Volunteer self-registration website launched - Friday 3 July 2009  

Volunteers and technology are combining in response to the current influenza pandemic. Thanks to a website launched today people affected by the flu who are unable to do everyday things like pick up medicine, walk pets or shop can ask for help from the community.

Canterbury District Health Board Chief Executive David Meates said, “We know historically that influenza pandemics can’t be managed by the health sector alone.

Community support is really important in ensuring that people can look after themselves and others at home.”
 
Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group said, “If people are well looked after in the community, they are also less likely to need medical assistance and medical staff will be able to continue to provide services to those most in need. Volunteers will play a really important role in assisting those who don’t have family and friends to help.”

Launching the website today, Mayor Bob Parker said, “Past pandemics have shown communities which were organised and prepared came through in the best shape, and volunteers played an important role in helping those communities manage the pandemic. This volunteer self-registration website is part of that community preparation.”

Dr Schroeder said, “In the peak week of the pandemic 40,000 people may be infected with swine flu, with large numbers of those needing some form of assistance at home. Most of those affected will be able to recover at home and without medical assistance. However some people will require help at home and without volunteers it would be difficult for existing health and welfare systems to adequately respond to this level of demand. Volunteers will make a big difference.”

“We are encouraging people to volunteer so we have a database to call on if needed. To register visit www.fluinfo.org.nz and click on the register to volunteer link on the home page.”

Volunteers can help in many ways, ranging from administration functions, delivering meals, through to providing personal care in the home. All information collected on the volunteer self-registration website will be used by health, local authority, civil defence and other volunteers coordinating a response to the current pandemic and information will be stored securely.

Before helping in the community, volunteers will be provided information about how to keep themselves safe. There will also be basic training and an induction for specific roles. All volunteers will be asked to pay more attention to basics like hand-hygiene and keeping one metre away from sick people.

Working in collaboration with the CDHB and the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group is Civil Defence. Jon Mitchell, Manager of the Regional Emergency Management Office in Canterbury said, “The development of the volunteer self-registration system is an example of how Canterbury’s health and Civil Defence Emergency Management partners across the region are working together to meet the health and welfare needs of the community in times of need.”

For more information about influenza in Canterbury visit www.fluinfo.org.nz

ENDS