Flu surge strains hospital

Tauranga Hospital is part of a growing list of national hospitals dealing with influx of acutely unwell patients, placing added pressure on staff and resources.

But unlike other hospitals forced to postpone elective surgeries due to lack of bed space, Tauranga Hospital is taking a different approach.


Bay of Plenty District Health Board surgical services business leader Bronwyn Anstis says the influenza outbreak is not affecting the way the hospital manages its elective surgery list.

To combat the increase the BOPDHB is advising members of the public eligible for flu vaccination to do so as they are at a higher risk of more severe disease if they contract influenza.

Eligible groups for free immunisation include, pregnant woman, people aged 65+, those under 65 years with a specified medical condition, and under five-year-olds who have been hospitalised with a respiratory illness, or have a history of significant respiratory illness.

BOPDHB infectious disease specialist Dr Kate Grimwade says nationally this year's rates are up on 2013, but currently below the previous three years so far. Epidemic curves evolve and peak at different times, she says.

'We are also seeing a high number of RSV [Respiratory Syncytial Virus] cases, which is another winter virus that causes bronchitis in children but also flu-like illness in adults.”

Most people with mild symptoms can self-medicate with painkillers and by getting plenty of rest. If in doubt, they can check with Healthline on 0800 611 116 or their GP rather than coming to hospital, says Kate.

'If you're suffering more severe symptoms which are causing issues such as respiratory problems then you should seek medical attention [a GP or go to the ED].”

Katikati resident Christine Donehue noticed the increase in pressure on the hospital she described as 'chokka block” while in the surgical ward for a week.

The 65-year-old, in hospital for IV antibiotics on an inflamed liver, says though the hospital was busy it wasn't at full capacity until the later stages of her stay.

Preparing to go to sleep on her last night before discharge, last Monday, Christine was told by hospital staff at 10pm they were going to have to move her because of a lack of bedding.

As a result Christine and 13 others were taken to the medical day stay area, but she is not complaining because there were more important patients to tend to.

'I heard them [staff] talking that there was a backlog in the ED and the hospital was full. We were full in that room and it was pretty hectic,” says Christine.

'They said it was because people were pouring through the door at ED. All week the hospital was busy and staff said it was seasonal and its mid-July and the hospital will be busy.”

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