"We are seeing high numbers and high acuity in those. So we are having to prioritise the very sick patients and having to sift them out of the crowds to provide that emergency care, amongst those large volumes of people that potentially might be able to be seen somewhere else."
However, some people presenting at ED could potentially have been seen at an alternative medical provider.
Only 53 out of the 161 people presenting on Tuesday needed to be admitted.
"Those very sick patients are our priority, because we are emergency physicians. We are treating those patients first. They are time-consuming and personnel consuming - and they should be, that's what our core business is - but patients that can wait are potentially frustrated by their wait.
"We don't turn anybody away, we will treat anybody who presents but what we're trying to do is get the best for everybody. We want to provide our best treatment to the very sick and we want people who have minor injuries and illnesses to also get the best care but sometimes that could be somewhere else."
Dr Bradbury added that there were plenty of options available to people with minor illness and sickness.
"There are urgent care practitioners widely spaced around the community, who could potentially be helping these lower triage patients."
Some people had also been coming to ED to get doctor's scripts re-filled, when that could have been done at a GP, pharmacy or a medical centre in either Napier or Hastings.
There was also a percentage of people presenting with issues that could have been dealt with earlier.
"So, I guess going into another four-day weekend, we're asking people to think if they can get something sorted before the weekend or if it is something that could wait to see a GP after the weekend, rather than coming to the emergency department in the middle of these big numbers."
With an influx of alcohol-related incidents expected over the New Year, people should consider what was the best option.
"Alcohol, over the New Year will be a big issue no doubt and I think we just want to re-iterate for people to be sensible over the holiday period.
"The emergency department is the last place you want to see the New Year in."
One of the big difficulties for ED staff was when groups of people presented in surges.
"If there are alcohol-related incidents, often they come in their numbers and that has a huge impact on trying to triage, and we want to make sure our outcomes for patients are excellent but sometimes when you're dealing with those surges it can be difficult to cope with."
While alcohol-related injures and illness had not been a big issue over Christmas, it was anticipated that it would more of an issue over the New Year period.
A hospital spokeswoman pointed out that people in both Napier and Hastings could also use the Wellesley Road Health Centre, which was open 24/7.
"People can go there so she can triage you. They have prescribing rights, so they can do a high level of service but they also have access to the paramedic or they can transfer people to ED."
It costs $65 if a patient needed the paramedic after 9pm but it was free to see the nurse.
"The nurse can also make an appointment for the next day with your GP, if she thinks you will be fine but they would like a doctor to check you out."
People should visit the ourhealthhb.nz website link for a list of practices and medical centres open over the holiday period.
http://www.ourhealthhb.nz/choose-well/where-should-i-go/after-hours/gp-hours-over-christmas-new-year-period/
