Improving the lives and long-term outcomes of people affected by bleeding disorders since 1958

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HFNZ Covid-19 update: 29 April

The latest update about what the Haemophilia Foundation of NZ are doing in response to Covid-19

Kia ora koutou,

Congratulations New Zealand!

As of today we're on day two of alert level three. That means we're beginning to see the rewards of all the hard work we've all been doing to help stop Covid-19 in it's tracks. But we're not finished yet!

It's still important that we continue to follow the rules around alert level three, some wag suggested it's just like level four, but with KFC! You can find out more about what alert level three means here: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/

It might help to remember the Prime Minister's seven principles for level three:

  1. Stay home
  2. Work and learn from home if you can
  3. Make your business Covid-19 safe
  4. Stay regional
  5. Keep your bubble as small as possible
  6. Wash your hands often with soap
  7. If you're sick stay at home.

Let's all stick to them, because we're stronger together.

Another effect of the change to level three is the ending of the HFNZ weekly update. Rest assured, if there are any changes or updates that we need to share we'll be sending them out to all our members as soon as possible.

Remember, all HFNZ communication channels remain open, so follow us on Facebook, look out for our emails, and feel free to reach out to your Outreach Worker on 0508 FACTOR (322 867) if you need support or information.

Remember, keep yourself safe, be kind, and be patient.

What we are doing

HFNZ are maintaining ongoing contact with key groups, including clinicians and pharmaceutical companies, and taking advice from the World Federation of Hemophilia and the NZ Ministry of Health.

All regional events and the upcoming youth camp are postponed. This decision will be reviewed on 1 July 2020.

All staff will be working from home and not physically meeting with members until further notice. Our Outreach team are always available if you need to reach out for support. Just call 0508 FACTOR. 

What you can do

The best thing you can do right now, is everything the government suggests you do under level three.

Next on the list is completing the HFNZ annual survey. This is an essential piece of work that allows us to plan what the future of HFNZ looks like. To make sure we make the right decisions for our members we really need all of you to have your say!

The survey should only take around 10 minutes, and you can go in the draw to win one of two $50 Prezzy Cards.

Click here to complete the HFNZ member survey

Also, If you have von Willebrands you may be interested in giving feedback on the WFH's draft vWD clinical guidelines and recommendations. This is being done via an online survey. To read the draft guidelines and complete the survey click here.

How you can access support

For some people the whole Covid-19 situation has been very difficult. Many have lost their livelyhood, and everyday life has become even more of a challenge. There are a number of places you can turn to if you and your whānau are struggling for support and advice.

Remember, we're all in this together, and it's ok to ask for help.

Bleeding disorder products

Please remember, there is no concern over treatment supply. Companies are required to have 3-6 months stock in the country at any time, and all freight supply routes remain open. That means patients should carry on as normal as far as their treatment goes.

Please do not stockpile treatment products, as this may affect availability for others.

The World Federation of Hemophilia advise that there is currently no known risk to blood, blood treatment products, or plasma derived products.

Haemophilia Treatment Centres

As essential services, all haemophilia treatment centres remain available. However, at the moment all contact is by phone or online.

Here's how you can connect with your local HTC:

Auckland - Contact Karen or Vanessa at akhaem@adhb.govt.nz or on 09 307 4949 ext 25285.

Waikato - Contact Maureen Campbell at Maureen.Campbell@waikatodhb.health.nz or on 021 846 920 or 07 839 8899 ext 23638.

Palmerston North - Contact Darryl at Daryl.Pollock@midcentral.co.nz or on her cell 0272408254 as she is working from home. If anyone needs to be seen, it can be sorted out at the time.

Wellington - Contact the haemophilia CNS BJ Ramsay as normal at Brian.Ramsay@ccdhb.org.nz or via the haemophilia phone on 0273345081.

Canterbury - Contact Kathy at kathryn.fawcett@cdhb.health.nz or 027 526 1574 during office hours.

Southern - Contact Val Waugh at Val.waugh@southerndhb.govt.nz or on 027 269 9383, or the haematologist on call via main operator Dunedin Hospital at 03 474 0999 for any urgent problem.

Where you can find out more

There are several useful sources of NZ-based information about the Covid-19 outbreak:

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

https://covid19.govt.nz/

https://news.wfh.org/world-federation-of-hemophilia-statement-update-to-covid-19/

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also has a wealth of information and resources:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/infection-prevention-and-control

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

If you have any questions, please contact HFNZ via the 0508 FACTOR number or at info@haemophilia.org.nz.