Covid 19 coronavirus: Hawke's Bay DHB calls on former nurses for help

Hawke's Bay DHB is calling on former nurses who may have been out of the workforce for up to five years to get in touch to help out with the fight against Covid-19.

As part of its emergency response planning, the DHB is actively working to boost its nursing workforce through existing community support.

"Any former nurse under the age of 65, whose Annual Practising Certificate (APC) has lapsed up to five years can register their interest," said Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Chris McKenna.

"Those with current practising certificates can contact the DHB directly, while nurses who do not hold a current practising certificate can register through the New Zealand Nursing Council.

"Our nursing workforce past and present are crucial to our future response and we thank those in advance who put their hand up to offer their support," she said.

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Interested nurses with current practising certificates can email Hawke's Bay DHB directly on netp@hbdhb.govt.nz to register their interest.

On Monday the Ministry of Health reported no new Hawke's Bay confirmed Covid-19 cases, leaving the total for the region at 12.

Medical Officer of Health Nick Jones said while no new cases were reported on Monday the public health team were still actively tracking and tracing anyone who may have come into contact with passengers or crew from the Ruby Princess, which docked in Napier on March 15.

"We are working with tour operators and the Port of Napier to identify people likely to have had the most contact with passengers," Jones said.

"Yesterday [Sunday] over 80 people were interviewed and more will be today. It's most important no-one is missed who potentially may have had Covid-19.

"Anyone who believes they were in close contact with Ruby Princess passengers or crew, and had in the past two weeks developed symptoms of Covid-19 were strongly advised to contact their GP so they could be assessed for referral to a Community-Based Assessment Centre for testing," he said.

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Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website