The hospital was at 99% capacity yesterday at 1.30pm, Southern District Health Board chief executive Chris Fleming said in a statement.
The emergency department had a large number of presentations, and five patients were waiting for beds in ED at 1.30pm.
"It’s winter and we are seeing an increase in ED presentations for a wide range of illnesses and injuries.
"All our teams are supporting each other during our winter season and our staff have been doing a fantastic job and working very hard to keep up with demand."
The public should not avoid ED, but should be aware of potential waiting times, especially for less serious ailments.
"We have to prioritise and treat emergencies and the sickest patients first, which means they take priority over more minor complaints."
A report presented at the hospital advisory committee last week shows the effect of the busy winter period. The estimated ED wait time result for the first quarter of this financial year was 88% of patients treated within six hours — well short of the 95% target.
A new medical assessment unit would be up and running this month as a pilot scheme to try to relieve some of the winter pressure on ED, the report said.
Nearly two weeks ago, the Otago Daily Times reported the hospital had had "access block" at times, meaning it was beyond 100% capacity.
