Waikato medics in Samoa

One of the nine Waikato Hospital surgical staff who helped in New Zealand's medical response to the tsunami in Samoa, flew back to New Zealand today.

Orthopaedic surgeon Jason Donovan completed another full day in theatre yesterday and is expected back at work  in Hamilton today.

However the Waikato DHB presence in Samoa remains at nine as Population Health health protection officer Hans Buik flew out last night to assist public health teams on the ground.

In their daily blog to staff at the DHB, the Waikato Hospital team said the tsunami warning yesterday morning caused a little bit of angst as to what was about to hit.

"We were safe as the hospital is on high ground, but concerned as to further trauma.

"We did end up closing a theatre early to allow the locals to get home to their families, just in case it did hit. Fortunately it all came to nothing.

"The rest of us will be back in the next few days. Looking forward to getting home. Have enjoyed our time here, despite occasional hardships, but starting to miss family and friends. Our great team dynamics have certainly kept us all sane," the blog said.

The team has been boosted by a feedback blog posted on Waikato DHB's intranet containing messages from staff.

Those Waikato staff remaining in Samoa are:
Roelof van Dalen (surgeon), John Smithells (anaesthetist), Debbie Ratima, Andrea Jarocki, April McFarland, Barbara Roberts and Janine Lee (all theatre nurses), Alan Goodey (anaesthetist) and Hans Buik (health protection officer).

They will continue a full operating schedule at Apia Hospital today.

Date: 9 October 2009

Mary Anne Gill
Director
Media and Communications
Waikato District Health Board
P.O. Box 934
Hamilton 3240
Ph: 07 834 3684
Mobile: 021 705 213