Extra hospital staff needed after quake

Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is bringing in extra staff to cope with an influx of patients following Saturday's devastating earthquake.

Six health protection officers and six medical officers of health were due to arrive in Christchurch on Saturday.

Cardiology nurses have been requested after a jump in the number of patients requiring specialist cardiology care since the 7.1 magnitude quake.

CDHB said it also needed general registered nurses to back up staff across a range of services.

Three extra aged care nurses began work at Princess Margaret Hospital today.

All non-urgent, elective surgeries were cancelled this week, including all pre-arranged admissions to Christchurch, Christchurch Women's' and Burwood Hospitals.

Outpatient clinics were cancelled today, but caesarean sections and inductions went ahead as scheduled.

Maternity services saw an increase in the number of women going into labour after a 5.1 magnitude aftershock today, with 23 in labour by the afternoon.

Akaroa Hospital, Lincoln Maternity Hospital and the Burwood Birthing Unit remained closed.

CDHB also issued a number of health messages, advising people to boil water, wash their hands regularly and avoid contact with sewage.

- NZPA