Hospital braces for busy weekend

Unless it's an emergency, going to the GP should always be the first choice for treatment rather than hospital.Photo/File

While many will be enjoying Anzac Day celebrations, the Hawke's Bay Hospital Emergency Department will be gearing up for a busy long weekend.

However emergency department head Renee Greven-Garcia says the public can help ease the congestion.

"There have been some very sick people ... but there were also a number of minor matters needing attention," she said.

"I want to remind people that there are many services available to them over the coming weekend and the hospital's priority remains with the seriously injured and ill."

The Easter weekend was described as "overwhelmingly busy" by Dr Greven-Garcia, with high numbers in the early and late evening creating most pressure on the service.

She said the rule of thumb was unless it was an emergency the GP should always be the first choice, or the nearest accident and medical centre. Healthline on 0800 611116 could also be a great help.

With the weekend just the mid-point of the school holidays, Dr Greven-Garcia said it was timely to remind people to concentrate, whether working around the home, at play or driving.

"Easter Weekend showed that New Zealand roads continue to be dangerous, with four people dying," she said.

"Whether heading out of town, heading back to town, or just driving around our province take care. Be patient, keep your speed within limits, drive to the conditions, don't drive fatigued and definitely don't drive after excessive drinking - preferably, any drinking.

"Let's stay out of the statistics."