More than 700 people were seen at Christchurch Hospital's emergency department over the weekend, prompting a plea for people not to turn up unless it is a genuine emergency.
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Influenza was circulating in the region, along with Covid-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses, which were also affecting staff.
Emergency department clinical director Dr Mark Gilbert said people who did not need urgent care should seek treatment elsewhere or manage minor ailments at home.
"Over the weekend, we saw more than 700 people present at ED which led to long wait times for those with less serious illnesses and today is expected to remain busy into the evening," he said in a statement.
Dr Gilbert said people could visit urgent care centres, contact their GP or call Healthline for advice instead.
"This will enable our ED staff to focus on those who really need emergency care and continue to provide quality care, particularly over weekends," he said.
"I would like to emphasise though, that if you are really unwell, we want to see you at ED."
Canterbury DHB's spokeswoman Becky Hickmott said people who were not seriously ill could expect long emergency department wait times.
"People with non-emergency conditions are likely to experience a long wait to be seen in ED and at urgent care centres as we need to triage everyone presenting to ensure those in the greatest need, with life-threatening conditions are seen first," she said.
Hawke's Bay Hospital was also under pressure because of the number of people sick with the coronavirus or the flu.
Doctors were treating 20 people with Covid-19 and 10 people with influenza A, two of whom needed ICU-level care in the past week.
The district health board said health staff were also falling ill, resulting in the closure of the City Medical urgent care centre in Napier last night and today.
DHB spokesman Chris Ash said there had been a big increase in the number of people seeking help for respiratory illnesses, creating long wait times.
"If it's not an emergency, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, your pharmacy or your GP. We encourage people to use the hospital's emergency department for emergencies only, as priority will always be given to those with life-threatening conditions," he said.
The region's medical officer of health Dr Nick Jones said most people could manage Covid-19, the flu or other respiratory illnesses at home by resting, keeping up fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.
