The Whanganui District Health Board is urging families with elderly relatives receiving support and living in Christchurch not to bring them to Whanganui without going through the formal coordinated process.

 
It has come to the attention of WDHB that families throughout the country are travelling to Christchurch and taking their family members home thinking they’ll be able to immediately access elderly support services in their home town.

 
WDHB Chief Executive Julie Patterson says before contemplating any travel, Whanganui District residents wanting to relocate their family members to Whanganui need to advise the local Access Ability who provide the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC).

 
“They can do this by calling 0800 300 412 or 06 348 8411,” Mrs Patterson says. “Coordinated transfers from Christchurch are taking place throughout the country and to date, 187 aged care residents have been relocated.

 
“We understand the concern people feel for their elderly relatives and the WDHB is committed to supporting families affected by the earthquake but it is important that they go through the right channels to ensure they connect to elderly support services here in Whanganui.”

 
Mrs Patterson says pregnant women who have travelled to Whanganui following the earthquake and require the services of a midwife - or women who have recently given birth, can access midwifery services by contacting 0800 801 446.

 
“It’s important that any pregnant woman or a new mother coming here remembers to inform their midwife in Christchurch that they are now in Whanganui and are receiving support,” Mrs Patterson says.

 
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