Health services in Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay update

The following Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand services in Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s bay will be operating from Monday 27 February:

Hastings
• Most elective surgeries can now go ahead. Patients who may need their surgery delayed will be contacted directly.
• Endoscopy services are proceeding.
• Outpatient clinics are going ahead, however some Napier residents will be seen in Napier.

Napier
• Outpatient clinics are going ahead, with Napier residents being seen in Napier where possible.
• Some Chemotherapy is taking place in Napier instead of Villa 6, Hastings.

Central Hawke’s Bay
• Outpatient clinics are operating as normal.

Wairoa
• Wairoa residents can be reassured that Wairoa Hospital is operating as normal.
• Queen St Practice is operating, free of charge to patients.
• Outpatient appointments are going ahead in Wairoa. Telehealth appointments will be run from Hastings when appropriate.
• Acute transfers to Hastings via air will continue.

Hospital contact numbers:
Wairoa Hospital: 06 838 7099
Hawke’s Bay Hospital: 06 878 8109
Gisborne Hospital: 06 869 0500

Maternity information
In the first instance, contact your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). If you’re unable to contact your LMC, please use 0800 767 127 to connect with a Hastings Maternity service midwife.

Urgent clinics open
• City Medical at Napier Health Centre is open (24-hours)
• Urgent care clinic at Hastings Health Centre is open. Please note: Hastings Health Centre urgent care clinic and pharmacy are closing at 7pm tonight (24 Feb) due to the weather.

General practices
Most general practices are now open. Please note some general practices are operating in constrained environments, and are offering variable hours and services. Please ring ahead if you can.

Pharmacies
Most pharmacies are now operating as normal.

Public health and hygiene

Te Whatu Ora in Hawke’s Bay is warning the community to take precautions to prevent gastroenteritis, also known as ‘gastro’ or ‘tummy bug’. Symptoms of gastro include diarrhoea and vomiting and there is an increased risk of gastro after large flood events.

People should keep away from flood waters, as these are likely to be contaminated with sewage. If you have contact with flood water, flooded property or items contaminated with flood water you should wash your hands thoroughly.

You get infected when you swallow the harmful bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites or breathe in the viruses. This can happen when you:
• Play or swim in flood water and puddles as these may have been contaminated by sewage, farm run-off or other hazardous material
• Touch contaminated surfaces or objects that have been in contact with flood waters
• Consume contaminated food or drinks.

Gastro is not usually serious and most people recover quickly without having to see a doctor. If you feel unwell after coming into contact with floodwater, call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116. You should drink plenty of water and other fluids if you are unwell.