“This structure means we have the right people around the table to quickly make important decisions.”
In the last week dedicated swabbing practices have been set up in Gisborne, Te Puia and Te Karaka for people who meet the criteria and are referred from their GP or Healthline.
“We expect the number of people getting tested to increase in the coming weeks and so we are working with GPs and medical centres on opening a community-based assessment centre shortly,” Mr Green said.
“Preparing and planning at Gisborne Hospital is ongoing.
“Our isolation rooms have been checked, we have put an isolation ward in place and we have a plan to move people suspected to have Covid-19 through the hospital to where they will be cared for.”
The hospital has four negative pressure isolation rooms including in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.
“Frontline staff have had ongoing training in the correct use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE),” says infection control nurse Susan Egan.
“We have got everybody to buddy up and check that they have put on the equipment correctly.
“This is not something hospital staff do every day and it can be quite stressful when you are under pressure.
“That is why it is important to have a buddy.
“Staff realised how important it was because we had them queuing for the training.
“We took the opportunity to give waiting staff their vaccination.
“The community is counting on us to do the best we can, which includes keeping ourselves safe and maintaining the capacity to provide care,” said Mr Green.
“That is why it is so important for healthcare staff, as well as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to be immunised against the flu.
“For the last seven years we have had the highest proportion of staff vaccinated out of all the health boards in New Zealand.
“This year we aim to have 95 percent of our staff vaccinated and over 90 percent of people aged over 65 or with health conditions that make the flu threatening.
“The combination of flu and Covid-19 would be devastating for these people.”
■ Regular handwashing with soap and water
■ Staying away from work and others if you are sick
■ Following basic cough or sneeze etiquette into the elbow
■ If you are unwell call Healthline 0800 358 5453 or visit .
Anyone who feels unwell and has been in contact with someone from overseas should call Healthline for advice.
Anyone with symptoms of a high temperature and cough, sore throat or shortness of breath should not turn up at a general practice or Gisborne Hospital's Emergency Department without phoning ahead first.
With the majority of people now in lockdown, there are some simple tips to ensure wellbeing while in isolation.
Connect with the people who are important to you on the phone, through social media, video chats and text. Self-isolation doesn't mean cutting off all communication. In fact it's more important than ever to talk and listen, share stories and advice, and stay in touch with the people who matter to you. For example, you might want to organise a digital shared lunch, or schedule a daily phone call with your grandmother.
Eating healthy food, noticing the beauty outside your window or on a walk around the block, taking time to thank people. What ngā manu (birds), ngā kapua (clouds) ngā rakau (trees) can you see? Pay attention to how you feel when you do these things and then try to do them more often.
Try not to spend all day in bed or on the couch. Getting some exercise helps your mind and body to release tension and stress and gives you the energy and good feelings you need to get through.
Find ways to move your body and your mood every day. Remember, you can go outside, but you need to limit your contact with others. It's OK to go for a walk, run or ride your bike, as long as you avoid people who aren't self-isolating.
Giving helps us to feel we're still a part of our whanau and community even when we have to stay at home. You've got so much to offer — get creative and think about ways you can give your time, skills and knowledge to help others. For example can you text a compliment to someone, share a recipe or book recommendation on social media, or call someone who might be feeling lonely.
This sounds boring but it will help you get through each day. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat regularly, shower, change your clothes, get some fresh air, book in video chats with colleagues or friends, do your chores. Make sure you make time for fun!
This is especially important if you're feeling stressed or anxious. Finding things that help you breathe deeply, switch off and recharge will help you to feel better.
Covid-19 is a global issue and the endless updates from news outlets and people on social media can be completely overwhelming. Visit for information and pick one trusted news source and check it once per day. Pay attention to how news coverage makes you feel and switch off if you need to.
