Health officials have outlined the dire state of Wellington Hospital’s overcrowded emergency department as reports show a third of patients are being treated in corridors.

The information was revealed in a detailed business case for the refurbishment of the ED, published by Health New Zealand, which said the ED was 'clinically and culturally unsafe'.

Health NZ's Jamie Duncan says the staff working in those areas are required to stay vigilant and keep an eye on people.

"They're always taking observations as well and that's standard practice and standard care that you'd expect in any emergency department."

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