National says compounding issues in the health sector are coming to a head in emergency departments.

Figures released to Newstalk ZB show over the past five years, 32 of the country's 37 main public hospitals recorded an increase in ED wait times.

National Health Spokesperson Shane Reti says it's an ongoing trend.

He told Kate Hawkesby too many people are ending up in ED for issues that should have been resolved much earlier.

Reti says emergency departments are tired, exhausted, and understaffed, with people turning up with issues that could have been dealt with in primary care.

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National says compounding issues in the health sector are coming to a head in emergency departments.
Figures released to Newstalk ZB show over the past five years, 32 of the country's 37 main public hospitals recorded an increase in ED wait times.
National Health Spokesperson Shane Reti says it's an ongoing trend.
He told Kate Hawkesby too many people are ending up in ED for issues that should have been resolved much earlier.
Reti says emergency departments are tired, exhausted, and understaffed, with people turning up with issues that could have been dealt with in primary care.
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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.