Winter bugs take heavy toll

Rotorua Hospital has had a surge in winter related illnesses, especially in children. Photo / File

Rotorua Hospital has had to open up more beds as a surge in winter ills and injuries hits the city.

Lakes District Health Board spokeswoman Sue Wilkie said the hospital and its emergency department had been "very busy" with winter-related illness and injury, and the number of patients in hospital had increased dramatically in the past two weeks.

Last week, 667 patients were seen in the emergency department, with 119 patients on the busiest day.

She said the increase was particularly in the paediatrics and general medicine areas, which was predictable for this time of year.

"Rotorua Hospital has opened additional beds in both the children's and adult medical units to accommodate the additional admissions."

Miss Wilkie said the very young and the elderly were being hardest hit by winter illnesses, with young adults the most prone to winter injuries.

"Elderly patients are presenting at ED with respiratory infections, asthma, obstructive airways disease, and young patients present with croup, bronchiolitis and chest infections."

She said emergency department staff had also seen patients with injuries from ice-related falls, as well as winter sporting activities.

Miss Wilkie said it was not just patients who were suffering from the winter bugs.

There had been an increase in staff sick leave over the past week and a half, which had been difficult as it coincided with the school holidays, which meant many of the casual relieving staff were not available.

"Existing staff have been stepping up and working additional hours to help staff the units."

Miss Wilkie said no surgeries had been cancelled as a result of winter illnesses.

A Ranolf Medical Centre spokesperson said it had been typically busy winter with the usual coughs and colds, and a lot of children and elderly presenting with those symptoms.

"We are pleased that free under-13 GP care has been implemented and as a result we have seen an increased number of children coming in for consultations.

"But we have seen a similar number of patients compared with the same time last year.

"We also want to raise awareness for pregnant women to get vaccinated against influenza and encourage them to come in for that.

"Patients can also come in without an appointment between 8.30am and 11am, Monday to Friday, but they must be enrolled at the clinic."

Staff absences at one of Rotorua's largest employers, the Rotorua Lakes Council, have been marginally above last year.

About 36 per cent of staff took advantage of the council's free flu vaccinations this year.

A council spokesperson said: "In addition to council staff who have had free vaccinations at work, a number of other employees get flu injections from their GPs or elsewhere."

Lakes PrimeCare acting chairman Ron Vail said every July and August saw an increase in visits from patients of all ages, due to respiratory tract infections and influenza.

"We have had quite a few nurses and doctors in Rotorua who have been ill with wintertime illnesses.

"Fortunately, local GPs and nurses have offered to help cover Lakes PrimeCare and Rotorua surgeries to keep things running smoothly," Mr Vail said.