Six ambulances were turned away from Auckland Hospital on Monday night because its emergency department was too full.
The hospital was under so much pressure patients had to be treated in a public space normally used as back up in case of mass injuries such as from a plane crash or earthquake.
Te Whatu Ora Auckland interim director Mike Shepherd said it was rare to have to divert ambulances.
Those that could not go to Auckland were sent to North Shore and Middlemore hospitals instead.
Patients who needed care that could only be offered at Auckland Hospital were still accepted, he said.
An emergency specialist at the hospital and member of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Amanda Rosenberg, said there was no physical space left in the ED on Monday, even every bit of corridor space was being used.
The overflow area that was opened was in the atrium of the main building and was normally a public recreational space but was instead used for ambulance patients still on the stretchers they came in on.
There was no privacy, she said.
"They're already quite frightened that they've had to call an ambulance to come to hospital I would imagine. And then being shunted into a space that's not really designed to care for patients on a regular basis must be even more frightening," she said.
Many waited several hours to get into the department and the ambulance officers had to stay with them, meaning they could not attend other emergencies, she said.
The situation in the hospital ED on Monday had been building for a while.
The hospital was so full, patients who needed a ward bed could not be admitted straight away and took up space in the emergency department.
Some were waiting there two and a half days, she said.
One day last week there were only four beds in the department that could be used for emergency patients, she said.
College of Emergency Medicine New Zealand chair Kate Allan said the situation was not unique to Auckland — there were extremely full hospitals all over the country.
With this level of pressure already, she and her colleagues worried about what the winter peak would bring.
Shepherd said the ED was now returning to normal levels.
He wanted to assure anyone who needed care that they would get it.
Operations have been postponed at Dunedin Hospital because of staff shortages and a busy Emergency Department, it emerged yesterday.
The hospital warned about how busy it was, and apologised to patients who had to wait for care.
There were large numbers of people coming to the Emergency Department as well as staff illness and vacancies, it said.
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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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88.5% Yes, it's fair
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10.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
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2024 NZ Chinese Food and Culture Festival
Get ready for the 2nd annual New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival happening on November 17, 2024 hosted at the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in West Auckland! This year’s festival is going to be bigger, better, and packed with even more mouthwatering food and vibrant cultural performances. After the huge success of last year’s event, we’re bringing fresh ideas and exciting twists to make this an unforgettable celebration of Chinese food and culture—right here in New Zealand!
Expect a dazzling fusion of flavours, traditions, and local charm as the festival brings together delicious Chinese cuisine and unique cultural showcases. This year's event will feature even more food stalls, a wider variety of performances, and some special guests, including the incredibly talented singer Zhang Mengmeng!
With extensive media coverage and buzz from nearly 20 outlets, it's the perfect chance for foodies and cultural enthusiasts alike to show off their talents, share their love for Chinese culture, and create lasting connections. Whether you're a local or coming from overseas, this festival is all about celebrating diversity, unity, and deliciousness.
So, gather your family and friends, and join us for a day filled with tasty eats, awesome entertainment, and lots of fun! Don’t miss out—come celebrate, savour, and make memories at the New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival!
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