Hawke's Bay Hospital has been forced to cancel some surgeries because of unprecedented demand over the holiday season.
Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Hastings. Photo: RNZ / Peter Fowler
Acting chief executive Sharon Mason said the demand on the hospital services, especially acute surgery, had been unrelenting.
The emergency department recorded its highest number of patients, with 170 people visiting on New Year's Day.
The number of people turning up with minor injuries and illnesses made it difficult for emergency staff to find the sickest patients.
Mrs Mason said the hospital would have to cancel some elective surgeries planned for early next week.
"We've also had some events and concerts on recently in the past few days ... so, I think it's a combination of the local population plus an influx of tourists."
She urged people to use the local accident and medical centres in Hastings and Napier.