The head of Wellington hospital's emergency department says people are more likely to take unnecessary risks when they mix alcohol and energy drinks.
Paul Quigley says emergency department staff frequently see patients ''pumped up'' on energy drinks who do not realise how much alcohol they have drunk and who then hurt themselves.
He says staff find it difficult to handle what he calls the "buzzed-out and intoxicated" friends who accompany the patient.
This has led to more security at the hospital.