Rotorua Hospital bursting with patients

Rotorua Hospital. Photo: Lakes District Health Board.

Rotorua Hospital is bulging with patients.

The public has been asked to attend the Emergency Department only if the emergency is ‘real'.

Few discharges are expected, the Lakes DHB says in a statement.

Patients are already waiting in ED until a hospital bed is available.

The situation is not expected to improve quickly.

Rotorua ED Dr Vijay Thumma says people with flu-type symptoms were often better off staying at home in bed with plenty of fluids and paracetamol.

'If the symptoms persist or get worse, people should an appointment to see their GP during the week.

'With the onset of flu season, it's also really important to remember the basics, like covering your cough and washing your hands often, to stop the spread of germs.”

Most importantly, he says people should remember to stay home from work and school

Many hospital admissions are for winter related illnesses, including bronchiolitis, asthma and influenza.
Hospital staff say a number of people coming into the ED would be better placed heading to Lakes PrimeCare, the after-hours medical centre in Rotorua.

Lakes PrimeCare does not charge for children under 14 who are enrolled with a local doctor.

The after-hours and urgent medical centre is open from 8am until 9.30pm each day.

Lakes PrimeCare says 50 per cent of the patients who arrived for treatment were children, many with flu-type or respiratory issues.

Medical advice is also available by telephone. A free service is available 24/7 at 0800 611 116.

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