SCDHB financial results for year end 30 June 2020 reflected a small operating surplus of $125k (effectively breakeven), “The operating surplus of $125K is a testament to our hard-working staff within the South Canterbury health system,” said Nigel Trainor, SCDHB Chief Executive.
During this financial year we have experienced the hospital being over capacity for a number of months, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pressure this placed on the South Canterbury health system was managed by our dedicated staff whom have gone the extra mile to ensure services continued to be delivered safely in this trying situation. “A big thank you must go to our staff for their dedication,” Nigel said.
Primary Care (including GP’s and Community Health workers) have also seen a surge in work in the last year, especially during the COVID-19 response. “They really stepped up to ensure the safety of their patients and staff during Alert Level 4 and Alert Level 3, by offering phone or virtual consultations, as well as offering face to face appointments for those who needed them,” Nigel said.
“Overall the SCDHB has performed on all fronts to an exemplary level, and the SCDHB Board Members and myself would like to thank our staff and contracted providers,”
“I’m sure the that our community is also proud of our DHB’s achievements and would join us in thanking our hard-working staff within the South Canterbury health system.”
COVID-19 Key Messages
We continue to remind the South Canterbury community to stay vigilance and to continue to practice the below:
- It’s important we all get in the habit of using the NZ COVID Tracer app to keep track of our movements. This will give contact tracers a head-start if COVID-19 re-emerges in the community, so we can quickly break the chain of transmission and minimise the risk or extent of any further lockdowns.
An update to the NZ COVID Tracer app allowing users to add manual entries to their digital diary was released on 30 July by the Ministry of Health. This means you’re now able to maintain a complete and private record of all the places you've been and the people you've seen, even when there is no QR code available to scan.
NZ COVID Tracer is also now compatible with phones that use Android 6 and iOS 11. This is an important update because many people with older smartphones are from our most vulnerable communities. About 95 percent of smartphone users are now able to use the app.
To learn more about it and download the app, visit https://tracing.covid19.govt.nz/.
- If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as cold or flu symptoms, please contact Healthline (0800 358 5453) or your doctor to find out if you need a test.
- If you are offered a test for COVID-19, please take it. It will help us ensure we don’t have community transmission, and help keep your friends, family and whānau safe.
- A COVID-19 test is free of charge.
- Right now, the only actual cases of COVID-19 are those arriving from overseas in managed isolation or quarantine facilities. That’s why our highest priority for testing is those with COVID-19 symptoms and who have:
- travelled overseas
- come into contact with those who have recently arrived from overseas.
If you are in these categories, you will be asked to self-isolate while awaiting your test result.
- We are continuing to test people presenting to health care services with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 to make sure we have no outbreaks in our communities. If you’re offered a test, please take it.
- We particularly encourage you to be tested if you develop symptoms and you are a health care worker, aged care worker, or if you would have a greater risk of poor health outcomes if you were to get COVID-19. This includes if you are Māori, Pasifika, older than 70 years, or have certain pre-existing health conditions. If you are in these groups, you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your test results, but you should stay home while you are unwell.
- If you are unsure, call Healthline or your doctor for advice.
- This reflects the current testing strategy, set by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry adapts its testing strategy in response to changing circumstances as needed, to help keep everyone safe.
ENDS
Media contact:
Karen Berry
Communications Manager
South Canterbury District Health Board
P: 03 687 2395 | M: 021 139 7442
kberry@scdhb.health.nz