Last year, particularly during the months of July to September, the Whanganui Accident and Medical (WAM) clinic experienced high numbers of patients presenting. There are various reasons for this, including seasonal illnesses, such as colds and flu. The trend is expected to repeat this year and if it does, patients may experience considerable waiting times at WAM. The busiest times at WAM are usually Monday and Friday, 9am to 4pm. 

10 April 2018

To mark April Falls Month, Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) is urging Whanganui residents to ask themselves how safe their home is, given that many things we look at every day could be potential hazards that lead to a fall.

WDHB director of nursing and Patient Safety and Quality general manager Sandy Blake says “while the risk of falling increases with age, the good news is – we can all do something about it”.

8 November  

Whanganui now has three confirmed cases of mumps – two adults and one child who have been notified to the Public Health Centre.

Whanganui medical officer of health Patrick O’Connor says more than 900 cases of mumps have now been notified across New Zealand with most in Auckland, and most in the 15 to 24 age group.

Mumps is caused by a virus which can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or passes it on through their saliva when kissing or sharing food and drink. Antibiotics will not treat the infection or prevent spread.