Long wait at ED creates big response

Wairarapa Hospital issued a "full capacity" notice this week. Photo / File

Waiting times at the Emergency Department is guaranteed to stir up a bit of feeling among readers, and that was borne out by the Times-Age story on Wednesday about Wairarapa Hospital being full to capacity.

Readers were warned that waiting times at the ED were likely to be longer than usual as the hospital struggled with high demand and shortages in their staff, who were also enduring the maladies running through the community.

The story received nearly 6000 views and over 30 likes.

Some comments were angry, even too strong to be displayed, but others were grateful for the service and complimentary of the staff.

Trish Te Tau Carroll said she was in there two weeks and staff were "fantastic", with the new receptionist being "lovely, you need real people skills to be at that desk".

Traze King said the best solution might be to "rest up and let it (the virus) take its course. The staff at A&E are amazing ... give credit where credit is due."

Tonianne Rose said all hospital staff tried their best. "None of you have any idea what they go through daily."

Johnny Meeuws said he was at ED this week waiting with his 2-year-old son who had a bad infection.

"Come on people go see a GP for your sniffing if not take a harden-up pill and leave emergency department for people who have real illnesses."

But others said GPs weren't available after hours, and the hospital was the only option.

Ani Teariki said every time she went, it was because it was after hours.

"I have always ended up leaving. I don't enjoy sitting around hours on end waiting to see a doctor and Helpline can't write out a prescription.

"It doesn't matter what time of the year it is either, I hear the same damn excuse every time: 'we are under staffed and extremely busy'."