Hawke's Bay Hospital's acute theatres going 24/7

Emergency teams at Hawke's Bay Hospital in Hastings have been non-stop. Photo / File

Doctors at Hawke's Bay Hospital have been carrying out life-saving operations almost constantly for the past four days - leading to uncomfortable delays for those not in immediate danger.

"Since Christmas Eve the acute theatre teams at all the hospitals' acute theatres have been operating pretty much 24/7, dealing with a wide-range of injuries and medical conditions", a hospital spokeswoman said.

"So, that is life-saving acute theatre, where somebody can come in with a medical condition that needs life-saving attention. They have been going 24/7. It has been really busy, but if anybody's condition deteriorates after they have left hospital, they should always re-present to ED or a GP.

"We do apologise for any delays that cause undue stress but we have to prioritise life-threatening conditions over conditions that can wait but we urge anyone whose condition deteriorates to seek medical attention straight away."

She also pointed out that the emergency department had been busy since Christmas Day afternoon. There were a total of 138 presentation to ED staff over the Christmas Day period.

However, there was still the after-hours GP service available.

"That service is really good after hours. After 9pm you can ring your GP and be put through to a nurse working out of Wellesley Rd who can triage you, and if you are serious they can send a paramedic to your home."

There was a $65 callout charge for that service.

"It's just another option that is available," she said.

This month Hawke's Bay District Health Board approved a $12 million investment to refurbish the hospital operating theatre, which would provide increased surgical capacity from 2019.

The project is designed to increase surgical capacity to meet demand in the short term, and includes building an additional theatre and the refurbishment of many other theatre services.

Initial building work should begin late next year, and expected to be completed by 2020.