Staff shortage puts pressure on Ashburton Hospital
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Staffing shortages are already putting the pressure on at Ashburton Hospital while the threat of an omicron outbreak in the region looms large.
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) has confirmed that the current number of nursing vacancies in the Ashburton District is putting pressure on the DHB’s acute and inpatient nursing workforce in Ashburton.
CDHB general manager rural health services Berni Marra said they were reshuffling staff and reviewing services to cope with the shortage.
“To minimise disruption to our Ashburton-based services, we are making full use of our talented Ashburton team, with nursing staff from various outpatient, community, day surgical and education work forces being redeployed to assist the areas currently under pressure.
“We’re also reviewing outpatient clinic and community care bookings for the next six weeks, with urgent and acute care, e.g. emergency and palliative, being prioritised.”
People may notice a difference in the way other services were delivered in Ashburton, Mara said.
“While our district nursing service continues, more clinics will be taking place virtually via telehealth for example.
“Our colleagues across the DHB are also supporting our community and our services, as we work through an active recruitment programme including talent sourcing from overseas, multi-channel advertising across all job boards, targeted campaigns, recruitment open days and attendance at career expos.
“While we work to overcome this short-term challenge, our community can be confident that they will continue to receive quality care from our Ashburton teams, when and where they need it.”
Acute and inpatient services would continue to be available and people should continue to access the care they need when they need it, she said.
“This includes making their GP their first port of call – they can tell you what to do and where to go if you need to be seen urgently.
“After hours, people can call Healthline for general health advice on 0800 611 116 anytime,” Mara said.
If you or someone you know needs mental wellbeing support or advice: Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor. This service is free of charge and is available day and night.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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42.1% Yes - we like to be prepared
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42.1% Nah
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15.8% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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