People are being warned the Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital has no spare space.
The hospital in Hastings is running at full capacity, and there are long delays in the emergency department.
DHB spokeswoman Anna Kirk says people should see their GP first, unless it's an emergency.
Ms Kirk says they need to clear as many beds as possible, so people shouldn't wait to pick up family members when they're discharged.
- NEWSTALK ZB
