If we keep the emergency department for emergencies, everybody will be better off. He says it is straining hospital staff and resources and while emergency staff won't send anyone away, if the situation gets worse that could become a reality. The department should deal with life-threatening situations but staff have reported cases such as a cut finger, which could have been treated at an accident and emergency clinic. Mr Howells realises many people use the emergency department because it is free but says there are plenty of local health providers who offer a low cost service. It also distracts staff from doing the work they are meant to be doing.
Many patients arrive during the day or early evening.
While Manukau central has no 24-hour clinic, late night clinics open until 11pm. Our first message is don't use the emergency department as a family doctor. You may not copy, republish or distribute this page or the content from it without having obtained written permission from the copyright owner.