Subj : Patients waiting in ED for hospital beds as respiratory cases rise
To   : All
From : News
Date : Sat Jun 15 2024 01:58 pm

By Jessica Roden, 1News Reporter
Friday 6:12pm

Seven patients are waiting in Nelson Hospital's emergency department for a
hospital bed to be available due to "high occupancy".


Interim Chief Medical Officer for Health New Zealand in Nelson Marlborough
Steve Low said both Nelson Hospital and Wairau Hospital in Blenheim have seen
a rise in respiratory illnesses.


"At Nelson Hospital, 17 patients with Covid-19 are currently in isolation,
and seven patients are waiting in ED for a hospital bed."


Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said across the country there's been a steady
increase in Covid-19 and winter-related illness, which is expected at this
time of year.


"Covid-19 infections and other respiratory and infectious winter illnesses
put pressure on both ED and in-hospital services. However, our hospitals have
plans and measures in place to manage these pressures," a spokesperson said.


Low said increased cases of Covid-19 was putting pressure in isolation spaces.


"We are working hard to support flow through the hospital to free up
inpatient beds and reduce pressure on the Emergency Department."


Nelson Hospital was due for a rebuild, in part because there aren't enough
beds for the growing population.


Hato Hone St John area operations manager for Nelson Marlborough Anne-Maree
Harris said the service has begun to implement a plan for winter.


"We are working closely with Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora to share,
monitor, and respond safely to spikes in demand and any delays that might be
likely to arise along the way and if there are any delays, patients can be
assured that we have plans in place to care for them and keep them safe."


The winter plan included options for treating patients in their homes or
within the community, rather than the hospital if appropriate.


Health NZ reminded people to take precautions such as vaccinations and to act
early if anyone in the family is sick.


Do you have more information about this story or an issue in the Top of the
South? Email: jessica.roden@tvnz.co.nz

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