Pressure fears eased at troubled hospital

Concerns of stretched emergency services in the Waikato have so far been unfounded.

Fears have eased over Waikato Hospital's services being stretched to the limit after there were fewer emergency admissions than predicted and no major trauma cases overnight.

It was reported yesterday the emergency department was under pressure because of a series of road accidents and other trauma incidents.

Waikato Hospital group manager Hayley McConnell said it was a priority to keep the department for real emergencies only and local medical centres were open for less urgent cases.

Today hospital spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill said pressure had eased overnight.

At 6.30am the hospital had 380 patients, including a baby boy born just after midnight, she said.

Several patients were expected to spend time at home with families before returning later in the day.

There were 12 patients in emergency department this morning compared with 40 at 2pm yesterday, Ms Gill said.

- NZPA