Hospital still feeling New Year's hangover

Doctors at Tauranga Hospital are still being faced with the messy aftermath of boozing, weeks after patients with alcohol-related injuries swamped the emergency department at the height of the holiday period.
On New Year's Day, 178 people were treated at ED - a number 50 per cent more than an average day, with most of them suffering from the results of a drunken night.
They included patients with head injuries after fights and those who woke up with injuries after a night of drinking.
The presentation rate has now eased up to between 100 and 120 admissions each day - yet the hospital is still seeing the results of drinking, chief operating officer Phillip Balmer said.
"We have continued to see a number of people with alcohol related injuries."
Mr Balmer appealed to patients and their families to be mindful of hospital staff while in ED.
"We appreciate that being in the emergency department can at times be quite stressful for both patients and their families and that tensions can run high," he said. "We do ask that patients and their families be aware of our staff and their dedication to helping people and assist them to feel safe and satisfied in their workplace.
"As a district health board, we are clear about the rights of the patient, but feel that those rights come with responsibilities as well.
"Despite the few occasions of violent and uncooperative individuals we see at ED, we do see a far greater number of patients through our doors who acknowledge that for us to provide the best care possible, a partnership must exist between the patient and health professional of mutual trust and respect."
He said the drop in patient numbers since New Year's Day was partly due to more people seeing their GPs for injuries and ailments not needing hospital treatment.
"The message seems to be getting through that you don't have to come and wait at ED for things like cuts, sprains, colds and flu which are often treated with less waiting at a GP.
"It's also really important to have a GP for long-term coordinated care, even if you are visiting the Bay if you go to a GP instead of coming into the ED, your notes will be sent on to your home GP for a record of your treatment."
People were also encouraged to use the Ministry of Health's free 24-hour Healthline (0800 611 116), whose registered nurses could advise callers seeking help on what to do and after-hours health centres.