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Some patients are being kept in corridors as winter bites and hospitals battle to cope with high numbers.
The problems are nationwide and are exacerbated by illness among staff.
At North Shore Hospital in Auckland some patients are having to spend time in the corridor because of a shortage of beds.
It is also bringing in extra cleaning and catering services as it deals with an overflow of patients in its emergency department.
North Shore hospital's general manager of adult health Rachel Haggerty said the cold weather is increasing people's susceptibility to sickness and patents are more likely to stay longer in hospital.
"We have people in the corridors and some are waiting for beds. It can be several hours but that wouldn't be abnormal," she said.
The situation is likely to get worse through July and August, Ms Haggerty added.
Across the bridge, Auckland City Hospital is also experiencing problems. Spokeswoman there Fleur King said many patients were seeking treatment for concerns other than winter-related illnesses.
Wellington Hospital went to code orange yesterday morning after hitting a 95 per cent occupancy rate. A shortage of nurses is adding to the burden, with many on sick leave.
Capital and Coast DHB chief operating officer Martin Hefford told Newstalk ZB that the situation was not unusual in winter.
"In winter we get a double whammy. We get more patents coming in because they're sick and we also have more staff away because they're sick as well,"Mr Hefford said.
The District Health Board said that, as a result, fewer beds are available in the emergency department.
The hospital is asking people with non-urgent complaints to go to their GP first when possible.
However, in Christchurch, a health group claims people are opting to go to the hospital's emergency department for treatment rather than go to their GP or after-hour clinics because the cost of those services is too high.
Eleanor Carter from Health Cuts Hurt said it can cost $70 or more to visit one of the clinics.
- NEWSTALK ZB, EDWARD GAY
