Christchurch's only 24-hour surgery was forced to close overnight for the first time as it grappled with a surge in demand.
Pegasus Health told Newshub the care centre was closed just after 9pm and reopened again at 11:45pm.
"24-Hour Surgery was at capacity and we felt it was clinically unsafe to accept new patients until the number of people waiting to be seen reduced," Pegasus Health General Manager Patient and provider services Lisa Brennan said.
"This is the first time we have had to do this. It was the best way to ensure we were providing safe quality care and will remain an option while patient numbers remain high."
Patients were provided with information about where to seek care until the surgery returned to normal operation.
"We worked with other providers and Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department to ensure those who needed care immediately were able to be seen," Brennan said.
In a since-deleted post on their website, patients were advised to call 111 if it is an emergency or, if they need urgent care, call Healthline or visit Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department.
If patients did not need urgent care, they were told to make a virtual appointment at Practise Plus or visit the Your Best Care website for options on accessing care.
According to the 24 Hour Surgery's website, the care centre is still experiencing high demand and wait times for non-urgent patients may be six hours.
Christchurch's 24-Hour-Surgery is run by Pegasus Health, not Te Whatu Ora.
Around the country, a shortage of health workers has resulted in lengthy wait times, and earlier this week, the extent of the gaping hole in the workforce was revealed.
On Tuesday, Newshub reported the country is short around 8000 health workers, made up of nearly 4800 nurses, 1050 midwives, 1700 doctors, 220 dentists and 200 anaesthetists.
The Government has unveiled a new plan to tackle issues within New Zealand's health workforce this week.
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall told AM on Wednesday she expects the gap in the workforce to be closed in 10 years.
