As the district’s health care organisations and services move to alert level 3 public are warned not to put off getting the health care they need.
“People should not be afraid of seeking care and nor should they delay it,” says Hauora Tairāwhiti GP Liaison Dr Anna Meuli.
“Contact your health professional as you normally would, but still make sure you phone first. You can get all the treatments, immunisations and medicines you need to stay well, whether or not it relates to COVID-19.”
Health organisations in Tairāwhiti have reorganised themselves to deliver care under alert level 3 restrictions.
While some services will not change the way they have been operating since moving to alert level 4, others have more services available or different ways of accessing them.
Pharmacies, medical centres, urgent dentists and Gisborne Hospital have all been open and operating during the lockdown and continue to do so.
“Strict hygiene measures and physical distancing measures remain in place. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used when required and many consultations will continue to be over the phone or video,” says Dr Meuli.
Respiratory assessments and testing for COVID-19 will continue at the three community-based assessment centres (CBACs) at the War Memorial Theatre, Te Puia Springs Hospital and Waikohu Medical Centre.
Contact your GP first or turn up to the War Memorial Theatre between 9am and 11am or 1pm and 3pm.
Gisborne Hospital
Gisborne Hospital remains open for emergency care, says Hauora Tairāwhiti clinical care manager Lynsey Bartlett.
“The only entrance is via the Emergency Department where you will be greeted by staff and screened.
“We will be doing more urgent planned care, including elective surgery and radiology, than under level 4. We will contact people affected directly. If you haven’t heard from us expect that your appointment or surgery is still deferred. However, if you think your condition has changed please talk to your GP.”
Other hospital service updates include:
- People referred to hospital doctors for the treatment and management of illnesses such as diabetes, respiratory problems, and skin conditions, and all other general illnesses that do not require surgery will get underway with priority people seen first. Referred people may have their appointment over the phone or by video consult.
- General surgery will get underway with priority people seen first. At this stage hip and knee surgery is still on hold.
- Visiting specialist appointments are being reviewed and where appropriate video consults will be offered.
- The daily fracture clinic is already up and running between 8am to 4pm weekdays, and 9am to 1pm weekends and public holidays.
- Ultrasounds, MRI scans and CT scans continue to be offered for priority patients. Staff have begun to work through the backlog of referrals starting with people who have the greatest need.
- Other outpatient appointments will continue but will mostly be via video or over the phone.
- Tlab Gisborne is performing tests deemed urgent or essential by referring GPs.
“We still have a strict visitor policy. We are aiming to widen visiting a little under alert level 3. At present discretion is applied on a case-by-case basis by the charge nurse or senior consultants,” says Ms Bartlett.
“Please also note that in Gisborne there is no change for women in labour in Puawai Aroha Maternity. Just as it was at alert level 4, as well as your lead maternity carer, you can still bring only one birth partner or member of your whānau currently in your bubble to the birthing suite. This will be the same person throughout your stay in the hospital with no additional family or whānau.”
General practices
General practices will be open, but appointments will still be conducted online or by phone where possible, says Dr Meuli. “People will be able to see their doctor or nurse face-to-face if required.”
“GPs and nurses will continue to provide care for urgent issues, management of long-term conditions, mental health consultations, prescriptions of medication and the treatment of common illness. Patients will be referred to specialists and for other treatment if needed.”
“One thing that shouldn’t be put on hold are childhood immunisations. It is essential to be kept on schedule and it is safe to bring babies/children in for these as organised with your practice.”
Mental health and addiction services
- 24/7 psychiatric crisis service can be contacted on 0800 243 500.
- Mental health and addiction support is still available through Te Kuwatawata by phoning 06 868 3550 from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Hauora Tairawhiti’s adult community mental health and addiction service (ph 0800 999 014); Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ph 06 869 0541); and mental health services for older people are still operating.
- Medication clinics continue in conjunction with pharmacies.
- Acute mental health inpatient care in the hospital in Te Whare Awhiora (Ward 11) is open but closed to visitors.
Other community health services
- Community pharmacies remain open but medicine management services will be provided over the phone where possible. Medicines may continue to be delivered to some people.
- Community midwives will provide services in a variety of ways, including face-to-face and online appointments. Antenatal and newborn screening programmes will continue.
- Community dental services may provide face-to-face appointments for urgent or emergency care. Routine care (non-essential and elective dentistry) will not be provided.
- Appointments for allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, optometry and Well Child Tamariki Ora services will continue to be mainly online or over the phone. Some face-to-face physiotherapy, podiatry, optometry appointments may be provided for urgent appointments only, as long as professionals can take appropriate measures to manage public health risks. Well Child Tamariki Ora services continue to liaise with families and will provide face-to-face care as needed.
- Breast screening and cervical screening has restarted. Priority women and those who missed their appointment at alert level 4 will be first to receive a screening appointment.
Residential aged care
- Aged care providers will continue to maintain residents in their bubble as this group of people are a known vulnerable population.
- In some cases, a person may apply for permission to see a resident and the request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be made electronically or by phone.
- Family visits for residents who are palliative will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Planned respite services will remain suspended, but urgent respite care may be provided.
Home help
- Essential personal care services, such as toileting, washing and feeding, and home help services will be provided as usual.