Middlemore clinical leaders are urging everyone to play safely this festive season, so they don’t need to come to the busy hospital in South Auckland.
Dr Vanessa Thornton, Clinical Director of Acute Critical and Central Services says the hospital is under pressure and that many patient presentations at this time of year could be avoided.
“We often see people over Christmas and New Year who need our help as the result of road accidents from speeding, burns from cooking over unsafe campfires or BBQs, injuries because of too much alcohol, and tragic accidents from activities like diving into water that is too shallow.
“It is important everyone enjoys themselves as our social freedoms return and we unite with whaanau and friends. I just want to remind everyone to take care when out and about and stay safe so you can keep away from hospital and prevent life changing injures.
“Our health system has been under pressure for some time, and nearly two years of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has not helped matters. We are here to help people with critical illnesses or injuries, but people can avoid needing hospital admission from injuries by taking more care and being more safety conscious this summer. .
Dr Thornton says alcohol is traditionally the most common cause of presentations to Middlemores Emergency Department at this time of year.
“We know COVID-19 admissions will continue. Taking greater care on the roads, easing up on alcohol consumption and being careful while outdoors and around water will help us manage the pressure on our health system.
“It’s important we all continue to follow the public health advice and the new protection framework, so please get a test if you develop cold or flu like symptoms and follow the advice from health professionals that you are given” she says.
Please help reduce the number of people coming to our Emergency Department:
- Ease up on the drink
- Don’t drink and drive
- Swap the next drink for water
- Swap the next drink for food
- Skip the next round
People who are concerned about their drinking or would like information how to reduce their intake can visit www.alcohol.org.nz or call 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
- Water Safety
- Don’t jump or dive into water unless you're sure it is safe
- Wear a life jacket when you are on a boat
- Take care on rocks if fishing
- Keep an eye on children
- Never swim alone
- BBQ safety
- Check for gas leaks
- Keep your grill clean
- Never leave your BBQ unattended
- Drive safely
- Take regular breaks
- Drive to the conditions
- Stick to the speed limit
- Don’t be distracted by things around you (radio, phone etc.)