Nelson Hospital: Just get sicker. That should do it.

Nelson Mail | 9 October 2026

Nelson Hospital is struggling. Urology is “falling over”, vascular surgery has repeatedly come close, and just two permanent clinicians are helping hold together a seven-person ICU roster. Cool.

Speaking at Kaitiaki Hauora's Save Our Public Healthcare Roady, anaesthetist and ASMS president Dr Katie Ben described a hospital without enough beds, doctors or nurses. One patient waited eight hours in ED because there was no bed available after surgery.

And the postcode lottery is alive and well. Ben says patients have to be sicker to qualify for specialist care in Nelson than they might elsewhere.

Meanwhile, PSA organiser Kate Davis described healthcare support workers who earn too much to qualify for a Community Services Card but can't afford a $60 GP appointment.

Ben also questioned the billions spent outsourcing healthcare, arguing that the money could instead build lasting capacity in public hospitals.

So, it’s fantastic care at Nelson Hospital. Terms and conditions apply. Mainly, getting through the door.

Read all about it here: https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/361094850/hospital-still-struggles-too-few-beds-doctors-and-nurses