A Whanganui surgeon has reported working a 16-hour shift in theatre, an incident the health board deems serious.
On Friday, during a Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) meeting, chief executive Julie Patterson said working that many hours comes with an element of risk and it was a concern.
"It should not have happened. We don't know the details but an investigation will be done to find out why it happened."
WDHB board member Judith MacDonald said she would like to know if there was some kind of culture behind the long shift.
"Was the surgeon instructed to work that many hours, was it a one-off or does it happen more than we are aware?" Ms MacDonald asked.