Christchurch's only 24-hour surgery clinic has limited their opening hours due to nursing shortages, adding even greater pressure to the city which is already lacking health services.
From today, 24 Hour Surgery on Madras street will be closed from 10pm until 8am, until September 10. It will also close during the same hours on 15 September and 16 September.
From Thursday 21 September the surgery will close to patients from 10pm and 8am for the foreseeable future.
"This is a temporary solution to our current staff shortages, and we will be returning to a 24-hour service as soon as we are able to safely do so," their Facebook post read.
Pegasus Health mentioned their reason for closing at night instead of daytime through their website.
"Our busiest hours are during the day when patient presentations are at their highest," their website read.
"As a result, it's best for the 24-Hour Surgery to continue operating during the day."
"This will enable us to assist general practices with patient overflow and also relieve some of the pressure on the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital."
"We will close our doors to new patients at 10pm to ensure we can attend to all patients before our staff's shift concludes at midnight," they said.
Those with urgent medical concerns have been urged to call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Pegasus Health encouraged in the case of an emergency, to call 111 or go to the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital.
Newshub has contacted Pegasus Health for comment but has received no response.
