Invercargill midwife Kathy Harrington

05/04/2023

Hi everyone, just a reminder to get your whooping cough vaccine.

15/09/2022

Change in visitor restrictions //

From today visitor restrictions at Dunedin and Southland hospitals will change.

- There will no longer be a restriction of two visitors per patient per stay.

- All visitors will still be required to wear a mask when visiting people in hospital.

- Please do not visit if you have any cold or flu like symptoms.

Visiting hours:

- Visiting hours are currently 2pm to 6pm.

- From Monday 19th September visiting hours will change to 2pm to 8pm

You can find more information here: https://www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/hospital-services

28/04/2022

For most pēpi (babies) COVID-19 generally has mild effects.

Often, they will have no symptoms or may have cold like symptoms, sore throat, or a cough which can sound like croup. Some children get conjunctivitis, fever, a rash, or a tummy upset with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Very young babies under 1 month old, premature children under 2 years old, and those who have other chronic health concerns are more at risk of serious illness.

If your child has COVID-19 and is very unwell, having difficulty breathing or drinking less than half their normal amount, seek urgent medical help.

Here are some tips for caring for pēpi with COVID-19.

➡️ Isolate pēpi away from others as much as possible
COVID-19 spreads easily, but there are a few things you can do that may protect others in the house from catching it. If you can, look after them in another part of the house, and use a separate bathroom if you have one.

Follow healthy habits like handwashing, wearing masks, opening windows, and regularly cleaning surfaces. If possible, have adults and older children wear masks when in the same room as the baby, especially anyone who is high-risk.

➡️ Manage their symptoms
See what symptoms you can expect: https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/about-covid-19/covid-19-symptoms/

• Keep up their fluids. Offer small amounts frequently.
• Keep them comfortable, in a room that is not too hot or cold.
• If they have a fever, dress them in just one layer and use a warm cloth to wipe their forehead.
• If they are uncomfortable with pain, you can offer paracetamol for pēpi over 3 months old/over 5kgs. Make sure you check the dose with their GP or pharmacist first. Get advice from your doctor before giving ibuprofen to babies under 2 years old.
• Young babies (less than 3 months old) need a more cautious approach. If you are worried about them, call your healthcare team straight away.
• Record their symptoms so you can easily let your healthcare team know their history if needed.

You can find more advice on caring for younger children from Health Navigator here: https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-caring-for-your-child-at-home/

They can go back to normal activities, like playgroup or daycare, when their isolation has finished if their fever and symptoms have settled, and they are back to feeding and behaving normally. Seek medical advice if you are concerned that they are becoming more unwell or have had a fever for 5 days.

08/11/2021

18/10/2021

RANZCOG have produced a number of informative videos, here midwife Shekinah Gafa and her mother, obstetrician Dr Karaponi Okesene-Gafa talk about the vaccine during pregnancy. https://fb.watch/8EoN9wp-EA/

04/06/2021

That’s the comment from New Zealand College of Midwives co-founder, Karen Guilliland, at the start of the short film released today by Frank Film, and already viewed by more than **4000 people.

09/06/2020

Well we are finally at level 1. As far as the hospital goes they are still restricting support to one person but that will hopefully change later this week. They are also going to be keeping visiting hours to 2-8 pm so please let your family know.
You will still be screened for covid 19 but not at the front entrance, this will be done in the ward.
Hopefully everything will be back to normal soon but please bear with the staff during this transition.

26/03/2020

Hi guys, just an update about COVID19 and how this will impact you.
A few important things from the hospital, please do not go to the hospital without ringing me first. If you are not in labour you will not be allowed a support person with you. In labor you can have 1 designated support person but that person must stay with you at all times. If they leave they will not be allowed back in.
When you come in please bring everything you will need as again once someone leaves they cannot come back in. This means bring your car seat as well.
At present anyone needing a caesarean is unable to have a support person with them. I know this is hard but we are all doing our best to keep everyone safe. You must come in through the main entrance and you will be screened before entry. If your support person is sick they will not be able to come in.
If you have suspected or tested COVID19 your care will be transferred to the hospital as we are not able to care for you in this situation.
Once again please ring me for any questions or concerns.
Stay at home and stay safe.

24/03/2020

We continue to work through what this period of self isolation means to you as a pregnant woman or a woman with a new baby. I will be ringing you before your appointment to decide if a visit is necessary or if a phone consultation will be enough. This will change from woman to woman and will depend on individual needs. Please let me know if you are unwell (have a fever or cough, or shortness of breath, or a sore throat)or have had any contact with a suspected or confirmed or probable COVID19 in the last 14 days.
As always I am available by phone if you have any concerns
Thank you for your co operation
Kathy