Whanganui Hospital emergency department reaches 253% capacity during winter surge
Sunday 20 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Health New Zealand
Whanganui Hospital's 15-bed emergency department reached 253% capacity during a single day in early September. During one week in the month, patient turnover was reported at 680% of the department's capacity.
Key facts
5 facts
- Whanganui Hospital emergency department has 15 beds.
- Patient turnover reached 680% of capacity during the second week of September.
- Capacity reached a high of 253% on one day between 2 and 9 September.
- Expansion work in the emergency department is scheduled to begin in October.
- Recent staff hires include three specialist nurses, a geriatric emergency nurse, and a physiotherapist.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Whanganui Hospital's emergency department treated almost seven times the number of people it was built for during the second week of September. On one day between 2 and 9 September, the 15-bed department reached 253% capacity, meaning approximately 50 patients were in the department at once. This high turnover rate was equivalent to 680% of capacity for the week.
Kath Fraser-Chapple, Health NZ group director of operations for Whanganui, stated that the high turnover was based on patient churn rather than the number of patients occupying spaces at a single time. She noted that demand is starting to ease from the high levels seen during the winter peak.
Staffing has been increased with recent hires including three specialist nurses, a dedicated geriatric emergency department nurse, and a physiotherapist. Work is scheduled to begin in October to expand treatment space, improve the mental health assessment area, increase storage, and provide a staff meal room.
Nurse Kathryn Fleming described the period as "incredibly stressful". She said the high numbers created "a huge health and safety risk".
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and 1News.