But nursing was where hospitals were feeling it most, Allan said.
That was because of existing shortages, made worse by the fact that nurses either have Covid-19 or are caring for children or family members who do so could not come to work.
Departments were particularly missing senior nurses, who were critical to two key parts of emergency departments - triage and resuscitation.
Combined with doctors and other members of the health team, their absences had a significant impact, Allan said.
"It means there are longer waits for people, people get angrier."
Other parts of the hospitals are pitching in to help and staff are often working overtime to help ease the problem, she said.
"We just have to work how we can and do the best we can on any given day and get in as much help as we can from outside to help us deliver care safely."
Emergency departments in Auckland have been swamped with Covid cases. Photo / Michael Craig
Those who needed care urgently would still get it quickly, but less urgent cases will likely have a longer wait, she said.
