Whakatāne and Tauranga hospitals are feeling the pressure of winter with a recent influx of patients in emergency departments.
The increase has led Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty to recommend that non-emergency patients consider healthcare alternatives before heading straight to hospital.
The organisation says that currently, some individuals seeking care may not require hospital-level treatment and that alternative healthcare options available for those with minor ailments.
"Hospitals around the country, including the Bay of Plenty, are feeling the effects of winter with people coming to our Emergency Departments for help," says Pauline McGrath Gup, Director of Operations, Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
"We’ve planned for this, knowing we will experience the usual increase in respiratory illness,"
"The public can be assured that if they or their loved ones need urgent hospital-level care, they will receive it,"
"If it is not urgent think about your other options - people can contact the free Healthline (0800 611 116) to speak to a registered nurse, or local GPs, healthcare providers and community pharmacies,"
"Anyone who needs urgent, or emergency care, should come to ED without delay or call 111," McGrath Gup says.
Public Interest Journalism funded through New Zealand On Air.
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