Patients face 24-hour waits at Wellington Hospital emergency department

Sunday 30 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Sun 30 Aug, 11:19am

In this story Simeon Brown

Patients at Wellington Hospital's emergency department have faced wait times exceeding 24 hours this month. One patient reportedly fell and hit his head while waiting 12 hours to be seen. Health Minister Simeon Brown has described the current situation as unacceptable.

How they headlined it

8:59am10am11:19am

1. Stuff via RNZSun 30 Aug, 8:59am

   Some patients face 24-hour wait at Wellington Hospital emergency department (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesSun 30 Aug, 8:59am

   ‘A sh**show to work in’: Patients face 24-hour wait at Wellington Hospital ED (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldSun 30 Aug, 10:00am

   Wellington hospital called a ‘s***show’ as patients forced to wait 24 hours (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZSun 30 Aug, 11:19am

   Some patients face 24-hour wait at Wellington Hospital ED (opens in new tab)