Whanganui ED hit 253 percent capacity in early September
Whanganui Hospital's 15-bed emergency department reached 253 percent capacity on one day between 2 and 9 September, with about 50 patients in the department at once.
RNZ reported the figures on 20 September.
For the week of 2 to 9 September, patient turnover was 680 percent of capacity. Health NZ said that weekly figure was based on turnover, or churn, across the week. It said the figure did not describe the number of patients in treatment spaces at any one time.
Kath Fraser-Chapple, Health NZ group director of operations for Whanganui, said the 253 percent occupancy placed significant pressure on services.
Health NZ said it had increased staffing in the emergency department and continued to actively recruit more staff.
The extra roles included three specialist nurses to assess and treat lower-acuity patients, people with less urgent needs. A dedicated geriatric emergency department nurse was hired to support older people presenting to the service. A physiotherapist was hired to help patients with musculoskeletal and mobility issues, muscle, joint and movement problems, and to support patient flow through the department.
Work was scheduled to begin in October to expand treatment space in the emergency department. The work also covers the mental health assessment area, storage capacity and a dedicated staff meal room.
Kathryn Fleming is an NZ Nurses' Organisation delegate and nurse working in Whanganui ED.
The broader context here is how pressure is measured. The 253 percent figure is a snapshot of crowding at one time. The 680 percent figure is throughput over the week. Health NZ drew that distinction directly.
Looking at what this means for operations, the staffing mix covers different needs. Lower-acuity assessment, geriatric support and muscle and movement help each sit at a different point in the patient journey.
In my view, the building scope pairs a short-term capacity fix with longer-term function. Extra treatment space sits with the mental health area, storage and staff facilities. The work was scheduled, not complete, and Health NZ said recruitment was ongoing.
