The DHB was already approving a remodelling of the Southland Hospital emergency department, and will consider that proposal again tomorrow. Photo: ODT filesCost-cutting measures taken 13 years ago meant Southland Hospital was woefully ill-equipped to handle the arrival of two Covid-19 positive sailors. The medical ward has four isolation rooms but no anterooms, and hospital staff had to improvise some out of plastic sheeting, Mr Fleming said. "While the team managed the situation very well, it clearly identified deficiencies in the configuration of Southland Hospital, which is presently being worked through." The board was already approving a remodelling of the Southland Hospital emergency department, and will consider that proposal again tomorrow.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 05, 2021 16:30 UTC