Greymouth's main hospital is to stop taking bookings for most non-urgent surgery because of a shortage of nurses.
West Coast District Health Board announced it would reduce reduce elective surgery at Grey Hospital from August 13.
The announcement reverses the board's assurances three weeks ago that it couldcope with a shortage of 15 nurses by "subtle changes" which patients were unlikely to notice.
The hospital's community liaison officer, Vikki Carter, said today some additional staff were now taking leave for a variety of reasons.
She said few patients would actually have surgery postponed.
"We will, for the most part, be unable to book some inpatient procedures until staffing improves."
She said booked patients whose surgery had been postponed would be advised as soon as possible.
"At this stage we can't give a number. Clinicians are working to identify which patients have the greatest need to ensure they receive their procedures in a timely manner".
Acting chief executive Wayne Champion said he was extremely disappointed the DHB now needed to take more significant steps to safely manage the nursing shortage.
"The decision to reduce inpatient elective surgery was made to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
"We need to ensure that patient to staff ratios remain at a safe and manageable level and unfortunately until more staff are recruited this means the only option was to reduce the number of patients on the surgical ward."
Mr Champion said the DHB was constantly trying to recruit nursing staff, but unfortunately a nationwide shortage had created difficulties in attracting both permanent and locum staff.
The DHB would be writing to GPs and to any patients whose procedures were being postponed.
"If you do not receive a letter telling you that your procedure has been postponed you should assume it is still on," Mr Champion said.
