Winter ills hit record in Bay hospital

Winter is getting people down in Hawke's Bay with a record number of patients coming to hospital.

People with winter ailments resulted in a record number of patients turning up at Hawke's Bay Hospital's Emergency Department on Monday.

Respiratory and flu-like illnesses were the main reason for the increase, with 156 people treated.

Hospital chief medical officer John Gommans urged people to see their family doctor early if feeling unwell, especially if they had a chronic respiratory illness.

With cold weather predicted over the next few days the hospital anticipated more people needing care.

People should stay warm, receive an influenza vaccine and see a doctor early if feeling unwell, Dr Gommans said.

A check on elderly neighbours was a good idea and if people were unsure if medical intervention was needed they should call Healthline - 0800 611 116 - for free advice from a trained registered nurse.

"These steps could make a difference to helping people stay out of hospital," he said.

Primary care chief medical officer, Mark Peterson, said it was important sick people stayed at home to help prevent illness spreading. People with chronic medical conditions should receive their influenza vaccine.

Hastings Health Centre's Accident and Medical Centre is open until 8pm daily as are The Doctors Hastings and Napier, the Medical Injury Centre Hastings, Totara Health Hastings and Flaxmere. City Medical in Napier is open 24/7. The emergency department usually treated 115 to 120 people a day. The previous record was 153.