asking people to respect a stand-down period of two weeks after their symptoms subside, during which they should avoid swimming in pools or sharing a spa. This is to ensure they have fully recovered and are no longer infectious.
“We want to raise awareness on how these bugs are transmitted in community pools so that people can follow some simple advice to help limit the spread,” said Dr Reid.
The key things to remember if you have had a serious gastro bug are:
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Now that summer’s here, it’s important to be prepared and understand how COVID- 19 might affect your holiday break.
“We want you to have a a safe as summer this year,” says Becky Hickmott, Waitaha Senior Responsible Officer for System Pressures, Te Whatu Ora.
“Please do not travel or take part in events or activities if you are sick, have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19.”
“If you’re going to be away from home, consider taking a kit that contains Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), hand sanitiser, masks or face coverings, and your usual medications. Remember RAT tests can be ordered for FREE.”
“It's also really important to have a plan in place if you or any members of your family become infected with COVID-19, including how to get home safely to isolate.”
Current face mask mandates for visitors in healthcare settings remain in place. You can collect face masks for free when collecting RATs. You can also order them with your RATs through this website: requestrats.covid19.health.nz.
“If you catch COVID-19 on holiday consider using antiviral medication, which is free for those of you who fit the eligibility criteria,” says Becky Hickmott.
“Antiviral COVID-19 medications help your body fight the virus thereby preventing you from becoming very unwell. They reduce the amount of the virus in your body, so you don’t get as sick and you’re less likely to have to go to hospital.”
Many pharmacies provide antivirals without a prescription, or your usual healthcare provider can write you a prescription for a pharmacy to fill. COVID-19 antiviral medicines are free for eligible people. Find out more at COVID19.govt.nz
And remember if your summer of fun turns to a summer of glum, you can call Healthline 24/7 for care around the clock.
Before you head off on holiday be sure to load Healthline’s number into your mobile phone, because when your GP’s doors are closed and the lights are out a team of staff are ready to take your call – any time of day or night, including public holidays.
You can also call Healthline if you’re not sure where to go, they know what’s open around the motu. Phone 0800 611 116 – calls are answered 24/7 and they have translators available.
If you are heading away, make sure you pack an extended supply of your regular medications. If you’re going to need a repeat prescription while away, get it sorted before the practice closes for the break and you leave town.
Emergency Departments (ED) at hospitals throughout New Zealand often run at capacity, especially over the festive season. Keep EDs free for those who need emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 111.
You might also like to try a virtual consultation with a New Zealand registered health practitioner without seeing them in person. This is also called a virtual consult or telehealth. You can find a list of some of these virtual care providers here.
Our resources about caring for COVID-19 positive people in the community will help you make a plan for what to do if you test positive, including if you are on holiday. If you are isolating at home or away, you will have a dedicated contact person check up on you and make sure that you and your whānau are safe.
People with disabilities can find further information about COVID-19 and useful services on the Unite against COVID-19 website
For wellbeing support, free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You can also call Lifeline at 0800 543354 or text HELP at 4357. Visit the All Sorts website to find ways to boost your wellbeing this summer.
If you aren’t already enrolled with a general practice team use our handy general practice finder map.
If you get sick after arriving in Christchurch, it is important to seek health advice by calling Healthline for free at 0800 611 116. This is available at any time and you can ask for a translator.
If you need to see a doctor, you can visit one of the urgent care practices:
Learn more about Urgent Care clinics on the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury website.
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.
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Page last updated: 14 February 2023
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