Waikato Hospital Emergency Department
Kia ora, last week we put out a message on our Facebook page because our Emergency Department at Waikato was in overload and Waikato Hospital was full. You may have come across this media with the following headlines: Don’t come unless it’s an emergency, Waikato Hospital ED staff stay.
We would like to thank those that shared our important message via social media with friends and whānau because with your support, we reached over 100,000 people. We’ve been so busy we did forget to use Neighbourly as a media channel, but will do so in the future.
The situation is more manageable now thanks to your support and the relentless work by our staff, but we are still extremely busy.
It is even more important we keep spreading this message because no matter what our hospital capacity is, the same message stands at all times: Unless you have a real emergency, please check first with your GP or phone Healthline 0800 611 116 before coming to Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department.
And it's really important that you continue to take good care of yourselves from nutrition to things like washing your hands often, keeping up your fluids and keeping active. There are lots of programmes available in the Waikato to support all ages including the Green Prescription by Sport Waikato that helps educate women around food and exercise, and if you're looking to quit smoking try ONCE AND FOR ALL (www.onceandforall.co.nz).
And please make sure you see your GP regularly to avoid becoming too unwell.
Now is also a good time to sign up to SmartHealth, a free online healthcare service using your smart phone, tablet device or computer. You can use SmartHealth to talk to a free out of hour’s doctor by video, voice or text chat. Visit www.smarthealth.org.nz... for more information and to sign up.
Also read some of the positive patient experience stories from people around the Waikato.
Take care of yourselves Waikato.
Ngā mihi from Waikato DHB
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
20.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
68.7% Nah - not for me
Adults Arts Therapy
Discover the benefits of art making at Arts for Health. Our Wednesday art therapy class offers a creative, relaxing escape. Guided by Scarlett, you'll engage in artful activities designed to help you unwind and reconnect with yourself as you paint, draw, design and experiment with a wide range of art materials. This art therapy class is ideal for adults, no experience is needed - just bring yourself, and we’ll provide all materials and equipment. With a limit of only 8 participants, you'll enjoy a personalised experience and meet some amazing people along the way.
Book now at www.artsforhealth.co.nz...
Treasured Book Workshop Series
Create your own treasure book in this eight-week Hamilton workshop. Choose your cover, pick your papers, and learn simple book-binding techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind keepsake filled with pockets, textures, and space for your stories.
This workshop is all about slowing down, exploring new skills, and enjoying time just for you.
A relaxed, creative space to make something meaningful and uniquely yours.
Book now at www.artsforhealth.co.nz...
Loading…
