Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s Emergency Department saw a record 188 presentations on Monday.
The number of presentations saw some elective surgery postponed yesterday.
Chief Medical and Dental officer Robin Whyman said the hospital was experiencing very high demand with the majority of presentations being serious medical conditions, mostly in people over 50, who needed hospital admission and care.
Head of the Emergency Department Mark Barlow said the unprecedented demand may be a predictor for the coming winter months and he urged people to be proactive about their health.
He said people with chronic illnesses needed to regularly check in with their GP and seek help immediately if they noticed any changes in their medical condition so they didn’t need an emergency hospital admission.
People are being asked to visit their GP, call the free Healthine or consult with their local pharmacist before presenting at Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
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Congratulations to Bay Motorcycles Waipukurau who have won the Waipukurau Rotary Club’s Courtesy Shield for 2021.
Bay Motorcycles Manager Wayne Thompson was presented with the Shield on Monday night.
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The beginning of construction on the Waipukurau to Waipawa Shared Path was marked with a blessing ceremony last Saturday.
The path is a joint project between Waka Kotahi the NZ Transport Agency and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, and is estimated to cost $2.8 million.
Waka Kotahi spokesman Rob Partridge says the shared path will improve safety for cyclists and walkers, and encourage more active connections between Waipukurau and Waipawa.
At just over 4.5km long, it will be built along Tapairu Road, State Highway 2 then along Ford Road, with users then directed back on to SH2 just north of Waipukurau. The works will also utilise existing sections of path previously constructed along SH2.
Construction is expected to start around the middle of this month, and will be complete before the end of the year.
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A man will appear in Court following a Police pursuit in Waipukurau on Saturday night.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said a vehicle on Jellicoe Street failed to stop for Police.
A pursuit was initiated, which lasted 28km.
Mr Walker said a 20-year old man will be appearing in Court on charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop, and will also receive an infringement notice for excess breath alcohol.