Outbreak takes toll on local health workers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

HAUORA Tairāwhiti chief executive Jim Green has confirmed staff burnout has been “a definite issue” during Omicron.

He was replying to a question from board member Andy Cranston.

Mr Green said many staff had not had a good break and worked long hours and over weekends.

However, staff were committed to doing the best they could.

Community and iwi providers were asking for help, he said.

There had been a financial impact with an increased annual leave liability.

Many people acould not get the leave they wanted or associated leave with travel, including overseas travel, which had not been possible.

Board chairperson Kim Ngarimu said as a Covid case was identified in the district shortly before Christmas, many vaccinators and testing teams had not had a Christmas break with some working on Christmas Day.

She wanted to thank all staff who had provided healthcare over the holidays, and to acknowledge their commitment to the community.

Omicron had made for a busy summer.

Tairāwhiti was a small community which made local Covid numbers seem quite large, Ms Ngarimu said.