Middlemore Hospital's emergency department flooded with patients

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

People are being urged to seek the right medical care as patients flock to Middlemore Hospital's emergency department, nearly filling it to capacity.

A Counties Manukau Health Spokesperson said the level of presentations are not normal for this time of year.

"We are unsure as to the reasons for the increase however it is placing higher than usual demand on the emergency department," the spokesperson said.

“ We encourage the community to seek the right care for their condition and enable the emergency department to focus its resources on patients who have life-threatening emergencies.
"

Accident and Medical clinics deliver support for patients who feel unwell outside of regular GP hours or on weekends and public holidays, the spokesperson said.

The clinics give free or low-cost care to children aged under 14 years, adults over 65 and community service card or high user health card holders.

The clinical director of Middlemore Hospital’s Emergency Department, Dr Vanessa Thornton, said most times a GP can provide medical advice and prescriptions and help to manage long-term conditions.

If people don’t have a family doctor they can
find one on Healthpoint, an online directory for GPs and medical clinics.

“In taking these steps people will be supporting our ED staff by enabling them to
focus their time and resources on patients who have life-threatening emergencies.”

Health advice is available 24 hours a day by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116.