Gisborne Hospital will be reconfigured tonight (Monday 23 March 2020) to allow for anyone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be treated in isolation.
Hauora Tairawhiti chief executive Jim Green says given the alert level for New Zealand has now risen, Gisborne Hospital is putting the next phase of its emergency management plan in place.
Mr Green says while there are no known confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region the hospital is ready to respond.
“Our clinical staff have devised safe ways in which we can move and care for people within the hospital.”
“Patients in Ward 5 (Medical Ward) are now being moved to other wards in the hospital so health staff can safely manage anyone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in that ward.
Mr Green says the situation health staff now find themselves in is unprecedented.
“Support for these new ways of working will mean the health system will be able to continue to be there for people who need it.”
Mr Green says with the country about to go into full lockdown some non-urgent hospital services will close in line with the Government’s directive for people to stay home.
Medical staff are in the process of reviewing who needs to have urgent appointments or surgery.
“Unless someone from the hospital calls you then it is safe to assume that any non-urgent appointments scheduled between now and the next four weeks have been cancelled.”
Mr Green stresses that Gisborne Hospital is still open for emergencies.
“I want to reassure people that the hospital emergency department is still open to treat critical emergency presentations, for example, people with strokes, heart attacks, severe breathing difficulties, and injuries.”
Services for children and maternity services will remain the same. Critical treatment such as dialysis and cancer treatment will also continue.
The hospital emergency response team is reconsidering its visiting policy to best match the requirements of a level 4 alert.
The hospital’s two entrances – Emergency Department/Outpatients and the main ward entrance – are now manned by a staff member who is double-checking travel history and the reason for coming to the hospital before people can enter.
“Entrance to Maternity (Puawai Aroha), Te Whare Awhiora (Mental Health) and Tui Te Ora will be provided by staff.”
Mr Green said if someone is concerned about COVID-19 they should not come into the emergency department.
If you have any of these symptoms: a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sneezing or a runny nose then call your GP. If you do not have a GP call Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453.