Southland Hospital's emergency department admission rates have significantly risen over the past several weeks, prompting calls to Southlanders to visit their GP before an illness worsens.

The Southland District Health Board (DHB) is urging Southlanders to consider visiting their GP before an illness can become serious as Southland Hospital is operating at very high capacity.

The DHB says the hospital's admission rates have "significantly risen" over the past several weeks, which has added pressure on the department and delayed some planned surgeries.

Surgical services and radiology general manager Dr Janine Cochrane said there appeared to be an increase in acuity of patients.

That is, those who are more unwell by the time they get to the emergency department (ED).

“There are a number of patients in the Emergency Department today who require admission and are currently not able to be accommodated in the wards. These patients continue to receive care in the ED.”

The Emergency Department sees the sickest people first, so for others there could be lengthy wait times. This considerable increase in volume could also result in longer wait times and delays for planned surgeries.  

“We have postponed a number of patients for surgery today. Some of these patients have been postponed a number of times over the last three weeks due to acute pressure,” Dr Cochrane said.

“We appreciate that this is very frustrating and we thank those affected for their understanding as we work to support the very sick people who have presented to our emergency department and have needed to be admitted to hospital.

“Our staff are doing a fantastic job in these challenging circumstances as we continue to manage these increased patients numbers. We really appreciate the efforts staff are making to continue the high level of care for our patients.”

To help ease this pressure, patients are urged not to wait until something becomes an emergency. Patients are strongly encouraged to visit a GP before any condition can worsen. 

Healthline is also available at any time – 0800 611 116