All non-urgent surgery for children at Christchurch Hospital has been halted. Photo: RNZ / Simon RogersAll non-urgent surgery for children at Christchurch Hospital has been halted as climbing numbers of patients with respiratory illnesses stretch resources. Skinner could not confirm all of those had RSV, but the number of confirmed cases in the city had soared. Skinner said deferring surgeries was a last resort bid to free up beds and staff for acutely unwell people. Earlier this month the Early Childhood Council called for government support as RSV lead to a spike in absences at early childhood centres.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 20, 2021 02:03 UTC