Whakaari/White Island: Australia thanks Waikato for care under ‘extraordinary circumstances’
Rule-breaking rescuers and medical staffers acting under “extraordinary circumstances” have been recognised for their work after the Whakaari/White Island eruption.
Australia shouted morning tea for a group of Waikato Hospital staffers on Thursday, as a thank you. The hospital went into overdrive after the eruption, when eight critically ill patients arrived over a two-hour period.
“We deal with a lot of this on a daily basis,” Waikato’s director of trauma Grant Christey told the crowd assembled for the Australian High Commissioner’s visit. “Our challenge might end when the patients are discharged but [the patients’ and whānau’s] challenge goes on for a long time.”
Christey – reading a list so he didn’t forget – acknowledged everyone from those who died to hospital staff, first responders and people who transported victims from the island.
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Stuff Waikato: Libby Wilson, January 30, 2020
