This week we have continued with most consultations happening virtually via telephone or video to avoid patients being in close contact and at risk of spreading illness. 

We have run further influenza vaccination clinics and are still targeting those over 65 or under 65 with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma requiring preventer treatment, renal failure as well as pregnant ladies or children with a history of respiratory conditions needing admission to hospital. We will be running another influenza vaccine clinic tomorrow Thursday 9 April from 2pm. This will be at the PathLab side of the building again.

Please queue outside the fence and don’t block the ramp. Remember to space at least 2m apart, bring a sunhat/sunscreen/umbrella and wear sleeves that can be easily lifted to expose the upper arm so that we can administer the immunisation without delay.

We had hoped to begin offering influenza vaccines to anyone who wanted them from next week but this has been pushed out to 27 April as per the Director General of Health’s briefing on Monday.

Another development is the Kawerau Pop Up Drive Thru COVID-19 Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC) which launches tomorrow, Thursday 9 April at the the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre Car Park (111 Onslow St, Kawerau). This is a drive-thru facility, the purpose is to assess, test and manage people with potential COVID-19 symptoms. This is to allow Kawerau residents access to local COVID-19 assessment and testing.

All patients with the following symptoms are eligible to be seen at the drive-thru facility:

• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Sore Throat
• Runny Nose

All symptoms can be with or without fever. If you have your NHI number, please bring this with you.

Kawerau Assessment Centre will operate three times per week:

Tuesday 10am – 2pm

Thursday 10am – 2pm

Saturday 10am – 2pm

All patients are required to arrive at the drive-thru assessment centre in a vehicle, only with people within your bubble.