Severe staffing shortages gripping Christchurch are being viewed as a replica of the pressure healthcare systems are facing nationwide.

Pegasus Health's after-hours medical centre shut it's doors at midnight, and won't re-open until 8am.

This comes as Christchurch Hospital faced its busiest 24 hours ever, earlier this month.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists former executive director Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby it's happening across the country.

He says it's not just in urgent care facilities - but hospitals and emergency departments - and is now normal rather than abnormal. 

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Severe staffing shortages gripping Christchurch are being viewed as a replica of the pressure healthcare systems are facing nationwide.
Pegasus Health's after-hours medical centre shut it's doors at midnight, and won't re-open until 8am.
This comes as Christchurch Hospital faced its busiest 24 hours ever, earlier this month.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists former executive director Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby it's happening across the country.
He says it's not just in urgent care facilities - but hospitals and emergency departments - and is now normal rather than abnormal. 
LISTEN ABOVE

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.