Whaakari/White Island eruption sees Middlemore Hospital surgery patients moved

Friday, 13 December 2019

CDHB plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Terry Creagh describes treating patients severely burned in the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

Patients set to have elective surgeries at an Auckland hospital caring for survivors of the Whaakari/White Island volcanic eruption are being referred to other areas to ease demand.

Orthopaedic fracture patients and those set to have general surgery at Middlemore Hospital in south Auckland will be sent to other hospitals as staff prioritise treating those injured in Monday's eruption.

Police commissioner Mike Bush confirms that the search for two bodies continues, and six have been recovered.

The eruption shot ash, rocks and toxic gas over 47 people on the island at the time. 14 people have died and two remain missing, presumed dead. Twenty-three people are still in a critical condition at hospitals around the country.

Counties Manukau DHB's clinical director, Dr Vanessa Thornton, said the incident had had a significant impact on hospitals across the country and the demand on the burns unit at Middlemore Hospital had been 'immense'.

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Middlemore Hospital is feeling the strain of treating so many critically ill people injured in the Whaakari/White Island volcano eruption.

On the afternoon of Monday December 9, Whakaari/White Island erupted while people were visiting the live volcano.

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She said: 'The demand has put stress on a number of our services and, as a result, we've been exploring how we can continue to provide excellent quality care to all of our patients, whilst responding to this unprecedented tragedy.'

She said the DHB was working with the other Auckland DHBs on what assistance may be available to help ease the pressure on elective surgeries, critical care and the burns unit at Middlemore Hospital.

'We are asking for our community's understanding as pressure on Middlemore Hospital could result in some of our patients being referred to other metro hospitals for their care, for a short time,' Dr Thornton said.

'This includes some general elective surgery and orthopaedic fracture patients. We appreciate the response to Whakaari/White Island will have an impact on other hospitals and we thank our partner DHBs for their support at this time.'

Dr Thornton added patients not requiring urgent care should see their GP or visit an Accident and Medical clinic, which can also provide support outside of work hours and over the weekend.