Winter ills keep Whangarei Hospital busy

People who attend Whangarei Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) with minor ailments may face a long wait for treatment, as the hospital deals with an upturn in patients due to midwinter illnesses.

Patients with minor ailments and coughs and colds are advised to see their GP or an Accident and Medical Centre wherever possible, as an influx of patients with winter illnesses has meant that the hospital is at full capacity.

Gloria Johnson, Northland District Health Board's Chief Medical Advisor, said: "As we reach midwinter it is common for hospitals to be very busy dealing with an increased number of patients. It is also the time when staff sickness rates increase. We are asking people to save the Emergency Department for more serious cases and to see their GP with minor ailments.

"The public can assist by first seeing their family doctor if they have a non-urgent condition. Their doctor will advise on whether they need to attend hospital. Visiting a doctor earlier rather than later is advised, as early treatment may well prevent the need for hospitalisation. This will also save people spending time waiting in ED.

"However, anyone who has a medical emergency or feels that they need to be in ED should, of course, still come to the hospital.

"Northland DHB will continue to monitor the situation."

People who are unsure of where to seek medical advice can contact Healthline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is a free, 24-hour telephone health advice service which is staffed by registered nurses and now also includes the Well Child advice service. The Healthline call centre staff do not diagnose or treat health problems over the phone, but determine the most appropriate level of care for the caller, assess a person's condition and health needs and recommend the best course of action and a time-frame in which to take action.


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For further information, please contact:

Clare Blackburn, Communications Manager

Northland District Health Board 

Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315