Emergency medical supplies airlifted to areas devastated by flooding

Urgent medical supplies are being flown from Auckland to flood-devastated areas Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay to ensure people get the care they need.

The essential supplies, which include medical oxygen and other gases, chemotherapy medication, pharmaceuticals, medical nutritional supplies and blood products, are enabling hospitals to provide critical care and support primary and community health providers.

A New Zealand Defence Force Hercules C-130 delivered shipments to Napier and Gisborne yesterday, and brought another load to Napier today.

Matt Carey, National Incident Coordinator for the Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Response, said the need for the shipments was immediate and ongoing, because the normal transportation and supply chain for medical facilities and providers was severely constrained.

“These deliveries will provide critical supplies to regions in need. They will continue until reliable road access is re-established. Maritime assets may also be used to support coastal areas.”

Mr Carey said Te Whatu Ora had been working through the National Crisis Management Centre to coordinate with the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as some private providers, to make the deliveries.

“We thank these agencies and organisations for their invaluable assistance.

“This is enabling our hospitals in hard-hit areas to continue providing a high standard of health services despite the conditions. We are truly indebted to all of those who are helping.

“We would also like to thank our staff in these affected areas for their exceptional commitment and professionalism in such testing circumstances. Some of them have suffered losses during the flooding and we cannot say enough about their dedication to providing care for their communities.”