Hospitals cancels elective surgeries amid spike in winter illness
New Zealand hospitals are canceling elective surgeries due to a surge in Influenza A and other respiratory illnesses. While the situation varies by region, the influx of medical patients is creating significant pressure on hospital capacity and waiting lists.
Why it matters
The strain on healthcare systems during winter months highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing acute care needs with elective medical procedures.
A spike in Influenza A and other respiratory illnesses is forcing hospitals across New Zealand to cancel patients’ elective surgeries.
Middlemore Hospital has been forced to place beds in corridors to meet demand from flu patients, while schools have reported more than 100 absent students daily title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/what-viruses-are-going-around-new-zealand-at-the-moment-and-how-to-tell-which-one-you-have/premium/MJHT2RZ53JHCBM7MWPQHN7R6GI/">amid a surge in respiratory illness in recent weeks.
Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Dr Sharon English said a mix of community outbreaks and staffing shortages were creating different pressures for hospitals throughout the country.
Hospitals in the regions were experiencing the most disruption.
English said colleagues at Auckland City Hospital and Christchurch Hospital hadn’t reported any issues with elective surgeries being cancelled, although those at Wairarapa Hospital had seen the backlog on waiting lists grow.
“It’s a very patchy thing that’s going on,” English said.
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