High patient and staff sickness prompts call to avoid Christchurch ED if possible

The Canterbury District Health Board is urging people to only visit Christchurch Hospital's emergency department in an emergency.

It says a high number of patients and staff sickness mean people will likely be in for a long wait if their condition is not urgent

The chief medical officer Helen Skinner said the hospital had 527 patients overnight - 105 people were being treated in the emergency department.

The hospital is asking people to call their GP first.

Christchurch also has three urgent care clinics that can treat a range of conditions.