Winter illnesses hit hospital, some surgery postponed

15/07/2011 | Hospital busy with flu

With winter finally hitting the Manawatu, Palmerston North Hospital has seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with respiratory-type illnesses in the past few days.

On Wednesday, 47 patients were admitted to hospital, well above the average 28 a day admissions rate, causing pressure on the number of available beds in the hospital.
Thirteen elective surgery cases were postponed on Tuesday and Wednesday, while other surgery, requiring only a day or two for recovery, has gone ahead.

Emergency Department staff have noticed that there is an increase in the number of patients with flu like illnesses, chest infections and pneumonia. It seems some people are leaving it too late to seek medical help, which could have stopped them turning up at the hospital.

It is expected that larger numbers of patients will come through the Emergency Department doors in winter, but people should seek help from their GP sooner rather than later.  If their illness then becomes serious then referral to the Emergency Department will be appropriate. 

MidCentral is asking the community to recognise it is a busy time for the hospital, and people should seek help earlier from their GP, or call the free national Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time for advice.

People coming to the Emergency Department are reminded that it is for emergencies only, and to be prepared for long waits.

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945