Middlemore Hospital's emergency department flooded with patients
People are being urged to seek the right medical care as patients flock to Middlemore Hospital's emergency department, nearly filling it to capacity.
A Counties Manukau Health Spokesperson said the level of presentations are not normal for this time of year.
"We are unsure as to the reasons for the increase however it is placing higher than usual demand on the emergency department," the spokesperson said.
“ We encourage the community to seek the right care for their condition and enable the emergency department to focus its resources on patients who have life-threatening emergencies.
"
Accident and Medical clinics deliver support for patients who feel unwell outside of regular GP hours or on weekends and public holidays, the spokesperson said.
The clinics give free or low-cost care to children aged under 14 years, adults over 65 and community service card or high user health card holders.
The clinical director of Middlemore Hospital’s Emergency Department, Dr Vanessa Thornton, said most times a GP can provide medical advice and prescriptions and help to manage long-term conditions.
If people don’t have a family doctor they can
find one on Healthpoint, an online directory for GPs and medical clinics.
“In taking these steps people will be supporting our ED staff by enabling them to
focus their time and resources on patients who have life-threatening emergencies.”
Health advice is available 24 hours a day by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Denim, but make it one-of-a-kind 💙
Not every pair of jeans makes it to the rack... but that doesn’t mean their story ends there. Our talented volunteer Annie has been transforming damaged denim into handcrafted bags, hats and aprons in our Onehunga SPCA Op Shop ✂️🧵
This latest batch even features her own hand-sewn designs, and customers have been loving them, they sell almost as soon as they hit the shelf!
It’s creativity, sustainability and community all stitched together, helping animals in need 🐾
📍 217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
🕘 9am–5pm, 7 days
Loading…
