Wave of deaths prompts ad push

Public awareness campaigns are being boosted after several recent deaths from meningococcal disease.

Four people have died from the condition in the past three weeks, and several others have contracted the disease.

The recent cases have prompted the National Meningitis Trust to redouble its efforts to raise awareness about meningococcal disease, says trust chairman Richard Handley.

Cinema advertising in Auckland is highlighting the dangers of sharing spit. The campaign, if successful, could be extended nationwide, Mr Handley said.

"This is a key message in a strategy to reduce the risk of contracting meningococcal disease."

Radio and print advertising would also be run, he said.

The trust had held a public meeting in Waiouru after the death of a soldier from the disease three weeks ago.

"Trust staff are also following up medical clinics with material and information on the disease designed to raise awareness and assist in education."

Meanwhile, the partner of a man with suspected meningococcal disease who was left waiting almost four hours for a doctor at Wellington Hospital said she would complain to the Health and Disability Commissioner.

Stefanie Richardson rushed Darryl Stonnell, father of her 9-month-old son, to the hospital's emergency department just before midnight on Wednesday after being referred by the after-hours medical centre in the same suburb, Newtown.

"We were told: 'It's suspected meningitis and you are to go to the hospital and you will be seen immediately'," Ms Richardson said.

Instead, Mr Stonnell had his blood pressure, temperature and a blood sample taken being left to wait on a stretcher.

He was then moved to a cubicle, where he waited for three hours before being seen by the doctor he had been referred to.

Mr Stonnell was eventually diagnosed with viral meningitis, a much less serious strain than the deadly bacterial variety, meningococcal meningitis. He was due to be discharged today.

Capital and Coast Health general manager John Coughlan said the delay in treatment was justified.

The letter from the GP had specified that the type of meningitis suspected was viral, which was not the same priority as meningococcal meningitis, he said.

Ms Richardson disputed the hospital's account and said she was seeking official paperwork about her partner's case.

- NZPA