Temporary workforce constraints are affecting Te Whatu Ora Taranaki gastroenterology services, with reduced outpatient capacity and possible delays to assessment and treatment. Referrals should continue as usual and will be clinically triaged in line with prioritisation criteria, within capacity constraints.
Practices are encouraged to consider alternative pathways where appropriate, including general medicine services and continued primary care management, and to include clear clinical history, urgency, investigations, and current management in referrals to support triage.
For queries about referral suitbility or individual cases, please contact GP liaison Dr Landi Cranstoun, Landi.Cranstoun@tdhb.org.nz, or head of department Dr Karalyn Hicks, Karalyn.Hicks@tdhb.org.nz
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has issued a public health advisory regarding an ongoing global hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of 13 May 2026, the risk to New Zealand remains low, with no known exposed individuals currently in New Zealand or travelling here. Clinicians should be aware of hantavirus symptoms in patients with relevant travel history and contact their local Medical Officer of Health urgently if a case is suspected.
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