Health New Zealand is reassuring the Gisborne community that people who need hospital-level care will continue to receive it as the local emergency department faces high demand.
John Swiatczak, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti group director of operations, said that while demand on Gisborne Hospital’s ED had been lower over the holiday period, it continued to experience high demand due to an ageing population, patient acuity and patients' complex needs, like many other EDs across the country.
“While the number of Emergency Department presentations at Gisborne Hospital varies per month, the overall trend shows an increase over the past six months,” Swiatczak said.
Between April 1 and July 31 last year, ahead of the closure of Tairāwhiti’s last after-hours service on September 1, there were 9045 attendances at the Gisborne Hospital ED.
For the following four-month period between August 1, 2024, and December 1, 2024, there were 9387 presentations at Gisborne Hospital’s ED.
Overall, between August 1, 2024, and January 9, 2025, there were 12,682 attendances.
The data records presentations over a 24-hour period and Swiatczak noted several factors may have played a role in the increase.
“We want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff, who continue to provide high-quality care and support to our patients and their whānau during what can be busy and challenging periods,” Swiatczak said.
“Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti would like to reassure the community that if people require hospital-level care, they will receive it.”
Swiatczak said those who required medical care or advice were encouraged to seek it as early as possible and consider using telehealth options or calling Healthline. In an emergency, people should always call 111.