Christchurch Hospital's emergency department has been swamped with patients this week, while Canterbury's urgent care facilities are also under significant pressure.
On Tuesday alone, 368 people turned up at the department.
By 4pm yesterday, 101 people were either being treated or waiting to be seen.
The high demand means that some surgeries and appointments are being rescheduled, while some of Canterbury's clinics are closing their doors to walk-in patients.
Photo:
The officer in charge of Canterbury's seasonal response Becky Hickmott spoke to Corin Dann.
