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There are concerns a new policy at Wellington Hospital's maternity ward could have an impact on the health of mothers and their babies.
Staff shortages at Wellington Hospital mean second-time mothers who are well will be encouraged to go home six hours after giving birth.
Jo Fitzpatrick of the National Council of Women said while other hospitals had considered such action, the policy was the first time it had been implemented in New Zealand.
She said many things could happen six hours after a woman had given birth, including jaundice in babies.
Ms Fitzpatrick said on the third day, some women began to suffer post-natal depression and their milk also comes down, which was a lot to cope with.
The hospital is currently in ";code red"; status, which is put in place when all beds at the hospital are full and the Emergency Department has to accommodate people who would usually be taken to other wards.
Emergency Department doctor Gabriel Lau said there had been a surge in accidental injuries and acute illnesses.
He said over the past year there had been an increasing trend in sicker patients turning up to the hospital and it was very unusual to be operating in code red at this time of year.
Mr Lau urged people with minor injuries to see their GP or the after hours medical service.
- NEWSTALK ZB
