Palmerston North Hospital Emergency Department busy

26/08/2011 | PN Hospital ED Busy

Palmerston North Hospital's emergency department was very busy last night with up to 45 patients waiting for treatment during that time.

As well, the rest of the hospital was running at full capacity, meaning bed space was tight. Staff worked particularly hard overnight to ensure that patients were assessed, treated and if necessary admitted to hospital.

There was no particular major category of illness turning up to the hospital – there was a mix of medical and surgical cases, and a range of age groups among the patients.

People are also reminded that there is always gastroenteritis circulating in the community, and people should continue to maintain good hand hygiene standards at all times.

Ward 25 at Palmerston North Hospital has been closed to admissions because of gastroenteritis at least until Monday. Visitors are reminded of the visiting hours of 2pm to 8pm. While the hospital expects and prepares for more people seeking help in winter it seems some people are leaving it too late to seek medical help, which could have stopped them turning up at the hospital.

If their illness becomes serious then referral to the Emergency Department will be appropriate. People coming to the Emergency Department are reminded that it is for emergencies only, and to be prepared for long waits.

MidCentral Health 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.

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945.