25 Jul 2009

Flu cases cause postponement of some surgery

2:55 pm on 25 July 2009

A rising number of flu cases has meant some elective surgery at Christchurch hospital will be postponed in coming weeks to ease pressure on the intensive care unit.

Canterbury District Health Board says a combination of swine and seasonal flu on top of the usual demands has created a much higher need for intensive care in the last 10 days.

The DHB says one of the steps it's taking to ease the pressure is postponing surgery for people who could require intensive care post-operatively.

It is also arranging for patients who need urgent surgery to have their operations at private hospitals or in other centres.

Pregnant women warned

The health board is also warning pregnant women who become ill with flu-like symptoms to seek medical advice quickly.

Pregnant women are thought to be at greater risk of complications from swine flu than any other group.

Medical officer of health, Dr Alistair Humphrey, says pregnant women should try to avoid people who they know are unwell.

He says a woman's susceptibility to flu extends for about 10 days after giving birth, so women should still seek prompt treatment if they get sick after their baby is born.