Hospital operating at capacity

Hawke's Bay Hospital is operating at full capacity.

Hawke's Bay Hospital is at full capacity, and unless it's an emergency, people are being urged to seek medical care from their family doctor or medical centre.

Chief Medical Officer of Primary Care, Dr Mark Peterson said the hospital was very busy with a surge of patients presenting over the past few days with a wide variety of illnesses and injuries.

Dr Peterson said people presenting with minor injuries or illnesses could expect to wait for a long time as the Emergency Department prioritised patients needing urgent care.

"Emergency Department clinicians are highly trained in emergency care and caring for people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

An early visit to your doctor can often prevent a hospital stay or emergency presentation," Dr Peterson said.

To cope with the pressure, at the hospital, surgeries were being reshuffled and bed numbers have been increased.

The situation was not expected to ease for at least a few days, he said.

To find a family doctor and other health information people could check www.ourhealthhb.nz, which can provide health information specifically for Hawke's Bay people.