The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is predicting pressure on its resources if there is an Omicron outbreak.

'As we've seen from the outbreak in Australia, Omicron is highly infectious and spreads quickly,” says BOPDHB Covid-19 incident controller Trevor Richardson.

'It is possible that there will be large numbers of cases in our communities, and this will place pressure on resources.”

Today, the Ministry of Health confirmed an Omicron case in Palmerston North and another potential one in Auckland.

Trevor says they will manage each patient along the same lines they have developed and used for the Covid-19 patients already cared for in the hospital.

He says the difference will be predominantly around a greater number needing care alongside potential increases in staff sickness impacting how they provide the service.

'The numbers anticipated with Omicron at its peak may result in service changes and providing services in different ways (virtual or contactless).

'We want to seize the opportunity of using staff differently to keep our community safe but also working flexibly to cope with expected staff absences – all working as one team to fill in any gaps.”

The BOPDHB's protocols are based on the national clinical guidelines and Infection Prevention and Control guidance, both of which are available on the Ministry website.

Trevor says they are locally adjusted to the settings they work in.

'We have similarly adapted the protocols from Auckland hospitals and shared within that guidance to have practices consistent with other areas of the country.”

The DHB recently completed upgrades of a dedicated Covid ward with ventilation that is appropriate for managing such patients.

A dedicated Covid-19 ward is now in place with ventilation that is appropriate for managing such patients. Supplied photo.

Whilst the original planning with the Ministry for this space started with the early pandemic and has progressed through Delta, Trevor says it was not informed by the Omicron situation.

He says they have continued to develop other areas which will provide them with more beds at this standard and better environments across the DHB's two emergency departments.

'We have pathways for managing possible and confirmed Covid-19 patients who require hospitalisation across the Bay which have been well-tested through the recent Delta outbreak.

'Omicron patients will follow the same pathways with the main work now being on the impact on higher numbers, recognising the differing severity of presentations.”

Trevor says one of the main learnings from overseas, having shared experiences with colleagues especially in Australia, is the importance of managing what comes into hospital.

This applies to both those coming with Covid-19 and related issues and also those attending hospital for the countless other reasons seen on a daily basis.

'Bearing that in mind, we are looking to provide our services somewhat differently but would also ask that our communities consider this.

'We will always be there for people who are sick and need care but we ask for consideration and respect for the need to do things differently which might require understanding if things look different or you are sent somewhere or managed in a different manner.”

Trevor urges people to consider where more minor problems can be addressed including services such as community pharmacies in addition to the GP or Emergency Department, who will both likely be under significant pressures.

Tauranga Hospital's emergency department entrance.

Because Omicron is highly infectious, Trevor says it becomes even more important to follow the Government's Covid-19 advice and guidelines.

'Vaccination is the best protection against Covid-19, and evidence shows that a booster dose provides better protection against Omicron than two doses. A booster dose is also likely to offer better protection against transmitting the virus to friends and whanau.

'If you are unwell or have been exposed to a Covid-19 case, stay at home. Do not travel or take part in events or activities if you are sick. Contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice and arrange to get tested.

'Wear a mask or face covering when out and about, scan everywhere you go, and have your My Vaccine Pass ready – either on your phone or a paper copy.

'Of course, we should all continue to follow good hygiene practices and be aware of the measures we need to take under the red, orange and green traffic light settings.

'We need to look after each other in these times and if friends or loved ones are struggling both help and reach out for support to prevent reaching a crisis point.”