In response to a report released stating Taranaki DHBs Emergency Departments are one of worst in country for triage 4’s and 5’s (non urgent) presentations

29 November 2013

Taranaki DHB Clinical Services Manager Gillian Campbell said these figures took into account Hawera and Taranaki Base Hospital figures and the volume of non urgent patients attending both emergency departments is recognised as an increasing problem.

The triage 4’s and 5’s are a growing issue as is the number of patients coming to the Emergency Departments.

“The volume of people we see is more than 10% up on last year, and 20% up on two years ago.

Two years ago we would see around 80 patients per day in the New Plymouth ED and now we are seeing more than 100 per day,” she said. “With many coming with minor ills and aliments such as sprains, sore throats and diarrhoea,” said Mrs Campbell.

She said it is a whole community issue and the DHB was working with the Midland Health Network and their GPs together to look at solutions.

“It is important that people get their prescription filled early especially at this time of year so they don’t have to come to EDs for things such as filling their prescriptions.

“If people are seriously hurt or unwell they must call 111 or come to the ED, that will always be the case,” said Mrs Campbell. “But for the less urgent or those with minor ills and ailments we ask them to in the first instance call their GP or after hours medical and accident clinics.”

“Some patients just want advice and Healthline is operational 24 hours a day 7 days a week to give advice. The experienced registered nurses provide health information and recommend appropriate care for callers with symptoms.”

For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 678

Last updated: Friday, November 29, 2013