Key Takeaways
- Wellington Hospital’s emergency department went into its most critical code red status nearly twice a day between January and October last year, with 575 code reds recorded.
- More than 3200 patients left the emergency department without being treated, around 10 people a day.
- Only about half of patients were treated and moved on within six hours, below the government’s target.
- Staffing shortages and lack of beds are major contributors to the emergency department’s struggles.
- The government has prioritized the Wellington ED redevelopment and has directed Health New Zealand to progress extended hours for urgent and after-hours care in central Wellington.
Introduction to the Crisis
Wellington Hospital’s emergency department is facing a crisis, with the department going into its most critical code red status nearly twice a day between January and October last year. According to an Official Information Act response released to the Labour Party, the department recorded 575 code reds during this period, indicating that demand had outstripped available staff and beds. This has resulted in more than 3200 patients leaving the emergency department without being treated, which is around 10 people a day. The data also shows that only about half of patients were treated and moved on within six hours, which is below the government’s target.
Causes of the Crisis
The causes of the crisis are complex and multifaceted. According to Health New Zealand group director operations Capital Coast & Hutt Valley, Jamie Duncan, the emergency department’s escalation and scoring systems help to identify periods of pressure and guide consistent responses. However, he acknowledges that the environment is highly dynamic and can change throughout the day as patient volumes, staffing, and bed availability fluctuate. Staffing shortages are also a major contributor to the crisis, with emergency nurse Ryan O’Donnell stating that patients are receiving sub-optimal care due to the lack of staff. He added that patients are being left in emergency department corridors, which is unacceptable.
Consequences of the Crisis
The consequences of the crisis are severe and far-reaching. Labour’s Health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said that the code red figures represent a 135 percent overload, which means that staff cannot cope with demand, and patients are not able to get the care they need when they need it. Patients who do not stick around are likely to get worse and need more urgent care in the future. Health Minister Simeon Brown also acknowledged that the situation at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department is unacceptable, with wait times being among the lowest-performing in the country.
Government Response
The government has responded to the crisis by prioritizing the Wellington ED redevelopment and fully funding it through Budget 2025. Work is already underway across the hospital campus, and the Minister has directed Health New Zealand to progress extended hours for urgent and after-hours care in central Wellington to reduce pressure on the emergency department. The government has also announced a $20 million funding boost to increase frontline emergency department staffing nationwide over nine months, including additional support for Wellington Hospital. The Minister has made it clear that the current situation at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department is not good enough for patients or staff, and he expects to see improvements.
Way Forward
The way forward is complex and will require a multifaceted approach. The government’s commitment to prioritizing the Wellington ED redevelopment and increasing frontline staffing is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of the crisis, including staffing shortages and lack of beds. The extended hours for urgent and after-hours care in central Wellington will also help to reduce pressure on the emergency department. Ultimately, it will require a sustained effort from the government, healthcare providers, and the community to ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner. As Health Minister Simeon Brown said, "Our ED doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers work incredibly hard and are focused on delivering the best possible care for patients, but they need infrastructure that supports them to reduce wait times and improve patient flow."
