An expectant mother had to be flown to Dunedin Hospital from Christchurch as its neonatal intensive care unit was full.
A Canterbury District Health Board spokesperson said when required, for capacity-related reasons, they do need to transfer mothers with high-risk pregnancies to other regions with available NICU beds, before they deliver their baby.
The Herald understands the woman was transported to Dunedin by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter on Tuesday night.